Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a paramount global health threat. While antibiotic misuse is a recognized driver, other environmental pollutants, particularly non-biodegradable heavy metals, are increasingly implicated in the selection and dissemination of resistance through co-selection mechanisms. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on the role of environmental heavy metal contamination as a driver of AMR evolution and spread. A systematic search was conducted across seven databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, Biomed Central, Google Scholar, and Embase) between November 2023 and January 2024, following PRISMA guidelines. Studies investigating the impact of heavy metals on AMR in environmental matrices were included. Study quality was assessed using the CASP checklist, and data were synthesized thematically. From 9513 records, 22 studies published between 2018 and 2024 were included. Evidence frequently reported strong associations between heavy metal pollution (e.g., Pb, Cd, Hg) and increased abundance and diversity of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in wastewater, riverine, and soil ecosystems. The dominant mechanism identified in the reviewed studies was co-resistance, with metal resistance genes and ARGs co-located on mobile genetic elements, facilitating horizontal transfer. Cross-resistance and co-regulation were also reported. Importantly, metal pollution was linked to the environmental presence of high-risk multidrug-resistant pathogens. Methodological appraisal revealed a predominance of cross-sectional studies and limited data on metal speciation, constraining causal inference. The reviewed evidence suggests that environmental heavy metal pollution may be an important but underappreciated driver of AMR, potentially acting through co-selection. Effective AMR control requires integrated strategies combining antimicrobial stewardship with environmental governance. Future studies should adopt longitudinal designs and advanced molecular tools to establish causation and quantify risks. Environmental heavy metal pollution from industry and agriculture releases persistent toxins like lead and mercury into ecosystems. This pressure selects for bacteria carrying metal and antibiotic resistance traits that may be linked through multiple mechanisms including co-resistance (genes on shared mobile elements). These resistant traits can spread between microbes via horizontal gene transfer in contaminated water and soil. Ultimately, this process may contribute to the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens, threatening to compromise antibiotic efficacy and human health on a global scale

This study assessed the levels of potentially toxic metals PTM in commonly consumed food crops across Kano and Abuja, Nigeria. Food crops samples were digestion using aqua regia and analysed for Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, and Al using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Human health risks were evaluated using deterministic models including estimated daily intake (EDI), carcinogenic risk (CR), and margin of exposure (MOE), alongside probabilistic Monte Carlo simulation (10,000 iterations) to account for uncertainty and variability in exposure. Cd and Pb concentrations in most food crops exceeded the international regulatory standards. EDI values ranged from 0.0027 to 0.579 mg/kg/day (Pb), 0.0062-0.0118 mg/kg/day (Cd), 0.0047-0.0345 mg/kg/day (Ni), 0.0064-0.159 mg/kg/day (Cr), and 0.0022-0.018 mg/kg/day (Al), with corresponding MOE values below one (MOE < 1.0), indicating potential health concern. CR assessment showed values ranging from 6.54 & times; 10(-6)-4.54 & times; 10(-3) (children) and 6.63 & times; 10(-6)-6.86 & times; 10(-3) (adults), exceeding the global acceptable range (1.0 & times;10(-6)- 1.0 & times;10(-4)), with risk order Cd < Cr. Monte Carlo simulation revealed that approximately 2-7 individuals per 10,000 population may develop cancer over a lifetime due to chronic exposure. PTM contamination in food crops from Kano and Abuja is of public health importance.

This study evaluated heavy metal contamination and associated health risks in soils from industrial, slum, and mining areas in Liberia. A total of 81 soil samples were collected at predetermined contamination points identified through field reconnaissance of major anthropogenic pollution sources, and at 100 m, and 500 m distances from these points. Concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Highest mean concentrations were observed in the mining area for all metals: As = 425.16 ± 53.88 mg/kg, Cd = 3.80 ± 0.89 mg/kg, Pb = 772.53 ± 108.05 mg/kg, and Hg = 4.24 ± 1.10 mg/kg, decreasing with distance from sources. Industrial and slum zones recorded lower concentrations of As (417.66 ± 119.77 mg/kg and 381.47 ± 107.93 mg/kg, respectively). Health risk assessment indicated that ingestion was the dominant exposure route, with hazard indices (HI) for children exceeding 20 in mining areas (As: 18.9, HI total: 21.3), highlighting their extreme vulnerability. Non-carcinogenic risks for adults were also elevated, particularly for As (HI up to 2.39 in mining soils). Monte Carlo simulations confirmed significant carcinogenic risk, particularly from As and Pb in mining zones. Source apportionment using PMF revealed contributions from mixed urban–industrial emissions and mining activities. Therefore, stricter regulation policies to reduce toxic-based industrial and mining areas exposure levels must be encouraged in Liberia to safeguard public health.

This study evaluated the distribution, sources, and health risks of airborne As, Cd, Pb, and Hg in industrial, mining, and urban slum areas of Liberia. Eighty-one total suspended particulate samples were collected at source locations and at 100 m and 500 m distances. Metal concentrations were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, with multivariate analysis, Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF), and Monte Carlo simulation applied for source apportionment and uncertainty assessment. The mining zone recorded the highest metal concentrations, including arsenic (0.102 mg/m3), lead (1.002 mg/m3), cadmium (0.016 mg/m3), and mercury (0.008 mg/m3). Metal concentrations declined significantly with distance, stabilizing at ≥100 m, where reductions of 55–80% were observed relative to the source.Non-carcinogenic risk assessment showed that As, Cd, Pb, and Hg posed no significant health risk (HQ < 1) for both adults and children, although children exhibited relatively higher HQ values, suggesting greater vulnerability. Carcinogenic risks for As, Cd, and Pb remained below the permissible threshold (CR = 1.1 × 10−6–8.4 × 10−6), while Monte Carlo simulations confirmed risk stability, with exposure following the order industrial > mining > slum which reflects the differences in exposure frequency, population density, and intensity of human activities rather than concentration levels alone. Although current risks are minimal, continued unregulated emissions could pose long-term health concerns. Regular air quality monitoring and enforcing ≥100-m buffer zones around mining and industrial sites are recommended, alongside further research on seasonal and cumulative exposure pathways.

While tuberculosis (TB) is traditionally viewed through a socio-biomedical lens, emerging evidence suggests that environmental determinants significantly influence its epidemiology in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aimed to systematically synthesize evidence on the role of heavy metals, air pollution, and healthcare waste management in shaping TB and drug‑resistant TB outcomes. Following PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review synthesized 23 studies (2000–2025) investigating the impact of heavy metal exposure, ambient air pollution, and healthcare waste management (HCWM) on TB and drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) outcomes. Findings reveal three critical pathways. Firstly, heavy metal contamination (e.g., Lead, Mercury, Cadmium) in industrial and mining zones significantly increases TB susceptibility, with blood mercury levels associated with a 2.3-fold increase in latent TB odds. Secondly, ambient air pollution (PM2.5, NO2) is strongly linked to adverse outcomes; winter particulate exposure was associated with a 335 Immune Suppression: Exposure to heavy metals like Mercury and Manganese increases TB infection odds by up to 32-fold. Air Quality Impact: High particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure is linked to a 1.73-fold increase in MDR-TB mortality rates. Waste Management Crisis: Over 60

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in aquatic biota pose significant ecological and public health concerns in oil-impacted coastal ecosystems. This study evaluated the distribution, seasonal variability, accumulation patterns, and human health risks of Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Zn in crab, periwinkle, and mangrove leaf samples collected from Goi, St. Patrick, and Kozo in Gokana, Niger Delta, Nigeria. Metal concentrations were determined using standard analytical procedures, while statistical and multivariate analyses were employed to assess spatial and seasonal variations in contamination patterns. Crab accumulated comparatively higher concentrations of Cr (0.7517 ± 0.7473 mg/kg), Cu (1.1739 ± 1.2839 mg/kg), and Ni (0.7633 ± 0.7450 mg/kg), whereas Mn showed greater enrichment in periwinkle and mangrove leaf tissues. Mean Pb and Cd concentrations in edible crab and periwinkle tissues were generally below selected international guideline values for seafood, and Cu and Zn concentrations were substantially lower than commonly referenced food safety limits. Seasonal differences were evident, with most metals exhibiting higher concentrations during the wet season, suggesting enhanced runoff-driven transport and bioavailability. Principal component analysis revealed strong associations of Cr, Cu, and Ni with crab samples, whereas Cd, Mn, and Zn were more closely associated with periwinkle and mangrove leaf tissues, reflecting differences in accumulation patterns among biota. Non-carcinogenic risk assessment indicated hazard index values below the USEPA threshold of 1.0 for both adults and children. However, carcinogenic risk assessment showed that Cd contributed substantially to estimated cancer risks, particularly during the wet season, with maximum cancer risk values reaching 2.80 × 10⁻³ in children. Children consistently exhibited higher exposure risks than adults. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of continued biomonitoring and pollution management in the Niger Delta. Risk estimates are subject to uncertainties arising from sample size limitations, exposure assumptions, and probabilistic model inputs. Crab showed significantly higher accumulation of Cr, Cu, and Ni than other biota. Wet season enhanced PTE accumulation across most sampling locations. Cd was the major contributor to carcinogenic health risks. Children exhibited higher carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks than adults. PCA identified distinct biota-specific metal accumulation patterns. Most PTE concentrations remained below international food safety limits.

Co-exposure to heavy metals can result in additive or synergistic toxicity in the brain, culminating in neurotoxicity. This study investigated the neurotoxic effects of a low-dose mixture of two toxic heavy metals-lead (Pb, 20 mg/kg) and aluminium (Al, 35 mg/kg)-and one essential metal, manganese (Mn, 0.564 mg/kg), on the cerebellum of rats. Animals were divided into five groups (n = 5) and orally treated for 90 days as follows: Group I received normal drinking water and served as the control; Group II received a heavy metal mixture of Pb (20 mg/kg), Al (35 mg/kg), and Mn (0.564 mg/kg) body weight; Group III received Pb (20 mg/kg) alone; Group IV received Al (35 mg/kg) alone; and Group V received Mn (0.564 mg/kg) alone. Chronic exposure to heavy metals resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in rotarod performance compared with the control group, indicating impaired cerebellar motor function. The low-dose heavy metal mixture significantly depressed antioxidant defences (p < 0.05), increased lipid peroxidation (p < 0.05), elevated amyloid-β peptide levels (Aβ₁-₄₀ and Aβ₁-₄₂) (p < 0.05), and markedly reduced occludin expression (p < 0.05) in the cerebellum relative to controls. These biochemical alterations were more pronounced in the mixture-exposed group than in animals treated with individual metals. Overall, chronic low-dose exposure to an environmentally relevant heavy metal mixture induces cerebellar neurotoxicity through enhanced amyloid-β accumulation and downregulation of occludin, a key tight junction protein, in adult male Wistar rats. These findings underscore the role of mixed metal exposure in amyloid-β dysregulation, tight junction disruption, and cerebellar dysfunction.

The pathophysiological basis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains incompletely understood. However, the influence of environmental factors, such as continuous cadmium exposure, requires further investigation. Notably, common comorbidities such as iron deficiency anemia (IDA), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and zinc deficiency are linked with increased cadmium bioavailability, and elevated blood cadmium levels have been reported in individuals with PD. Cd (II) deposits in the midbrain, causing the accumulation of inflammatory lipids, which promote neuronal destruction. Cd-treated animals develop Parkinson-like syndromes, and cadmium exposure is associated with neuronal loss and disruption of dopaminergic receptor expression. Neurofilament light chain (NfL), a biomarker of neurodegeneration, has been found to be elevated in patients with Parkinson’s disease and correlates with Cd blood concentrations. Iron deficiency promotes the secretion of FGF-23, which depletes vitamin D levels, further increasing the risk of PD. Moreover, COPD and IDA are two well-known examples of systemic hypoxia, which attracts metals bound to transferrin, such as cadmium and iron, leading to increased metal accumulation in various tissues, including the brain. Lead levels are also elevated in individuals with IDA, contributing to the risk of PD. Additionally, Cd exposure is associated with a reduced abundance of Lachnospiraceae in stool and decreased levels of butyrate, both of which are characteristic features of patients with Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, this review aims to explore how COPD, IDA, and zinc deficiency—known risk factors for Parkinson’s disease—lead to an increased cadmium burden and contribute to the onset and progression of the disease.

Environmental degradation in Liberia has reached critical levels due to years of unregulated artisanal mining, poor waste management, and rapid urbanization have severely compromised the quality of its water and soil resources. This review critically evaluates the extent, sources, and implications of physicochemical and heavy metal contamination in Liberia’s aquatic and terrestrial environments. From an initial pool of 38 studies, 9 met the inclusion criteria based on relevance from 2020, quantitative data quality, and geographic coverage. The methodology combined descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multivariate statistics to trace pollution patterns and their geochemical drivers. Findings reveal severe contamination: water turbidity reached 320.00 NTU (mean: 42.85 NTU) against the WHO guideline of 5 NTU, while electrical conductivity peaked at 3000.00 µS/cm. Total dissolved solids averaged 267.92 mg/L, exceeding permissible levels near estuarine zones. Heavy metal concentrations surpassed WHO limits in numerous cases—Fe (up to 23.69 mg/L), Mn (9.12 mg/L), and Cd (0.40 mg/L) in water, and Fe (115,781.00 mg/kg), Ni, and Cd in soil. Strong correlations (eg, EC-TDS: r = .997; NO 3 − -PO 4 3− : r = .923; Zn-Mn: r = .90) suggest shared contamination pathways linked to mining runoff and agrochemical inputs. This review provides critical baseline data, identifies high-risk hotspots, and highlights the geochemical mechanisms driving pollution. It establishes the novelty of synthesizing Liberia-specific contamination trends with quantitative rigor, which had not been comprehensively undertaken. The study highlights the urgent need for environmental policy reform, site-specific remediation, and public health interventions to align national development with SDGs 3, 6, and 15.

Sexual dysfunction, notably erectile dysfunction and reduced libido, remains a prevalent global health issue, arising from multifactorial etiologies including hormonal, neurochemical and vascular dysregulations. Previously, medicinal plants have been employed to enhance male reproductive capacity; however, rigorous pharmacological validation of their efficacy and mechanistic pathways is not yet understood. Elucidating the modulatory effects of plant-based aphrodisiacs on endocrine function and neurovascular signaling offers a pathway toward developing safer, plant-based alternatives to conventional agents. This systematic review examined peer-reviewed pre-clinical and clinical investigations on plant-derived aphrodisiacs, following PRISMA guidelines and PROSPERO ID: CRD420261308549. Bias risk was evaluated using Cochrane, ROBINS-I, SYRCLE risk of bias tool and Newcastle–Ottawa tools. Eligible studies reported effects on hormonal biomarkers [testosterone, FSH, LH], sexual behavioral endpoints, and mechanistic pathways such as nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, arginase regulation and neurotransmitter modulation. Data were synthesized narratively, integrating biochemical, hormonal, and behavioral findings. Several plants demonstrated significant reproductive benefits. Mucuna pruriens enhanced testosterone synthesis, sperm quality, and testicular mass via antioxidant activity and stimulation of steroidogenesis. Tribulus terrestris produced dose-dependent increases in testosterone, FSH, and LH, though high-dose regimens raised safety considerations. Ginkgo biloba and Schumanniophyton magnificum modulated neurochemical mediators, augmenting libido and erectile performance primarily through NO-dependent vasodilation and receptor interactions. Collectively, these agents exhibited convergent mechanisms involving endocrine upregulation, oxidative stress attenuation, and neurochemical modulation. Ethnopharmacological evidence underscores the potential of plant-derived aphrodisiacs to enhance male reproductive health through multifactorial mechanisms. Despite robust preclinical findings, translational application requires well-powered, standardized clinical trials to define optimal dosing, safety profiles, and molecular targets. Strategic integration of these plants into reproductive health frameworks may yield effective, culturally acceptable, and mechanistically rational alternatives to synthetic pharmacotherapies.

This systematic review synthesises available evidence on the association between environmental pollution and cardiopulmonary diseases among populations residing in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Electronic databases were searched from inception to October 2025 following PRISMA guidelines. Twenty‑one observational studies met the inclusion criteria. Environmental exposures were primarily related to gas flaring, oil spills, artisanal refining, traffic emissions, and industrial pollution. Reported outcomes included respiratory symptoms, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, reduced lung function indices, and hypertension. Due to substantial heterogeneity in exposure measurements and outcome reporting across studies, a quantitative meta‑analysis was not feasible; therefore, findings were synthesised narratively. The available evidence suggests a possible association between environmental pollution and cardiopulmonary health outcomes in the Niger Delta, although the certainty of the evidence remains low to moderate and should be interpreted with caution due to methodological limitations across the included studies.

Undernutrition remains highly prevalent among children and adolescents in Cameroon, while increasing rates of overweight and obesity reflect an ongoing nutrition transition and a growing double burden of disease. This systematic review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of research conducted on nutritional status, dietary intake, and nutrition-related practices in nursery, primary, and secondary schools in Cameroon. The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Four electronic databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate) were searched for studies published between January 2000 and February 2024. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool. A total of 32 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were conducted in urban areas, particularly in Yaoundé (21.8%), Douala (15.3%), and Bamenda (15.3%), while no studies were identified in the South, East, and Far North Regions. Among primary school children, the prevalence of malnutrition ranged from 9.25% to 30.2%. The highest prevalence of overweight and obesity (38.4%) was observed among secondary school students. Stunting was the most common form of malnutrition among nursery and primary school children. Dietary patterns were characterized by low consumption of fruits and vegetables, with up to 57.3% of children reporting no fruit intake over a 7-day period. These findings highlight significant regional disparities and the coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition among school-aged children in Cameroon. Strengthening nutrition education, improving food environments, and implementing context-specific interventions are essential to address the double burden of malnutrition without exacerbating existing health risks.

Growing evidence suggests that antimicrobial resistance may be influenced by environmental pollutants, particularly heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and copper (Cu), which exert co-selective pressures that favor the emergence of resistant strains. This study explored the relationship between environmental heavy metal exposure and nasal colonization by MRSA and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) in urban Nigerian communities. Eighty participants provided blood samples and nasal swabs. Staphylococcus aureus strains were isolated and identified using standard microbiological techniques. Blood samples were analyzed for Pb, Cd, and Cu concentrations using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Port Harcourt recorded the highest Cu levels, whereas Aba showed the highest blood concentrations of Pb and Cd (0.042 ± 0.006 and 0.041 ± 0.004 mg dL-1, respectively). A significant gender-specific difference in Cu exposure was observed, with male participants in Aba exhibiting notably higher levels (0.071 ± 0.030 mg dL-1, P = 0.002). Strong positive associations were identified between MRSA colonization and blood Pb (r = 0.72, P < 0.01) and Cd levels (r = 0.68, P < 0.01). Conversely, MSSA colonization was negatively associated with heavy metal concentrations (r = -0.54, P < 0.05), suggesting that metal pollution may preferentially support the proliferation of resistant strains.

Urban soil contamination by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) poses increasing ecological and public health concerns in rapidly industrializing environments. This study assessed PTE concentrations, contamination status, ecological risks, and human health implications of soils from Abuja and Kano, Nigeria, using deterministic and probabilistic risk assessment approaches. Sixteen topsoil samples (0–15 cm) collected from residential, commercial, and industrial locations were analyzed for Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, and Al using atomic absorption spectrophotometry following aqua regia digestion. Mean concentrations of Pb (9.60 ± 4.29 vs 6.38 ± 3.08 mg/kg), Cd (1.53 ± 0.53 vs 1.12 ± 0.45 mg/kg), Ni (7.66 ± 1.71 vs 5.85 ± 1.42 mg/kg), Cr (9.86 ± 1.35 vs 8.23 ± 1.61 mg/kg), and Al (364.75 ± 96.47 vs 291.88 ± 80.39 mg/kg) were significantly higher in Kano than Abuja. Contamination assessment showed moderate Cd contamination (CF = 3.73–5.10), PLI values of 1.42 (Kano) and 1.16 (Abuja), Igeo values indicating unpolluted-to-moderately polluted soils, and enrichment factors suggesting moderate anthropogenic enrichment of Cd and Pb. Ecological risk indices revealed Cd as the dominant contributor, with Eᵣ values of 111.9–153.0 and total RI values of 176.4–229.8, indicating moderate-to-considerable ecological risk. Estimated daily intake followed the order ingestion > dermal > inhalation, with children exhibiting higher exposure levels than adults. Non-carcinogenic risks remained acceptable (HQ and HI < 1), with maximum HI values of 0.38 for children and 0.21 for adults in Kano. Incremental lifetime cancer risks values were highest for Cd (6.39 × 10⁻⁶ in Kano children and 4.38 × 10⁻⁶ in Kano adults) and lowest for Ni (4.41 × 10⁻⁹ in Kano children and 3.02 × 10⁻⁹ in Kano adults), with lower corresponding values in Abuja (9.78 × 10⁻⁷–1.71 × 10⁻1⁰ for children and 6.72 × 10⁻⁷–1.17 × 10⁻1⁰ for adults), all remaining within acceptable risk thresholds. Monte Carlo simulation confirmed consistently higher exposure probabilities in Kano. Continuous monitoring, stricter emission control, and targeted child-focused exposure mitigation are recommended for sustainable urban environmental management.

This study evaluated the migration of heavy metals and organic pollutants in Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottled drinking water under heat exposure and withdrawal conditions. Heavy metals (Pb, As, Cd, Cr, Mn) were quantified using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. At the same time, dioxins (PCDD/PCDF) and 16 USEPA priority Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed via Gas Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) included National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-certified reference materials and isotopically labeled standards. Heat-exposed bottles showed increased metal levels, with Pb (1.84 µg/L) and Cr (1.27 µg/L) recording the highest mean concentrations. Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), applied as an indicator for PAH contamination, was detected in 92% of exposed samples (mean: 0.038 µg/L). Dioxin toxicity equivalent values averaged 2.41 pg TEQ/L. USEPA risk estimates indicated that 37% of heat-exposed samples exceeded acceptable cancer risk thresholds, while hazard quotients highlighted notable non-cancer risk contributions from As and Mn. Pollutant occurrence was significantly associated with heat exposure (p < 0.05). The results underscore the influence of storage temperature on chemical leaching, supporting the need for improved regulatory monitoring and safer storage guidance to reduce chronic exposure risks.

Lassa fever (LF) is a zoonotic viral hemorrhagic disease endemic in West Africa, whose outbreaks are increasingly shaped by environmental and socio-ecological changes. Understanding these drivers within a One Health framework is critical for predictive control.This study has systematically identified and synthesized evidence on climatic, ecological, and socio-environmental determinants of Lassa fever transmission in Nigeria.Following PRISMA 2020 standards and a PROSPERO-registered protocol (CRD420251139166), we searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and AJOL for studies published between 2000 and 2025. Eligible studies examined climatic, ecological, or socio-environmental determinants of LF in humans or rodent reservoirs. Quality appraisal used JBI, NOS, and PROBAST tools. Due to methodological heterogeneity, results were narratively synthesized.Of 445 records screened, 57 studies were included. Our synthesis identified three key findings. Socio-environmental factors particularly poor housing (aOR = 1.94) and unsafe food storage were the most consistent and proximal drivers of human risk. Climatic drivers, especially lagged rainfall (e.g., +0.62% increase in the reproduction number R0 per 1mm rainfall at 7-month lag), robustly predicted seasonal outbreaks. Ecological changes like agricultural expansion and urbanization (OR = 23.3) increased spillover risk, whereas greater rodent biodiversity was associated with lower risk (OR = 0.85), suggesting a potential 'dilution effect' that requires further validation.Lassa fever transmission in Nigeria arises from interacting climatic, ecological, and socio-economic conditions. Integrated One Health surveillance combining environmental data, rodent ecology, and social determinants is essential for early warning and sustainable outbreak control.

Substance use among Nigerian youths has become a significant public health concern. The narrative review examines the trends and emerging substance use among Nigerian youths, highlighting the use of conventional and unconventional substances. Data were collected from academic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, media outlets and national newspapers using keywords such as “unconventional substance use in Nigeria,” “youth drug abuse,” and “emerging substances”. The results showed a disturbing trend of using unusual substances: fermented urine, lizard dung, pit-latrine gas, gutter water, boiled sanitary pads, and nitrous oxide (laughing gas). To account for this trend, socioeconomic deprivation, peer influence, curiosity, and attempts at self-medication of depression are considered. The health consequences are serious and involve neurotoxicity, respiratory failure, endocrine disruption, and even death. The proliferation of unconventional “cheap highs” reflects deep socioeconomic and mental health crises among Nigerian youths. This further calls for multi-sectoral interventions, public awareness campaigns, policy reforms targeting substance use, and expanded rehabilitation services. Unusual substances are now abused by Nigerian youths. These include fermented urine, lizard dung, pit-latrine gas, gutter water, boiled sanitary pads, and nitrous oxide. Socioeconomic deprivation, peer influence, and adventures in self-medication to manage depression are some of the causative factors. These abuses are inundated with serious public health consequences.

Therapeutic drug failure poses a significant global health burden, particularly in developing regions with high environmental toxicant exposure. While traditionally attributed to factors such as substandard drugs, genetic polymorphisms, and non-compliance, emerging evidence implicates heavy metals as under-recognized modulators of drug efficacy. This systematic review assessed how heavy metals potentially interfere with the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs. Following PRISMA guidelines, peer-reviewed articles published between 1999 and 2024 were retrieved from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar. Studies investigating in vivo, in vitro or clinical evidence of heavy metal interference with therapeutic drug action were eligible. Out of 139 studies identified, 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. Cadmium, lead and mercury were the most implicated metals. Approximately 60% of studies demonstrated that oxidative stress could induce loss of therapeutic drug efficacy, while 40% showed enzyme inhibition (notably CYP3A4 and CYP2C9) or transporter impairment. Experimental models linked these effects to anti-hypertensives, antidiabetics, and drugs used in the management of metabolic disorders. Environmental heavy metal exposures may hinder therapeutic responses through oxidative and metabolic disruption. Integrating environmental exposure assessment into global pharmacovigilance and clinical pharmacology could enhance drug response predictability and treatment success.

Haematological abnormalities are the commonest complication of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and become worsened as the disease progresses. This study evaluated the concentration of heavy metals (HM), viral load and some haematological parameters among HIV-population in Nigeria using two sets of controls: non-disease (HIV-negative subjects) and non-exposure (HIV-positive and negative subjects from South-West, Nigeria). This comparative cross-sectional study comprises of 185 consented participants chosen using simple random sampling: 104 HIV-positive and 81 HIV-negative volunteers 18 years and above from Niger Delta and non-Niger Delta areas. Heavy Metals were analysed from the blood samples of participants using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). An analysis of nine haematological variables was performed on PLWHIV and HIV-negative individuals. Compared to HIV-negative individuals, those who were infected with the virus had higher levels of Pb, Cd, and essential metals. The correlation analysis demonstrated several significant associations between viral load and selected haematological parameters (platelet and red blood cell counts) in non-Niger Delta region. The presence of these variables in a disease surrogate can be used to improve prognosis.