Contents of Research Activities in Immunology Unit of a Tertiary Institution in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria

Background: Immunology laboratories carry out researches and training coupled with accurate diagnosis and prognosis of diseases for effective treatment and elimination of diseases. Information on the patterns of research activities in Immunology laboratories in developing countries is scarce.

Aims: This review of pattern of research activities in Immunology Unit of Department of Chemical Pathology, University Of Ibadan, Nigeria aims to provide useful information on outcomes of researches carried out by eminent Nigerian Immunologists so as to provide template for designing further immunological studies. This review also provides basis for more intensive immunological studies on Nigerians exposed to environmental or occupation chemicals which is yet to be extensively explored. The applications of the research outcomes on diagnosis and management of patients is also stressed.

Design: A retrospective review of research activities in Immunology Unit of the Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria till May 2012 was done. Major contributions to knowledge and diagnostic importance of results were enumerated.

Results: Majority of the specimens processed for researches were blood, breast-milk, saliva and urine. The subjects recruited were those with malaria parasitemia, urinary schistosomiasis, malnutrition, cancers, HIV infection, pulmonary tuberculosis, periodontitis, pregnancy, neonates, different age groups, different social life-styles and those exposed to chemicals. Most of the immunological studies were carried out on subjects with infectious agents or parasites but little emphasis was placed on immunological studies during physiological diseases, social life styles or exposure to environmental agents.