Assessment of Acute Toxicological Effects of a Household Detergent on Hematological, Biochemical, and Histological Parameters in Mice

Abstract

Background: This study investigated the acute oral toxicity of the widely used VIVA PLUS® detergent in BALB/c mice to address significant public health concerns regarding accidental ingestion.Methods: Four groups of 5 mice of both sexes, averaging 21-28 g, were administered oral graded doses (1000, 2000, and 5000 mg/kg) daily for 14 days.Results: Results revealed a dose-dependent increase in mortality from 40% to 80%, with a calculated median lethal dose (LD??) of 1,414 mg/kg, thus classifying the detergent as moderately toxic. Observed clinical signs of toxicity included severe piloerection, lethargy, respiratory distress, and diarrhea, which intensified with higher doses. Hematological analysis demonstrated a significant (p = 0.0014) inflammatory response, evidenced by elevated white blood cell counts, alongside progressive anemia and a decline in platelet counts. Serum biochemistry confirmed substantial organ damage, with dose-dependent elevations (p = 0.0011) in liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP) and kidney markers (urea, creatinine), coupled with reduced total protein and albumin. Histopathological examination provided conclusive evidence of systemic injury, revealing severe lesions such as periportal necrosis in the liver, acute tubular necrosis and cast formation in the kidneys, and ulceration with hemorrhage in the gastric mucosa.Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that acute oral exposure to VIVA PLUS® detergent induces significant, dose-dependent hematological, biochemical, and histopathological alterations, leading to multi-organ failure. This research underscores the critical need for enhanced safety protocols, clear public health advisories, and stringent regulatory oversight to mitigate the risks of accidental poisoning associated with common household detergents.