Published Articles

Abstract: Antimalarial drug resistance is one of the factors that have contributed to malaria treatment failure especially in Asia and Sub-Sahara Africa where malaria is endemic. Globally, renewed interest in medicinal plants has focused on the herbal cures among indigenous populations. Of such medicinal plants is Terminalia catappa. The medicinal use of T. catappa in malaria treatment was investigated in vivo in this study. The fresh leaves of T. catappa were air dried for a period of four weeks and ground into powdery form. Two hundred and fifty grams of the powdered leaf was submerged in 1.3 litre of ethanol and hot water respectively for 72 hours to extract the bioactive ingredients. The antiplasmodial activity of the ethanol and water extracts were studied using Plasmodium berghei infected Swiss albino mice at 100 and 200mg/kg/day dosage. The 5 day curative test assay revealed that the administered dosages (100 and 200mg/kg/day) of Terminalia catappa ethanol extract caused chemo suppression of 32.88% and 39.48% respectively on day three and chemo suppression of 54.35% and 56.75% on day five. Similar dosages of hot water leaf extract caused chemo suppression of 26.63 and 30.45% respectively on day three and chemo suppression of 30.45% and 37.60% on day five. These values were statistically significant (P˂0.05) when compared with the positive control which recorded 39.88% and 57.63% for day 3 and 5 respectively. Our finding showed that Terminalia catappa leaf contained active antiplasmodial compounds and therefore, might be useful in the formation of novel antimalarial drug.

Abstract: A survey was carried out to determine the presence of ascorbic acid producing fungi in the soil environment of Keffi metropolis, Nigeria. Soil samples were obtained from ten different locations by random sampling technique. Soil dilution and direct soil plate methods were employed for the isolation of the soil fungi. The species isolated included Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium spp, Curvalaria lunata, Penicillium brevicompactum, Rhizopus stolonifer and Trichoderma viride. The results further revealed that five of the isolates, A. niger, R. stolonifer, A. flavus, P. brevicompactum, and T. viride were found to produce ascorbic acid at concentration levels of 4.9mg/ml, 2.9mg/ml, 1.3mg/ml, 1.0mg/ml and 0.8mg/ml, respectively. The results of this survey demonstrated that ascorbic acid producing fungi are present in the soil environment of Keffi, and the fact that A. niger and R. stolonifer produced 4.9mg/ml and 2.9mg/ml of ascorbic acid in the fermentation broth suggests that these fungi species could be harnessed locally for large scale industrial production of ascorbic acid.

Abstract: An investigation was carried out to isolate, identify and screen for lipase producing fungal species present in the soil environment of Keffi metropolis. Soil samples of approximately 200g each were randomly collected from ten different locations within the Keffi metropolis for the investigation. Sabouraud Dextrose Agar was used for the isolation of the fungal species by pour plate method using Direct Soil Inoculation technique. Five fungal species, Acremonium spp Mucor sppRhizopus stolonifer, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus were isolated and screened for their ability to produce lipases on tween-20 and phenol red agar. The results of lipase production on tween-80 and phenol red after 5 days of incubation showed that all the isolates were positive for lipase production which was indicated by diameter zone of clearance and visible precipitate of calcium monolaurate due to the deposition of calcium crystal. The diameter of the zone of clearance of the various isolates revealed that Rhizopus stolonifer had the highest lipase producing ability (having a diameter zone of clearance of 12 ± 0.04 mm), followed by Aspergillus niger ( having 10 ± 0.02 mm). Acremonium sp. and Mucorsp. had 8 ± 0.07 mm respectively, while Aspergillus flavus was able to produce just a minimal amount of lipases indicated by its zone of clearance (6 ± 0.04mm). These results demonstrate the presence of lipase producing fungi in the soil environment of Keffi metropolis, Nasarawa State, and these can be explored locally for the production of the enzyme which is of value commercially in the production of detergents, and also as constituents of some special diets and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: Despite the continued endemicity of oral cancer diseases in many parts of the world, there has been no meaningful large-scale control program against the disease in Nigeria. This paper present the epidemiological status of oral cancer in Nigeria,evaluate various risks factor for oropharyngeal cancer,justify the need to embrace W.H.O white paper on oral cancer prevention. It is shown that, based on available literature, Oropharyngeal cancer has been a relatively uncommon cancer, traditionally associated with heavy tobacco smoking and heavy alcohol consumption. But over the past few decades its occurrence has increased dramatically in many parts of the world due to the growing number of infections with HPV and to changing sexual practices, such as an increase in oral sex, However it is inhumane and deceptive to neglect the World Health Assembly (W.H.A) resolution on oral health,if truly the country desires health for all.

Abstract: Emerging infectious diseases especially with the coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS) is becoming prevalent and alarming in our health institutions and as community acquired infections. This study aimed at isolating antibiotic resistant and methicillin-resistant coagulase negative staphylococci from various clinical sites of patients at different tertiary hospitals. 200 clinical samples were obtained using sterile cotton swabs and plated on freshly prepared nutrient and mannitol salt agar using standard microbiological procedures and biochemical identification. β-lactamase production and antimicrobial susceptibility test were carried out using standard microbial cells and CLSI standards. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay were performed on the antibiotic resistant isolates using the required PCR conditions of time and temperature and the appropriate reagent mixture. Analyzed samples yielded 77 Staphylococcus spp. with 12(15.6%) being coagulase-negative staphylococci, and 3 β-lactamase producing coagulase-negative staphylococci. The antibiotic resistant profile showed that 5 isolates of CoNS were methicillinresistant (MR) to oxacillin and other antibiotics while 7 isolates of CoNS were only resistant to aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones. Quantified mecA products in this study were expressed in 5 (100%) of 5 Methicillin Resistant Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (MRCoNS) isolates indicating an alarming trend in the emerging infectious coagulase negative staphylococci, while 3 of 5 MRCoNS expressed sea (enterotoxin) gene. This calls for urgent clinical attention to curtail the spread of this emerging infection either as a nosocomial or community-acquired infection.

Abstract: This work is aimed at determining whether presence of microorganisms in seminal fluid might be the cause of male infertility.Three hundred and eighty-eight semen samples were submitted and analyzed microbially by routine semen analysis and culture techniques. Bacteriological examination of the semen samples revealed five bacterial isolates, including Staphylococcus aureus (39.2%), Klebsiella sp. (13.7%), Escherichia coli (9.8%), Proteus mirabilis (15.7%) and Neisserria gonorrhoeae (8.8%). The motility of sperm cells showed that 208 (53.6%) had 70 -100% actively motile cells, 116 (29.9%) had 50-60% actively motile cells and 64 (16.5%) had below 50% actively motile cells. Analysis of the duration of sperm motility showed that 20 (5.2%) had duration of 1- 10 hours, 276 (71.1%) had duration of 11 – 20 hours and 60 (15.5%) had duration of 21 – 24 hours. Analysis of the semen viscosity showed that 16 (4. 1 %) had highly viscous semen, 100 (25. 8%) had slightly viscous semen, 100 (25.8%) had watery semen and 172 (44. 3%) had moderately viscous semen. This study revealed that, infertility in men could be as a result of the presence of microorganisms in semen.

Abstract: Lipases (triacylglycerol acylhydrolases, EC3.1.1.3) are water-soluble enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis(and synthesis) of ester bonds formed from acyl glycerol and long-chain fatty acids at lipid-water interface. Palm oil mill effluents have been reported to be rich in lipolytic bacteria, thus this work aimed at production, characterization and purification of lipase by bacteria isolated from Palm oil mill effluent and its dumpsites soil. From the serially diluted soil and palm oil mill effluent samples, fifteen(15) bacterial isolates were selected based on the zones of clearance (qualitative screening)on selective agar based medium. They were further screened quantitatively for their lipolyticactivities using titrimetric method. Five bacterial isolates showing high lipase activity were selected and identified based on their morphological, biochemical and physiological characteristics as Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus sp., Serratiamarcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.The enzyme exhibited maximum activity at incubation temperature of 45°C at 48hr incubation time and agitation rate of 150rpm. Also, pH 7.0 to 7.5 was found to be best for lipase activity. The lipase produced retained stability up to pH 10 and temperature of 70⁰C. Highest stability of the enzyme was observed with Ca2+ and least with Mn2+ metal ions.The total protein content, enzyme activity and specific activity of the enzymes reduced with each purification step for all the isolates. The lipase produced possessed activity and stability over a range of pH values and high thermal stability at ambient temperatures making them suitable candidates for industrial applications.

Abstract: AbstractIn the fermentation of African breadfruit, the microorganisms present were isolated and identified. The process involved microbial succession, with the participation of bacteria fungi and yeast genera. The bacteria genera isolated were Bacillus, Lactobacillus, Micrococcus, Enterobacter, and Staphylococcus, with Bacillus and lactobacillus constituting the predominant microflora. The fungi genera isolated were Aspergillus, Curvularia and Alternaria while the only yeast isolated was Saccharomyces spp. The heterotrophic, proteolytic, lipolytic and saccharolytic bacterial population increased progressively from the first day till the seventh day when a peak was recorded. The physical parameters like temperature, pH and moisture were observed during the process. Also the proximate analysis of the as the fermentation progresses. The decrease in crude fibre contents could be attributed to breakdown of the fibre components by the fermentative organisms. The proximate analysis reveals that the breadfruit has rich food value and hence may be used with other food supplements in the production of human food and animal feed.

Abstract: The study was undertaken to determine the effect of snail farming on soil microbial spectrum and physicochemical properties. This was investigated using standard chemical analytical procedures and cultural techniques. Snail soil samples were collected from two locations within Owerri, including, Nekede and Irete. Snail species reared in the farms were Achatina achatina and Archachatina marginata. The pH changed from neutral to alkaline. The temperature also increased slightly. Phosphate, sulphate, nitrate and total organic matter showed similar increase in the snail farm soil samples than in the test control sample with the differences being statistically significant. (P = 0.05).Sodium and potassium ions increased slightly while calcium and magnesium ions increased more. Thirteen bacterial species isolated from the snail farm soil samples were Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Staphylococcus, Shigella and Flavobacteria, Nitrobacter, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella, Proteus, Enterobacter, Micrococcus and Salmonella species. The most prevalent was Bacillus species which had 100% occurrence. The total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) had the highest counts in both snail farm soil samples and controls. Further bacteriological analysis of the snail shell bacterial loads showed the same trend as in the soil analysis. The values of the enzymatic activities estimated in both snail farm and control soil samples showed that dehydrogenase had the highest activities. These changes are attributable to the contents of the wastes and their metabolism by microorganisms. The snail wastes could serve as increased additional source of micro-organisms to the soil while the left-over food items served as added nutrient for microbial growth. Most metabolic reactions are exothermic and the cumulative effect was the slight increase in soil temperature observed in this study. Similarly, the breakdown of the protein content of the wastes caused the release of ammonia which dissolved in the soil.