Published Articles

Abstract: This study assessed the level of microbial contamination of air around three municipal dumpsites in Igando and determined the antibiogram of the bacterial isolates. Total aerobic bacteria count (TABC) and total enterobacterial count (TEC) of air around the dumpsites nearby amusement park and gas station were measured using the “sedimentation method. The microbial isolates were identified using phenotypic and biochemical characteristics and their antibiotic sensitivity was determined using Kirby Bauer disk diffusion. Total aerobic bacteria count (TABC) at the three dumpsites ranged between 1.9 x 10⁷ and 2.6 x10⁷ cfu/m³ while the amusement park and gas station recorded 2.2 x 10⁷ and 2.4 x 10⁷ cfu/m³ respectively. The TECs of air at the dumpsites varied between 6.6 x 10⁶ and 7.9 x 10⁶ cfu/m³, while the amusement park and gas station recorded 6.4 x 10⁶ and 2.9 x 10⁶ cfu/m³ respectively. Staphylococcus sp. had the highest percentage occurrence of 47 followed by Bacillus 17. Among fungi, Rhizopus sp. had the highest percentage occurrence 26.67 followed by Aspergillus 26.47. For the Gram-positive bacteria, Bacillus spp. recorded the highest percentage resistance (HPR) of 40 against tetracycline. Twenty percent of the Gram positive bacterial isolates were resistant to tetracycline and erythromycin respectively. Among the Gram negative bacterial isolates, 33.33% were resistant to cefuroxime and 22.22% were resistant to gentamicin and ofloxacin respectively. The high level of microbial contamination of the air at and around the dumpsites constitute potential risk to health.
Keywords: Air quality, Antibiogram, Dumpsites, Igando, Microbial quality.

Abstract: Antimold resistance is common due to drug abuse, mutation caused by genetic recombination and others. In a bid to contribute new antimold agents to the pharmaceutical and medical world molds were isolated from selected areas on the campus of the University of Ilorin. Their sensitivity profiles were evaluated against commercial antimold drugs, synthesized metal complexes and the seed oil of Jatropha curcas. The isolates were cultured and antibiotic sensitivity test was carried out on the isolates using the disc-diffusion and agar-well diffusion methods. Most of the molds showed susceptibility to the azoles (clotrimazole, fluconazole and ketoconazole) with inhibition zones ranging from 12mm to 25mm. Geotrichum candidum showed resistance to fluconazole. Griseofulvin had the least activity with inhibition zone as low as 0mm. Fungusol had intermediate susceptibility with inhibition zone between 5mm to 21mm. Only Mucor circinelloides was resistant to the commercial antibiotics. The [Ca(HBAB)](NO₃)₂.2H₂O complex, HBAB Schiffbase, and [Mg(HBAB)](NO₃)₂.4H₂O complex synthesizedshowed minute level of antimicrobial activity against Aspergillus terreus, Geotrichum candidum and Trichosporon mucoides(2mm - 6mm). All the molds were resistant to Jatropha seed oil. In conclusion, the synthesized compounds if improved upon show promise of being good antimold agents.
Keywords: Sensitivity, Antimold, Synthesized metal complex, Disc, Agar-well, Jatropha.

Abstract: Food borne Campylobacteriosis is distributed all over the world. Raw meats become contaminated during processing when intestinal contents come in contact with meat surfaces. The aim of the research is to study the occurrence and antimicrobial response pattern of Campylobacter jejuni isolated from beef and vegetables. Fifty (50) processed and unprocessed food samples (20 beef and 30 vegetables) were collected from different sites. The samples were subjected to aerobic bacterial counting and higher counts were obtained in unprocessed vegetables (3.80 x 10⁶ cfu) and raw beef (2.22 x 10⁶ cfu) samples. All the samples were inoculated on mCCDA, selective media for isolation of Campylobacter species. The isolates were confirmed to be Campylobacter jejuni using standard procedures. Extracts were subjected to phytochemical analyses for the detection of secondary metabolites. Alkaloids and flavonoids were generally present in all the extracts tested; while anthraquinone was conspicuously absent. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Syzigium aromaticum, Allium sativum, Zingiber officinale and Piper nigrum as well as commercially prepared antibiotics were tested against the bacterial isolates via disc diffusion techniques. Out of the 50 samples examined, 26% samples yielded Campylobacter spp., from which 8% were identified as Campylobacter jejuni. Statistical analysis revealed that there were significant differences in the bacterial count between raw and processed samples of beef (P = 0.004), cabbage (P = 0.019) and cucumber (P = 0.048), while there is no significant difference in bacterial count between unprocessed and processed lettuce samples (P = 0.058). S. aromaticum, Allium sativum, and Zingiber officinale extracts were active against Campylobacter jejuni. Among the antibiotics tested against C. jejuni, Ciproflaxacine (100%) and Erythromycin (100%) were active.

Abstract: Fluoroquinolones are broad spectrum antimicrobial agents used to treat infections caused by microbial pathogens especially those resistant to other classes of antimicrobial drugs. The introduction of fluoroquinolones into veterinary therapy has been accompanied by an increase in resistance. Salmonella represents a challenge in modern animal production. This study determined the incidence of fluoroquinolone (and non fluoroquinolones) resistant Salmonella from intensively reared pigs and chickens in Nsukka, an area representative of the emerging trend in intensive animal production in Nigeria. Standard cultural techniques were used to randomly sample 120 animals (60 pigs and 60 chickens) from 12 medium to large scale farms, and from which were obtained a total of five (5) Salmonella isolates (4.17%). Two isolates showed 100% (5/5) resistance to 5 fluoroquinolones while 3 isolates showed 100% (5/5) susceptibility to fluoroquinolones. For non fluoroquinolones two isolates showed 11.1% (1/9) resistance, 22.2% (2/9) intermediate resistance and 66.7% (6/9) susceptibility; one isolate showed 100% (9/9) susceptibility; 1 isolate showed 33.3% (3/9) resistance and 66.7% (6/9) susceptibility. Four isolates were more susceptible to non fluoroquinolones than fluoroquinolones while 2 isolates were more susceptible to fluoroquinolones than non fluoroquinolones. The implications of this resistance patterns are discussed.
Keywords: Salmonella, Antibiotic resistance, Fluoroquinolones, Pigs, Poultry

Abstract: Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen frequently multidrug-resistant, responsible for both health care and community associated infections. The appearance of extendedspectrum β- lactamase in addition to the biofilm-forming phenotype, is a major problem in the clinical environment. This study aimed to detect ESBL production, biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance profile of clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae. Three hundred and twenty five samples of urine and sputum were analyzed by conventional bacteriological techniques. Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. ESBL detection was done by the double disc synergy tests using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Biofilm formation was determined by microtiter plate assay. Out of the 325 samples analyzed, only 74 (22.7%) yielded Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. Isolation rate was 25.5% for urine higher than that of sputum (20%). Isolates displayed 100% resistance to cefotaxime and ceftazidime and decreased resistance to imipenem and ciprofloxacin. ESBL production was observed in 31.1% of all the isolates. ESBLproducing isolates formed more biofilm than non ESBL producers. A significant association was observed between ESBL production and biofilm which may be as a result of uptake of ESBL carrying plasmids that activate the virulence factor. However, increased alertness of clinicians and enhanced testing by laboratories are important to reduce treatment failure and prevent the spread of resistance strains.
Keywords: Antibiotic resistance; Biofilm formation; Extended Spectrum Beta lactamase; Klebsiella pneumoniae

Abstract: Food safety must be given high priority in any society. This study was aimed at assessing the proximate composition and microbiological quality of yaji. A total of nine different yaji were randomly purchased from retail stores within Kano metropolis while three samples were prepared in the laboratory as control. The result of the study revealed that the yaji samples studied had moisture content ranging from5.00-10.70%, ash content of 17.42-26.30%,crude protein content of 17.50-32.43%, fat content of 1.89-4.05%, and carbohydrate content of 36.69-47.60%. The microbiological analysis showed that the purchased yaji samples were contaminated with aerobic mesophilic bacteria and fungi isolates.Aerobic mesophilic bacterial count, fungal count and coliform count ranged between 3.35×10⁶ - >3.00×10⁷ cfu/g,<1.00×10³ – 9.60×10⁶ cfu/g, and 3.6 ->1100MPN/g respectively. Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Enterobacter, and Klebsiella species were isolated. S.aureus was the predominant bacteria isolated with frequency of occurrence of 34.35%. The fungi isolated were Fusarium, Rhizopus and Aspergillus species. The predominant fungal isolate was Aspergillus spp with frequency of occurrence of 60%.This study showed that yaji samples though nutritionally rich were found to be contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms and had higher microbial counts compared to the maximum acceptable levels provided by the ISO and FAO, thus posing serious health hazards to consumers. Standard hygienic measures during preparation of yaji are highly recommended in order to reduce microbial load to acceptable limit.
Keywords: Yaji (spice pepper), proximate composition, microbiological analysis.

Abstract: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is still contributing significantly in morbidities and mortalities in the world today, more especially in developing countries. The drugs normally use to treat the infection are costly, toxic, and less effective due to resistance by HIV. In view of that an assessment of gp120-CD4 binding inhibition potential of Solanum nigrum crude fruit extracts was conducted between June–December, 2018 using gp120-CD4 capture ELISA kits. Aqueous, methanol, and petroleum ether extracts were prepared at 1000, 500 and 250 µg/ml and tested for gp120-CD4 binding inhibition. Sub-acute toxicity assay was done using albino rats; biochemical parameters including alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as well as bilirubin for liver and urea, electrolytes and creatinine for kidney functions were evaluated. Kidneys, liver and lungs of the animals were examined for histopathological damages. The results of the effect of crude aqueous, methanol and petroleum ether extracts of Solanum nigrum fruit against gp120-CD4 showed inhibition ranging from 1.3-17 % with 1000 µg/ml showing highest percentage of inhibition. There was no significant difference (P = 0.861) in terms of percentage inhibition between the three concentrations tested. Methanol extract demonstrated the highest percentage inhibition of gp120-CD4 bindings (17 %). No significant difference (P = 0.123) between the three extracts against gp-120-CD4 bindings was observed. The results of the sub-acute toxicity study have shown that, there were no physical changes in animals treated with 500 mg/kg of all the extracts. The result of liver function test revealed that, ALT, AST and ALP were within the normal range (12U/L) for both the high and low concentrations of the extracts including the control. Also result for total protein, albumin, globulin and albumin globulin ratio for the test albino rats and that of the control rat were found to be within the normal range 5.2-9,3.5-5, 2.0 – 3.5 g/dl and 0.8 – 2.0 for total protein, albumin, globulin and globulin ratio respectively. For serum electrolyte level, sodium and potassium ions for the various concentrations of the extracts tested and control were also found to be within normal range. The result of kidney function test revealed that, urea, creatinine and direct and total bilirubin of the rats tested and control were all found to be within normal range. In addition, the histopathology images, shows no remarkable inflammation in all the organs studied. In conclusion, fruit extracts of Solanum nigrum possessed some levels of HIV-1 gp120-CD4 binding inhibition potentials and the extracts were found to be non-toxic at 250 and 500mg/ kg body weight. It can be recommended that, the bioactive compounds should therefore be isolated and tested for gp120-CD4 binding inhibition activity.
Keywords: gp120-CD4 binding inhibition, Solanum nigrum crude extracts, Sub-acute toxicity test

Abstract: Against the background of high level antimicrobial resistance observed in isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of multidrug resistant (MDR) efflux pumps among clinical isolates from University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin city. A total of 198 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus obtained from various clinical specimens were used for the study. Disc susceptibility test, detection of MDR efflux pump among representative multidrug Staphylococcus aureus isolates as well as curing experiments on the positive efflux pump isolates were performed using standard techniques. The most active antibacterial agent was imipenem with a susceptibility profile of 32.32%. A total of 64(32.32%) of the 198 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were MDR. Forty-seven (47) isolates of Staphylococcus aureus (23.74%) were recovered from urine samples. Compared to isolates from other specimens, the prevalence of MDR isolates was significantly higher (63.83%) in the urine specimens (P ˂ 0.0001). The prevalence of MDR efflux pump was 9.09% (18/198) with a significant prevalence among isolates from urine (P=0.0032). All 18 Staphylococcus aureus isolates harbored resistant plasmids to the drugs that were used as substrates for efflux as well as to other drugs. Curing experiment revealed the loss of antibacterial resistance in some of the isolates after exposure to rifampicin. In conclusion, the isolates of Staphylococcus aureus used for this study were multidrug resistant with few plasmid-mediated; consequently had a multiple antibiotic resistant index (MARI) ≥ 0.2. Prudent use of antimicrobial agents is advocated to stem the tide of high bacterial resistance.
Keywords: clinical isolates, efflux pump, multidrug resistant, Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract: The use of plant parts and extracts in traditional medicine has proved to be a good lead for the discovery of a potential plant derived antimicrobial agent. To this end we conducted in vitro screening of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the bark of Anogeissus leiocarpus for antibacterial activity against clinical isolates of Salmonella Typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella dysentriae, Klebsiella pnuemoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes following standard microbiological procedure. The bark extracts showing inhibitory activity on the test bacteria were partially purified using solvent-solvent purification and the different fractions were tested for antibacterial activity. Results of phytochemical screening of the bark extracts of A. leiocarpus revealed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, phenols, tannins and glycosides. Antibacterial studies of the extracts revealed that the plant showed strong antibacterial activity against all the test organisms at 25 mg/ml concentration. The solvent- solvent purification of extracts revealed that ethyl acetate and butanol fractions contained the highest concentration of the bioactive component as revealed by the diameter of the zone of inhibition (11- 25 mm) but no inhibitory activity was observed with the chloroform fraction and residue. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the purified fractions ranges between 0.625 mg/ml (acetone extracts) for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pnuemoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes to 2.5 mg/ml (aqueous extracts) for all test organisms. The minimum bactericidal concentration is in the range 0.625 mg/ml to 5 mg/ml. The findings showed that the extracts had appreciable in vitro activity against the test organisms and this plant is a potential source of leads for development of antibacterial agents.
Keywords: Antibacterial, Fractions, Susceptibility, A. leiocarpus

Abstract: Several different methods have been used to formulate weaning food through blending of different cereal crops that are locally available. Considering the good prospects of the ready availability of Acha cereals, fermentation of malted Digitaria exilis (Acha) flour using single and combination of lactic acid bacteria to produce weaning food was carried out. One hundred grams of acha grains were steeped in 300ml distilled water in the ratio of (1:3 w/v) for 48 h at 30±2 ^oC. Malting was done for 48 h which was followed by ovendrying of malted grains to terminate germination. The dried acha grains were dry milled. Reconstituted malted acha flour was at 30% (w/v) and was allowed to ferment spontaneously for 72 h and sampled every 24 h for the analysis of microbial load and the physiochemical parameters. The highest lactic acid bacteria count (6.45x10¹⁴cfu/ml) on MRS agar was recorded at 48 h and the least count (3.72x10¹⁴cfu/ml) at 24 h of fermentation time respectively. The highest aerobic bacteria count (1.0x10¹⁴cfu/ml) was recorded at 24 h and the least count (1.0x10¹⁰ cfu/ml) at 72 h of fermentation time. Highest yeast count (2.15x10¹²cfu/ml) was recorded at 48 h and mould by 24 h of fermentation time. The pH of the fermented malted Acha slurry decreased drastically while the percentage titratable acidity increased with increase in fermentation time. A total of 11 lactic acid bacteria were isolated and identified based on their morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics as Lactobacillus sp., Leuconostoc sp. and Pediococcus sp. Isolated lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were screened for probiotic potentials and best two strains Lactobacillus sp. (JLAB10) and Leuconostoc sp. (KLAB11) were used as starter culture both singly and in combination for the controlled submerged anaerobic fermentation of acha flour. Results of the safety assessment tests revealed that the product is safe for consumption. The study revealed that the production of weaning food from malted Digitaria exilis (Acha) as raw material using Lactic Acid Bacteria is possible.
Keywords: Fermentation, Weaning, Acha, Lactic acid bacteria.

Abstract: Hepatitis E is an emerging viral disease causing acute hepatitis worldwide which may result into a chronic hepatitis especially in immunocompromised individuals. The study determined the prevalence of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) among people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in Kano State. One hundred and eighty (180) subjects were enrolled for the study and their sera were screened for Hepatitis E Virus Antigen using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA- Wantai Diagnostics, Beijing). Twelve (6.7%) were found to be positive for HEV antigen comprising 7 (58.3%) males and 5 (41.7%) females (p < 0.05) and was common among subjects aged 35-44 years old (41.7%). Preponderance of HEV antigen was also found among subjects with primary school level of education 5 (41.7%), entrepreneurs 8 (66.7%), those with HIV duration of 3-5 years 8 (66.7%), those on the first line of antiretroviral treatment (ART) 10 (83.3%) or used borehole as a source of water 8 (66.7%). The study provided evidence that HEV is present among people living with HIV in Kano State. There is need to intensify enlightenment campaign among the populace about the disease so as to limit its spread in the community.
Keywords: Hepatitis E virus, HIV/AIDS, Kano

Abstract: Burden of morbidities and mortalities originating from bacterial pathogens and antibiotics resistance is on the rise, and hospital wastewaters are possible reservoirs of these pathogens. Infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance from Hospital Wastewaters could be spread into the environment. This study aimed at isolation, identification and antibiotic susceptibility characterization of hemolytic bacterial pathogens from hospitals wastewaters in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Hospital wastewaters (HWWs) were aseptically collected from four major Hospitals in Benin City, and selective media were used for bacterial isolation while identification was based on standard procedures. Sheep blood agar was used for hemolytic bacterial isolation, and isolates were subsequently assessed for Antibiotic resistance to common antibiotics using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Hemolytic bacterial pathogens recovered were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (23 %), Staphylococcus aureus (19.2 %), Salmonella spp (30.7 %), Escherichia coli (19.2 %) and Escherichia coli O157: H7 (7.6 %). High resistance against Augumentin (25 µg) was observed in Salmonella spp(90.6 %), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (79.2 %), Escherichia coli (50 %) and Escherichia coli O157: H7(37.5 %). Conversely, Staphylococcus aureus (55 %) isolates were resistant to Amoxicillin (30 µg). All Gram negative hemolytic pathogens showed low resistance to Sparfloxacin (10 µg) and Ofloxacin(30 µg). Multiple antibiotics resistance index (MARI) greater than 0.2 was observed in 50 % of the hemolytic pathogens. Antibiotics resistance in hemolytic bacterial pathogens obtained in this study suggests their potential as sources of environmental and public health risks.
Keywords: Antibiotics, Bacterial pathogens, Hemolytic bacteria, Hospital wastewaters

Abstract: Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) is a spherical non-enveloped single-strand positive-sense RNA virus of the Hepevirus genus and the family Hepeviridae. Its infection is newly recognized serious threat to global public health and Africa has been reported to be among the most severely affected regions in the world, most likely due to poor sanitation and weak public health facilities. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of HEV infection among children presented with diarrhea attending Hasiya Bayero Paediatric and Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital Kano. The study was a cross sectional studies involving 90 children, selected by simple random sampling. Information was obtained using a questionnaire and stool samples were collected from the subjects for evaluation for detection of HEV immunoglobulin G (IgG) using enzyme linked immunoassay kit. Data were summarized as percentages, charts and frequency tables and results were computed and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20.0. Out of the 90 participants, 3 (3.3%) were positive while 87 are negative with Hepatitis E virus infection. Age and gender were insignificantly associated with HEV infection among the studied children, while type of toilet use (Pit latrine) is significantly association with HEV infection (P=0.033). The highest prevalence was observed among children aged 10- 16 years.
Keywords: Hepatitis E Virus, children, diarrhea, Kano

Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global problem which is hindering treatment of bacterial infections. Evaluation of the prevalence of PMQR genes is important in terms of selection of antibiotics for treatment options. The aim of this work is to review prior data on PMQR with a view of evaluating the prevalence of PMQR genes in Enterobacteriaceae and to identify the knowledge gap if any. This systematic review was conducted in line with the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guideline. Pubmed and Ajol online databases were primarily searched for relevant articles. The eligible articles were evaluated using a set of eligibility criteria. Ninety five (95) full text article were selected for screening using the eligibility criteria. Twenty four (24) articles with majority emanating from Iran and China and only one article reporting study carried out in Nigeria where selected for qualitative synthesis for this review. The PMQR genes include qnr, aac (6’) Ib-cr and qepA gene. 46% of the articles focused on only one type of PMQR gene but not any of the two or three together while 54% screened for more than one type of the PMQR genes. Most frequently isolated PMQR gene is Qnr gene (96%) followed by Aac (6’)Ib-cr gene (46%) and QepA gene (13%). High occurrence of QepA gene (18.7%) was reported in the only study in Nigeria. The review showed a high prevalence of PMQR genes especially in Nigeria. With the limited studies evaluating the burden of PMQR there is also the need for the establishment of antibiotics surveillance policies especially in Nigeria.
Keywords: Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance, Enterobacteriaceae, aac(6’)-Ib-cr”, “qnr”, “qepA” “Antibiotic resistance

Abstract: Use of herbal medicines for health management in developing countries like Nigeria no doubt remains an integral part of their life style and because of its wide acceptance; Quality of herbal medicines being produced in these communities requires an urgent attention. Twenty herbal preparations manufactured and marketed in Northeastern Nigeria were randomly collected in Gombe metropolis and analyzed for microbiological quality assessment according to United States Pharmacopeia (USP). Samples were tested for microbial contamination by dilution technique in Tryptic Soy agar and broth (for bacterial count) and Sabouraud dextrose agar and broth (for fungal count) and incubated at 35^oC. Post incubation all the microbial contaminants were characterized at least to genera level. The results show that most of the herbal medicines were heavily contaminated with bacteria and fungi at levels far above permissible limit stipulated for oral pharmaceutical preparations and those within acceptable limit have contaminants that are of health concern. A total of 26 bacteria species including Bacillus subtilis (23%), Shigella spp (4%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (11%), Staphylococcus aureus (35%), Proteus (4%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8%), Enterococcus feacalis (11%) and Escherichia coli (4%) and 28 fungal including Alterneria spp (3%), Aspergillus niger (43%), Aspergillus flavus (18%), Aspergillus fumigatus (14), Cladosporium cladosporius (4%), Mucor (11%) spp and Rhizopus arrhizus (7%) species were isolated from the preparations. These products are in liquid (L), powder (P), soap (S) and ointment (O) and powdered products (sample P1 – P7) were found to be contaminated with the highest number of bacteria and fungi. In conclusion, 85% of the herbal products studied were found to contain microorganisms that are of health concern; most of the organisms are indicators of poor hygiene and environmental contamination and have compromised the safety of the products. It is recommended that Manufacturers adhere to principle of Good Manufacturing Practice to guarantee safety of herbal medicines marketed in Gombe metropolis.
Keywords: Sterility, Herbal Medicine, Contamination, Bacteria, Fungi

Abstract: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease cause by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and it remain one of the major public health problem. This study was to detect resistance to second line anti-tuberculosis among patient attending national tuberculosis and leprosy training centre Zaria, Nigeria using Lowenstein Jensen proportion (phenotypic) methods. A total 6125 patients were recruited, out of which 775 (12.6%) were MTB positive and 100 out of 775 were resistant to rifampicin by Xpert MTB/RIF with a prevalence of 13%. Out of 100, (90%) were culture positive while 7 (7%) were culture negative and 3 (3%) were contaminated. All of the ninety (90) samples that were culture positive were confirmed as Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex using immunochromatoghapic test. Seventy (77.7%) isolates were found to be pan susceptible while twelve (13.3%) and eight (9%) were resistant to Fluoroquinolones and Aminoglycoside respectively. Resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to second line anti-TB drugs in this study was observed to be high among age groups 31-45 and 16-30 years who are male living in urban setting. It was also observed to be high among non-reactive HIV that have not taken alcohol before and among those that were not previously treated with TB drugs, even though there’s no statically association between the drug resistance and social-demographic or risk factors in this study. This study has shown high prevalence of drug resistant tuberculosis among patient attending national tuberculosis and leprosy training centre Zaria, Nigeria. The proportions of resistance detected in this study serve as possible indicator of the future emergence of XDR-TB in Nigeria. There is a need for close monitoring of TB patients for proper treatment and compliance to prevent drug resistant tuberculosis. However for the correct management patients with resistance to any of the SLD, results must be confirmed by phenotypic drug susceptibility testing.

Abstract: The effect of fortification of reconstituted skimmed cow milk with baobab fruit milk on the physicochemical, microbial and sensory characteristics of yoghurt was studied. Pasteurized milk was distributed and substituted as follows: 100% cow skimmed milk (control-sample A), 100% baobab milk (sample B), 90% cow milk: 10% baobab milk (sample C), 80% cow milk: 20% baobab milk (sample D) and 70% cow milk: 30% baobab milk (sample E) milk: baobab milk juice . The five (5) samples were inoculated with 5% concentration of starter culture and incubated at 45oC for 18hours. The coagulation obtained after incubation were broken to obtain smooth texture yoghurt. The yoghurts were stored at 6 °C for 21 days (3 weeks) and their quality monitored. Results showed that moisture, fat, protein, viscosity and pH decreased with increase in fortification levels. Moisture content ranged from 80.21% in sample A to 77.15% in sample E, same trend was observed in fat and protein contents. However, the carbohydrate and ash content increased with fortification level. pH ranged from 4.84 in sample A to 4.01 in sample E. Same trend was observed in ascorbic acid content and Titratable acidity. Viscosity decreased from 351.01% in sample A to 227.00% in sample E. Calcium and Sodium decreased with increase in fortification level while Phosphorous and Potassium increased. The sensory evaluation results showed that sample C and sample E were most preferred in terms of appearance (6.4). Sample A (control) had the highest overall acceptability score followed by Sample C. It can be concluded that yoghurt made from milk fortified with baobab fruit milk, is nutritious and safe for consumption.
Keywords: Baobab fruit, Chemical, Microbial quality, Yoghurt

Abstract: Personal lifestyle predisposes individuals to asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) whereas uncontrolled spread of antibiotic resistance plasmids among the implicated isolates possibly will hamper effective medical treatment. In this study, a total of fifty (50) urine samples (25 males and 25 females) were obtained from apparently healthy undergraduate students of University of Benin, Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria between September – November, 2018. Prevalence of ASB in the urine samples was determined and the implicated bacterial isolates were identified using standard microbiological methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the bacterial isolates were carried out using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. Results obtained revealed that 12 % (males) and 28 % (females) showed ASB. The bacterial isolates and their percentage frequency of occurrence were Escherichia coli (60 %), Proteus mirabilis (20 %), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10 %) and Staphylococcus aureus (10 %). Antibiotics susceptibility tests revealed that ampicillin and augmentin showed 100 % resistance while each of the fluoroquinolones (Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, and Nitrofurantoin) showed 70 % susceptibility being the highest. Considering ASB from the study population, multidrug resistant bacterial isolates which had plasmids constitute 50 % and 33 % of the isolates obtained from 67 % males and 43 % females, respectively. Based on our findings, we recommend implementation of stricter regulations in agricultural, environmental and medical applications of antibiotics especially in developing countries such as Nigeria to reduce spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria implicated in asymptomatic bacteriuria and urinary tract infections.
Keywords: Asymptomatic bacteriuria, plasmid profiling, undergraduate students, prevalence

Abstract: This study was conducted to assess biochemical changes during the fermentation of Adansonia digitata fruit pulp Yoghurt. The Baobab fruit pulp Yoghurt was prepared in the Laboratory using the conventional method. Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus were used as starter cultures while a control was produced without the starter cultures. The chemical composition, nutritional content and enzyme activity of the Baobab fruit pulp Yoghurt were determined during its fermentation period at every three hour interval using standard procedures. The proximate composition of the test Baobab fruit pulp yoghurt was 75.72 – 77.52% Moisture, 5.43 – 7.16% Protein, 4.86 – 5.85% Fat, 0.72 – 0.99 Ash, 0.67 – 0.95% Fibre and 8.98 – 10.78% carbohydrate. At the end of fermentation time, there was significant difference between the test and control Baobab fruit pulp yoghurt at 5% level of significance. The levels of Calcium (Ca), Iron (Fe), Sodium (Na), Magnesium (Mg) and Potassium (K) were found to be in the range of 4.8 – 16.3 mg/ml, 0.4 – 1.2mg/ml, 3.0 – 5.9mg/ml, 19.9 – 25.3mg/ml and 3.0 – 4.0mg/ml respectively. The activity of the enzyme Amylase, Protease and Lipase measured in unit/ml were found to be in the range of 1.30 – 5.33, 0.00 – 5.69 and 0.89 – 2.31 respectively. The results of proximate analysis and mineral determination showed that the product is chemically and nutritionally rich. The addition of Baobab fruit pulp improved the quality of the Yoghurt. Baobab fruit pulp Yoghurt is therefore recommended for human consumption based on its good chemical and nutritional quality.
Keywords: Baobab, Biochemical changes, Fermentation, Fruit pulp, Yoghurt

Abstract: Food preservation processes are usually applied with the aim of slowing down or preventing spoilage and pathogenic bacteria in food materials. This involves the application of one or more environmental stresses (or hurdles) in the form of extremes of temperature, pH, and the manipulation of other optimal growth conditions.Environmental stress that may result from the use of hurdles, has however been shown to play a role in the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. This study was conducted with the aim of studying the combined effects of pH, low storage temperature and storage period on the antibacterial susceptibility of enterotoxigenic Bacillus cereus isolates from pasteurized cow-milk to selected antibacterial agents. Mcfarland standard 1 (about 8.5 log units) of a confirmed B. cereus isolate from raw milk was inoculated into sterile pasteurized cow-milk samples at varying pH levels (6.3.6.4,6.7,6.8), and stored at refrigeration temperature (4-10^oC) for a period of 72 h. Isolates were assayed for the B. cereus diarrhoel enterotoxin haemolysin BL (HBL) production using B. cereus enterotoxin reversed passive agglutination (BCET-RPLA) toxin detection kits (OXOID) and then subjected to antibacterial susceptibility tests using the Kirby-Bauer method against 10 antimicrobial agents (OXOID). Antibacterial agents included Ampicillin (10μg), Cephalothin (30μg), Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid(20/10μg), Cefpodoxime (10μg) Ceftriaxone (30μg), Erythromycin (30μg), Amikacin (30g), Tetracycline (30μg)Ciprofloxacin (5μg) and Trimetoprim Sulfamethoxazole (1.25/23.75μg). Results revealed resistance of all isolates to Ampicillin, Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, Cefpodoxime, Ceftiaxone and Trimetoprim Sulfamethoxazole. All isolates were sensitive to Erythromycin, and Ciprofloxacin.Varying patterns were observed for Cephalothin, where only isolates from milk at pH 6.8 stored for 72 h and which exhibited suppressed toxigenic ability, were sensitive. Similarly, all isolates showed susceptibility to Tetracycline except for isolates at pH 6.3 which showed less sensitivity (intermediate response) to the antibacterial agent over a 48 h period. Findings suggest pH and storage conditions of foods could induce varying degrees of susceptibility to antibacterial agents in some enterotoxigenic B. cereus isolates.
Keywords: B. cereus, Haemolysin BL, low temperature storage, pH, antibacterial susceptibility

Abstract: The identity, diversity and dynamics of bacterial and fungal communities involved in the production of bioethanol from corn waste (corn cob) were studied. Corn cob was pretreated and hydrolyzed using concentrated H₂SO₄ then, neutralized with NaOH to pH6.5. The corn waste was introduced as source of indigenous organisms and fermentation was done for 7days. The fermented broth was distilled and ethanol yield was measured with a volumetric flask. Microbial succession was examined using standard microbiological procedures and the isolates were identified by molecular identification techniques. The physicochemical analysis such as pH, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids and total reducing sugars were tested during fermentation. Ethanol optimum yield was 10.00g/l and total quantity was 45.00g/l. The indigenous bacteria isolated and identified were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Lactobacillus casei and Escherichia coli. The indigenous fungi isolated and identified were Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Mucor circinelloides. There were variations in bacteria found having Lactobacillus casei dominating. Among these indigenous organisms, Saccharomyces cerevisiae had the ability to withstand the pH and ethanol content. The pH decreased from 5.0-3.0, total suspended solids decreased from 314.50ppm-104.00ppm, total dissolved solids increased from 0.40ppm-650.00ppm. Total reducing sugar was 38.90. This study reveals that indigenous bacteria during the production of bioethanol from corncob died as ethanol production increased while fungi survived in the medium until the sugar diminished. The death of bacteria shows that ethanol is an antimicrobial agent. Hence genetic modification of the bacteria to obtain strains that can withstand these toxic substances yet produce ethanol is recommended.
Keywords: Corn cob, fermentation, bioethanol, bacterial succession, fungal succession.

Abstract: The current drugs used for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) have become less effective due to the development of resistance by Mycobacterium tuberculosis to the drugs. As such there is a search for new drugs for treatment of TB. Medicinal plants used in traditional medicine for symptoms of TB in endemic countries represent potential sources of new compounds for drug development. This study was designed to investigate the antimycobacterial activities of extracts of some medicinal plants used in Abia State using the Mycobacterium smegmatis (ATCC 19420) model. Crude methanolic extracts and fractions of five medicinal plants (Alchornea cordifolia, Asystacia gangetica, Chromolena odorata, Pterocarpus santalinoides and Garcinia kola) were tested against a strain of M. smegmatis using the agar-well diffusion method to measure the diameter of zone of inhibition (DZI). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by the broth dilution method. Phytochemical screening of the plant materials was carried out using standard methods. The mean DZI of the methanol extracts ranged from 12.5mm to 18mm at a concentration of 100mg/ml. The extract of G. kola produced the highest mean DZI. The DZI produced by the ethyl acetate (EtAc) and dichloromethane: methanol (DCM:MeOH) fractions ranged from 7.5-14mm. The EtAc fraction of A. cordifolia produced a zone of inhibition of 14mm while all the three fractions (N-Hexane, EtAc and DCM:MeOH) of C. odorata produced inhibition zone of 12.0mm, 13.5mm and 11.5mm, respectively. The MIC values ranged from 25mg/ml to 50mg/ml. Preliminary qualitative phytochemical analysis showed that the plant extracts contained alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids and tannins. The thin layer chromatographic analyses suggested that the antimycobacterial activity was mainly due to the alkaloid constituents. Garcinia kola exhibited the highest activity, followed by A. cordifolia while the activity of P. santalinoides was the lowest. The results of this study demonstrate the in-vitro inhibitory activities of these medicinal plants against M. smegmatis and provide the basis for further studies to isolate and identify the compounds with antimycobacterial activity.
Keywords: Medicinal plants, Mycobacterium smegmatis, antimycobacterial activity.

Abstract: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global problem with Asia and sub-Saharan Africa mostly affected. Unfortunately, residual risk of transfusion associated HBV (TAHBV) is greater in low- and middle-income countries where virus prevalence is higher and implementation of Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) and/or anti-HBc testing remain high-priced due to cost and loss of donors/blood products. There is therefore the need for cheaper and practical alternatives to reducing TAHBV. For this study, blood samples were collected from 273 consenting blood donors, aged 18-60 years. Five HBV serological markers: HBV surface and envelope antigens (HBsAg, HBeAg), and HBV core, surface and envelope antibodies (antiHBc,anti-HBs, HBeAb) were detected using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assays. A high anti-HBs prevalence of 37.7% was detected among the donors while HBsAg prevalence was 5.1%, a rate lower than 8% value for high endemic regions to which Nigeria is classified. Among the donors HBcIgM prevalence was 4.8% (13/273), with twelve donors (4.4%; 12/13) having anti-HBc IgM as the only detectable marker of HBV infection. Anti-HBs presence of 200 mIU/mL or more has been reported safe as a transfusion component in anti-HBc-positive blood. A high anti-HBs observed among blood donors in this study could be explored in routine HBV screening of anti-HBc-positive blood donors. Including anti-HBs screening and anti-HBc IgM found as the only HBV infection marker in 12 (4.4%) donors could reduce TAHBV in Nigeria where HBV NAT screening is not affordable and discarding anti-HBc IgG-positive blood not feasible because blood transfusion is critical to treatment of diverse pathologies.
Keywords: Hepatitis B Virus, Diagnosis, blood transfusion, serological markers, Nigeria.

Abstract: Herbicides are chemicals used to control weeds’ growth. The improper application of herbicides poses a challenge to agricultural sector as non-target organisms are directly affected and residues are left in soil. This study was aimed at assessing the effect of paraquat and glyphosate on soil microorganisms. Fifteen kilograms of composite soil from an Organic Vegetable Garden was prepared into 15 microcosms; containing 1 kg soil each. Five different treatments were prepared in triplicates. The treatments include recommended field rate (RFR) (Paraquat-3.62g/kg; Glyphosate5.63g/kg), twice the recommended field rate (TRFR) and a control without herbicide. Soils were serially diluted and cultured on Nutrient Agar (NA) and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) for the isolation and enumeration of both bacteria and fungi groups at 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 days. Isolates were characterised and identified. Herbicides residues were determined using Gas Chromatography (GC) after 50 days of exposure. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance at P = 0.05. The results obtained indicate that herbicides significantly inhibited bacteria population at 10 and 15 days with the highest inhibitions of 44.18% and 51.12% by paraquat and 46.00% and 56.92% by glyphosate at the RFR and TRFR respectively. Fungi populations were significantly inhibited within 5 to 20 days with the highest inhibitions of 22.50% and 80.43% by paraquat and 53.93% and 63.57% by glyphosate at the RFR and TRFR respectively. Eighty-four bacteria isolates were isolated and identified to the genera of Bacillus (35), Klebsiella (30), Enterobacter (6), Micrococcus (3), Pseudomonas (7), Proteus (1), Serratia (1) and Acinetobacter (1). Thirty-two fungal isolates obtained were identified as: Aspergillus flavus (7), Aspergillus fumigatus (2), Aspergillus aculeatus (2), Aspergillus tamarii (4), Aspergillus candidus (3) and Fusarium spp. (14). From the GC-Pulsed Flame Photometric Detector analyses, no significant difference was observed between the herbicidetreatments and the residues but there was significant difference between herbicide-treatments and controls. This study showed exposure of soil to herbicides reduces its microbial population and the isolates obtained, have potentials for use in herbicides biodegradation in the environment.
Keywords: Herbicides, paraquat, glyphosate, microcosm

Abstract: Several fungi have created havoc in the poultry industry and some of them cause direct harm to human health owing to their zoonotic implications. This research evaluated the phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial activity of Methanol extracts of Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaf) and Azadirachta indica (Neem leaf) against fungi strains isolated from poultry droppings and comparing them with commercial antifungal drugs. A total of 150 samples were collected from thirty different poultry farms in Owerri, Imo State using sterile spatula. Spread plate method was used to inoculate 0.1ml(using 10 - 2 dillution factor) of the samples unto Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and Saboraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) to which chloramphenicol (0.05 mg/ml) has been incorporated for primary isolation of fungi. The fungi were identified using cultural characteristics, microscopy and molecular analysis(using ITS region sequencing). Agar well diffusion method was used to test the antifungal activity of the plant extract after 48 and 72 hours time intervals. The Mean Diameter Zone Of Inhibition ranged from 7.50±0.00-12.30±1.53(after 48 hours) and 7.90±1.00-13.50±0.00(after 72 hours) for Neem leave and 6.00±1.00-10.00±0.00(after 48 hours) and 6.80±0.00 -10.50±1.00(after 72 hours) for Scent leave. Tube dilution technique using double-fold serial dilution method was employed for assaying Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC).Total fungal counts ranged from 1.46×10₂ to 5.43×10₂. The study revealed that the extracts of the two plants showed a stronger inhibitory property against the isolates. This efficacy of the leave extracts of Ocimum gratissimum and Azadirachta indica as compared to synthetic antifungal shows promising results to be used as potent natural occurring antifungal agents.
Keywords: Antifungal, Inhibition, phytochemical, Plant Extract, Microscopy.

Abstract: Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is one of the major problems encountered in the field of chemotherapy worldwide. Some pathogenic bacteria are becoming resistant to most potent antibiotics used in hospitals and clinics; this necessitate for the search of new and promising antibacterial agents. In view of that, the antibacterial activity of stem bark extracts of D. mespiliformis and B. serrata locally used for the treatment of haemorrhoids against bacterial isolates sourced from haemorrhoid lesions in patients attending Aminu Kano Teaching and Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospitals, Kano was investigated. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the stem bark were obtained and screened for phytochemical constituents using cold maceration technique. Swabs were aseptically collected using sterile swabsticks and screened for bacterial pathogens. Isolates were identified using cultural, biochemical and molecular techniques. Antibacterial activity of low and high concentrations of the extracts was determined using agar well diffusion technique. The results of the phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of phenols, cardiac glycosides, steroids, flavonoids, tannins and anthraquinones in the extracts. The bacterial species identified were Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter agglomerans, Enterobacter aerogenes, Salmonella arizonae, Salmonella enterica, Salmonella Typhi, Shigellla dysentriae and Citrobacter freundii. The results of the antibacterial activity of the extracts revealed low activity of both the low and high concentrations of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the two plants against the test organisms; zones diameter of inhibition ranging from 6.00-12.45mm were recorded; the well diameter was 6mm. In conclusion, the crude stem bark extracts of the two plants possessed weak antibacterial activity. It is recommended that other plants’ parts should be tested for antibacterial activity.
Keywords: Phytochemical screening, Antibacterial activity, Clinical isolates, Agar well diffusion technique

Abstract: The occurrence of Tuberculosis (TB) in prisons is a major public health threat in Nigeria, where inadequate TB screening generates poor data of the infection. The study was aimed to determine the occurrence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis among inmates in Kurmawa prison, Kano, Nigeria. A crosssectional study was conducted among 150 inmates and sputum samples were collected and examined using standard mycobacteriological procedures. Results revealed that out of the 150 sputum samples processed, 7 (4.7%) were identified as M. Tuberculosis positive with 1 out of 19 (14.3%) females and 6 out of 131 (4.6%) males infected (p>0.05). Inmates in the age group ≥48 years were more infected (p>0.05). The results also revealed that prevalence of TB was insignificantly higher in convicted inmates (6.1%), students (33.3%), widows (20%), inmates with non-formal education (5.7%), rural inmates (8.2%), HIV positive inmates (25%), inmates that smoke (5.1%), inmates that consume alcohol (5.9%), inmates with abnormal nutrition (9.4%) and inmates that were not on drug abuse (4.9%) (p>0.05). The prevalence was also insignificantly higher among those inmates coughing between 2-4 weeks (6.1%), that have contact with TB inmate after incarceration (6.4%) that stayed in the prison for 25-30 months (25%) and 31-36 months (21.4%). Only 1 (14.3%) of the inmates infected with TB had multidrug resistant (MDR) TB. The study identifies the need for creation of TB diagnostic and treatment centers in prisons, with emphasis on screening of not only new prisoners for tuberculosis on entry, but the entire prison population including prison staffs periodically.
Keywords: Tuberculosis, Prevalence, Inmates, Kurmawa Prison.

Abstract: Certain factors bring about microbial preterm infections, including mode of delivery, socio-economic/geographic factors, gut microbial diversity etc. Consequent colonization of the gut by these microorganisms can have malevolent aftermaths. In the same vein, premature infections such as necrotizing entero colitis (NEC) and sepsis are among the crucial infections causing morbidity and mortality among preterm infants. This review is aimed at highlighting the impact of gut microbial diversity in premature infections. During this review, we employed the use of online published articles from peer review journals, google scholar and other accepted published conference proceedings. The use of chemoprophylaxis, empirical chemotherapeutic regimens and the administration of probiotics are the ways put forward to manage the infections. Gut microbial diversity is one of the prime factors in preterm infections and subsequent neonatal death, and as such is an important checkpoint in preventing preterm infections. Identification of this microbial diversity and the environmental needs of microbes is hence paramount.
Keywords: Gut, Diversity, Microbes, Premature and Infection

Abstract: This study focused on the isolation and identification of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from fermented cereals and selection of the same with best technological properties as starter in the production of weaning blend. Yellow maize and sorghum were purchased at Atakunmosa market, Ilesa, Nigeria. The cereals were steeped in water for five days and were processed into Ogi . Lactic acid bacteria were isolated from the Ogi using de Mann Rogosa and Sharpe by pour plate techniques. The isolates were screened for desirable technological properties such as exopolysaccharide production, antagonistic properties against pathogenic organisms, inability to produce biogenic amines, production of ammonia from arginine, growth at different pH and production of antimicrobials and amylase enzyme using standard procedures. The results showed that a total of 10 lactic acid bacteria were isolated and were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum 4(40%), L. composti 2(20%), L. fermentum 2(20%), L. casei 1(10%) and L. delbrueckii 1(10%). L. plantarum and L. delbrueckii have the best technological properties with high exopolysaccharide production (3+), diacetyl, lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide production (0.2100, 0.3718 and 0.0008 g/mL) and (0.200, 0.3692 and 0.0007 g/mL) respectively. The two LAB also showed highest degree of antagonistic activities against pathogenic organisms (Staphylococcus aureus ATTC 43300 and Escherichia coli NCIB 86). The study evaluated the techniques that can be used to select starter culture for the production of weaning blends for infant. L. plantarum and L. delbrueckii showed the best technological properties with high antimicrobial and exopolysaccharide production.
Keywords: Technological properties, Cereals, Lactic acid Bacteria (LAB), Starter culture

Abstract: The study was aimed at evaluating phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial activities of Jatropha curcas extracts against patients with wound infections attending Jahun General Hospital, Jigawa State. The plant materials were sourced, identified and extracted using water and ethanol. Preliminary phytochemical screening of extracts was carried out using standard procedure. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp. Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium sp. and Candida sp. were isolated and identified from ten (10) wound patients. Evaluation of antimicrobial activities of the extracts was also carried out. Results of phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, tritepenes, anthraquinones, alkaloids, flavonoids and tannins in both seed and stem bark ethanol and aqueous extract with exception of flavonoids in stem bark extracts. The antimicrobial activities result shows that among the extracts, ethanol seed extracts has the highest antimicrobial activity compared with that of aqueous with the inhibition zone diameter of 15.0 ± 0.0mm and 13.0 ± 0.0mm respectively at 2000µg/ml concentration against E. coli and 13.0 ± 0.0mm and 12.0 ± 0.0mm against Staphylococcus aureus at 2000µg/ml concentration. Conclusively, ethanol could be considered as the best extracting solvent and Jatropha curcas seed extracts could be considered for further analysis on antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria and fungi.
Keywords: Jatropha curcas, Wound infections, Jahun

Abstract: Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) contributes significantly to the burden of illness from infectious diseases worldwide especially in developing countries. This study aims to determine the spatial pattern of AGE and isolate Enterobacteria from domestic water in Ile-Ife, a peri-urban community. The medical records of AGE cases between 2008-2012 with due ethical approval from a tertiary hospital in Ile-Ife were reviewed. Using a global positioning system (GPS), the coordinates of the residential addresses retrieved from the records were determined. One hundred residential houses were randomly selected, data on sources of water supply and sewage disposal systems were obtained. The microbial count and identification of the bacterial isolates cultured from the water samples collected were done. A total of 373 AGE cases were recorded in 21 administrative units (wards) within the study period. The occurrence of AGE was observed to increase as the year progresses and 6 (28.6%) of the AGE burden hotspots were identified. All the water samples analysed contained bacterial coliforms above the permissible level. Two hundred and one bacterial isolates were identified with the frequency of the isolates as follows: Shigella spp (19.9%), Serratia spp (13.4%), Aeromonas spp (10.5%), E. coli, Salmonella spp, Klebsiella spp (10%), and other Enterobacteria (26.2%). The spatial pattern and AGE burden hotspots identified could assist in the early detection of AGE outbreaks and intervention. This study shows the wide distribution of enteric bacteria in the water sources and suggests water treatment at the point of use to forestall AGE outbreaks in the community.
Keywords: Acute gastroenteritis, Enterobacteria, Hotspots, Spatial pattern, Water

Abstract: This present study was aimed to investigate the phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial properties of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of M. oleifera leaf on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The phytochemical analysis was carried out using standard methods. The antibacterial activity of the plant extracts was determined using agar well diffusion method. The Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the plant extracts on the test isolates were determined using micro broth dilution method. Phytochemical analysis showed that terpenoids, phenols, flavonoids, glycosides, tannin, saponin, alkaloids, steroids and anthraquinolones were present in varying concentrations of the different extracts. The antibacterial activities of the ethanol and aqueous extracts of M. oleifera leaf at concentrations of 200, 100, 50, 25,12.5mg/ml showed the zone diameter of inhibition for S. aureus in response to the different extracts ranged between 9mm to 20mm while that of E. coli was between 7mm to 19mm. The MIC of aqueous and ethanol leaf extract on S. aureus is 25mg/ml and 12.5mg/ml respectively while the MIC of aqueous and ethanol leaf extract on E. coli is 12.5mg/ml and 6.25mg/ml respectively. The MBC of aqueous and ethanol leaf extract on S. aureus is 25mg/ml and 12.5mg/ml respectively while the MBC of aqueous and ethanol leaf extract on E. coli is 50mg/ml and 25mg/ml respectively. It can be concluded that some secondary metabolites present in Moringa oleifera leaf may be responsible for the inhibition of the bacteria observed in this study; and the ethanol extract of M. oleifera leaf possesses more antimicrobial activity (10 – 20mm) in a concentration dependent manner than the aqueous extract (9 - 15mm). This could justify its use as an antimicrobial agent. Therefore, M. oleifera leaf could be a promising natural antimicrobial agent with potential applications in pharmaceutical industries for controlling the pathogenic bacteria used in this work.
Keywords: Moringa oleifera, Ethanol, Aqueous, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli

Abstract: This study highlighted the antibiotic susceptibility and the emergence of multidrug resistance plasmids among Escherichia coli in abattoir wastewater in Bauchi state Nigeria. Isolation and characterization of E. coli was conducted from 150 samples using standard procedures. Antibiotic susceptibility testing and plasmid curing were done on the strains. Of these samples screened only 18 (12%) E. coli were recovered. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed high resistance to Augmentin (77.7%) with a clear diameter of inhibition ranging between 8.0±0.0 – 17.3±1.4 mm, followed by amoxicillin (8.0±0.0 – 17.3±1.4) mm, streptomycin (8.0±00 – 10.0±2.6) mm and septrin (8.0±0.0 – 10.3±0.3) mm, with 61.1%, each, and gentamicin (8.0±0.0 – 17.3±0.0) mm and chloramphenicol (8.0±0.0 – 11.0±2.0) mm, each with 55.5% respectively. Ciprofloxacin (18.0±0.0 - 40.0±0.5) mm, was the most potent with 83.3% activity. Multiple antibiotic resistance was examined in 12 (66.6%) of the isolates. After curing, antibiotic susceptibility testing most of the isolates were observed to harbor plasmid-mediated resistance. This study has revealed the emergence of multidrug plasmids mediated resistance among Escherichia coli in abattoir wastewater in Bauchi State Nigeria.
Keywords: Abattoir, Escherichia coli, Plasmid, Resistance, Waste water

Abstract: Water hyacinth is an aquatic weed that is difficult to manage due to its rapid and extensive growth rate. Composting is a promising technique widely used for the management of organic wastes. This study evaluated the application of water hyacinth and cow dung composts as bio-fertiliser on tomato plant. Water hyacinth and cow dung were composted for 20 days in five different proportions of cow dung, water hyacinth, cow dung and water hyacinth (CW) at ratio (1:1, 1:2, 2:1) respectively. Physicochemical properties and microbial load of the composts were determined. Bacterial and fungi isolates were isolated and identified using standard methods. Composts were applied to sterile soil after which tomatoes were transplanted. Agronomic parameters such as plant height, number of leaves, stem girth and leaf area were determined after eight weeks of transplanting. Results showed that cow dung only had the highest total bacterial count of 27.2 x 10⁶cfu/g while water hyacinth only had the least bacterial count of 5.0 x 10⁶cfu/g. Cowdung and water hyacinth (1:1) and cowdung only recorded had the highest and lowest total fungal count of 12.8 x 10⁶cfu/g and 2.0 x 10⁶, respectively. pH ranged from 5.8 – 7.8 while temperature ranged from 25.67-40.5°C. The isolated and identified bacteria were Bacillus subtilis, Campylobacter jejuni, Citrobacter koseri, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. The identified fungal isolates include: Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, Candida albicans, Penicillium sp. and Saccharomyces sp.Cowdung: water hyacinth at ratio 1 to 2and water hyacinth only showed the highest and least support for tomato plants, respectively. All the agronomic parameters analysed were significantly higher(P ≤ 0.05)in all the treatments than the control. This study revealed that compost of cow dung and water hyacinth could be used to improve the growth of tomato.
Keywords: Compost, Cow dung, Tomato, Water hyacinth, Microbial load

Abstract: Bryphyllum pinnatum is used in traditional medicine in various parts of the world as a remedy against numerous conditions like hypertension, skin disorders, cancer, diabetes, hepatitis, abscesses and ear infections. This study was carried out to evaluate the antibacterial potentials of the plant leaves against some bacteria isolated from patients with otitis media. Dried leaves of the plant were collected and subjected to cold maceration and Soxhlet extraction processes using water and ethanol to obtain aqueous and ethanolic extracts respectively. The extracts obtained were subjected to phytochemical screening and antibacterial activity against two clinical isolates; Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa associated with Otitis Media. The result of the phytochemical screening revealed the presence of Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Saponins, and Glycosides in both extracts whereas ethanolic extract has in addition Steroids and Tannins. The result of antibacterial activity showed that aqueous extract has activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa only at 500mg/ml concentration(zone of inhibition15.5mm) and against Staphylococcus aureus at 500, 250 and 125mg/ml with zone of inhibition 18, 14 and 11mm respectively. Similarly, ethanolic extract showed activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 500, 250 and 125mg/ml with inhibition zone 17, 12, and 11mm respectively. It shows significant activity on Staphylococcus aureus at concentrations 500, 250, 125 and 62.5mg/ml with inhibition zones 19, 15, 13, 12mm respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) recorded for aqueous extract is 500 mg/ml and 250mg/ml against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus respectively while for ethanolic extract, are 250 and 125mg/ml respectively. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the aqueous extract against Staphylococcus aureus is 250mg/ml and ethanolic extract against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are 250 and 125mg/ml respectively. The result suggests that Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf could have potential application in the management of otitis media.
Keywords: Otitis media, phytochemical, antibacterial, Bryophyllum pinnatum, leaf.

Abstract: Prevention of transmission of HIV from mother to child is a serious public health issues globally.There are approximately 1.4 million HIV positive women who become pregnant and contribute to more than 300,000 neonatal and foetal deaths each year. HIV in pregnancy is of concern because women with HIV/AIDS may transmit the infection to their child during pregnancy, delivery and while breastfeeding. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of HIV infection in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Kashere General Hospital from 2015 to 2019. A total of 3,144 pregnant women were enrolled and screened for HIV infection during the antenatal visit, after collecting their sociodemographic, gynecological and obstetric details. A one-step HIV-DETERMINE test kit was used to screen the blood samples collected by needle-prick on fingertip. The results revealed that out of the 3,144 pregnant women screened, only 41(1.30%) were found positive and 39 of the positive cases fall within 21 to 30 years age group. Highest rate (4.3%) was found in the year 2017, followed by 1.75% in 2015, with 0.60% in 2019 as the least. This study, therefore advocate advocated early antenatal visit, voluntary testing in pregnancy and improved girl-child education/awareness as an essential step in PMTCT programmes.
Keywords: Pregnant women, Kashere, HIV, Trimester, Antenatal, Mother-to-child, Girl-child

Abstract: Drug resistance (DR) is a major global health concern and currently implicated in fuelling the burden of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Nigeria. Overall, DR poses serious public health threat to TB control programmes particularly in TB endemic countries with limited resources. However, early and rapid detection of rifampicin resistance (RR), a surrogate marker for MDR-TB is important to reduce treatment period and transmission; with the overall goal of reducing the burden of the disease. The study successfully determined the prevalence of RR Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) among presumptive pulmonary TB patients in Lagos and its environs. A retrospective study involving 1,453 TB patients was conducted using data extracted from the clinical register of presumptive TB patients screened for MTB and RR-TB using Xpert MTB/RIF assay at the Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) between January, 2018 and August, 2019. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Result shows that the overall prevalence of TB was 15.3% (222/1453). MTB infection was detected in 79 locations out of which eight had a high prevalence (15.7%-26.1%) of the disease. Notably, from the patients, RR-TB was 5.9% (13/222) among all TB confirmed cases, with four (30.8%) being females and those infected ranging from 22 to 75 years (34.85±15.01) years; with one person (male) being co-infected with HIV. This study highlights the prevalence of 5.9% rifampicin-resistance among pulmonary TB patients in the urban and peri-urban areas of Lagos, South-Western Nigeria.
Keywords: Prevalence, Rifampicin-resistance, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, GeneXpert.

Abstract: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important cause of acute viral hepatitis globally which is mainly transmitted through fecal-oral routes. HEV has also been reported in animal hosts like swine, rabbit, mouse, and wild rodents from different parts of the world. Wild rodents trapped within human dwellings around Ikotun, Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria were screened to determine their contribution to HEV epidemiology in the country. In this cross-sectional study in an urban setting, twenty small mammals including, Rattus norvegicus (12) and Crocidura dolichura (8) were captured, anesthetized with chloroform and euthanized by cervical dislocation. Viral RNA was extracted from blood, liver, kidney, heart and lung tissues and amplified by Nested reverse transcription Polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and amplicons detected by 1.8% agarose gel electrophoresis. Eight out of twenty rodents (40%) identified as Rattus norvegicus were positive for HEV. The viral genome was detected in various organs of the rat including blood (50%), kidney (25%), lungs (33.3%), liver (50%), and heart (41.7%). Non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test shows no significant difference in HEV among the tissues (P=0.0790; α = 5%). HEV RNA was not detected from C. dolichura. The high prevalence (40%) of HEV RNA detected in R. norvegicus, makes rodents an obvious target for further investigations for their roles in HEV epidemiology in Nigeria. Genome sequencing and comparison with human HEV sequences will help explain whether these rodents pose zoonotic threats.
Keywords: Hepatitis E Virus, Rodents, RT-PCR, Lagos.