Published Articles

Abstract: The growing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics calls for means of circumventing such negative trend through other means. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam against multi drug resistant bacteria. One hundred and ten pure cultures of bacteria collected from State Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, were re-identified by sub-culturing on selective media and by biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility was carried out using Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. Phytochemical analysis was carried out using qualitative method. The antibacterial activity of the extract was determined by agar well diffusion. Escherichia coli (65) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (45) were reidentified. All isolates showed resistance to three or more antibiotics. Phytochemical analysis depicts the presence of alkaloid, saponin, flavonoid, steroids, phenol, anthraquinone and cardiac glycosides. The result of the antibacterial activity of the extract revealed that some of the tested isolates were concentration dependent. All isolates of E. coli did not respond to the inhibitory effect of the extracts at lower concentrations (12.5 – 50 mg/ml), while some isolates of K. pneumoniae responded to the inhibitory effect of the extract at 25 – 100 mg/ml. The antibacterial activity ranged from 3 -12 mm, with E. coli having highest zones of inhibition. The result obtained in this study validated the traditional use of A. heterophyllus in treating bacterial infections. Stem bark of the tested plant showcased antibacterial activity in vitro, hence, can be used in the treatment of infection due to the tested bacteria.
Keywords: Antibiotic resistance, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Multi drug-resistance, Antibacterial activity, Phytochemical.

Abstract: Yoghurt is a dairy product generally consumed around the globe due to its energy content and health advantages. An investigation on the microbiological quality of sixteen yoghurt samples from eight different brands, four registered by NAFDAC and four unregistered were randomly obtained The pH and microbiological parameters were evaluated using standard methods. The pH readings of the yoghurt samples ranged from 4.00- 5.60. The total viable bacteria and fungi counts of the two groups of yoghurt ranged from 3.0 x 10⁴ ± 1.00 to 28.0 x 10⁴ ± 12.77 and 4.9 x 10⁴ ± 6.24 to 10.9 x 10⁴ ± 4.36 respectively. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the levels of the total viable bacteria counts. However, there was no statistically significant difference (P˃0.05) in the total fungi counts. Comparative assessment of pH with the total viable bacteria and fungi counts revealed a weak negative correlation with an R-value of -0.326 and -0.100. Consequently, the results obtained shows high levels of contamination by some medically important bacteria- Bacillus sp (100%), Staphylococcus aureus (63%), Klebsiella sp (50%), Streptococcus sp (38%) and Pseudomonas sp (25%) and fungi- Aspergillus sp (100%), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (63%), Rhizopus sp (50%) and Mucor sp (38%). These microbes may have contaminated the product during production, distribution and/or storage. It is therefore imperative to monitor the production process and sales of these products to protect the consumers from food-borne infection and intoxication.
Keywords: Yoghurt, Microbiological Quality, Contamination, Diary products, NAFDAC

Abstract: This study was performed to examine the potential of indigenous consortium of Pseudomonas strains by assessing the metabolic compounds from degradation of petrochemical contaminated soil. Native microorganisms were isolated using standard microbiological procedures and molecular identification technique. The physiochemical analysis was conducted using standard laboratory procedure of American Public Health Association (APHA). Bioremediation of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) and assessment of metabolic compounds from degradation of petrochemicals were by gravimetric technique. The identified bacteria were Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PAER4 119, Pseudomonas mendocina strain NK-01 and Pseudomonas putida strain B6-2. Observations revealed that the physiochemical properties were affected due to high pollution level. Highest percentage reduction of the TPH was recorded at 74.59% by P. putida, 67.57% by P. aeruginosa, 61.62% by P. mendocina, and 80.81% by consortium. Also highest percentage reduction of the metabolic compounds showed; 62%, 75%, 68%, and 81% for saturated hydrocarbon, 86.25%, 87.50%, 91% and 92% for phenolic compound, 94.06%, 95.05%, 96.53%, and 97.03% for asphaltene and polar compound, and 88.89%, 94.44%, 94.42%, and 97.22% for aromatic compound. The percentage reductions recorded were achieved by P. mendocina, P. putida, P. aeruginosa, and the consortium respectively. This study shows that the TPH and their metabolic compounds were highly degraded. These strains and the assessment technique can be employed in biodegradation of petrochemical contaminated environment and also in the monitoring of biodegradation studies.
Keywords: Biodegradation, metabolic compounds, petrochemical contaminated soil, physicochemical parameters and Pseudomonas strains.

Abstract: Quite a minute number of plants have been investigated for rhizoremediation of crude oil contaminated rainforest soils in the Niger Delta in relation to the overwhelmingly large number of plants. S. officinarum, one of the world’s most propagated grasses was investigated by contaminating soils with oil at 3480 and 7050 mg/kg respectively and subjecting it to the following treatments: soil + oil [SO], soil + oil + fertilizer (NPK)[SOF], soil + oil + fertilizer + hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria and fungi [SOFM], Soil +oil + fertilizer + hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria and fungi + solarisation [SOFMS] (in triplicates). All contaminated soils were planted with S. officinarum (P) and monitored for 120 days to determine: population dynamics of culturable aerobic-mesophilic heterotrophic and hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria and fungi, and residual soil total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH). Results indicated that while bacterial and fungal populations increased, residual TPH decreased with time in the rhizosphere of the plant at both concentrations. Degradation efficiency for the applied treatments was in order: PSOFM ˃ PSOFMS ˃ PSOF ˃ PSO. Although, the highest attainable rates of degradation for PSOFM were 75.6 and 71.2% within the study period, the cumulative TPH loss from soil were 2630 and 5020 mg/kg from the initial contamination levels of 3480 and 7050 mg/kg respectively. The occurrence of substantial remediation in the rhizosphere of S. officinarum indicates the plant holds enormous promise in the remediation of crude oil contaminated rainforest soils in the Niger Delta.
Keywords: Contamination; Crude oil; Rainforest soil; Rhizoremediation; Treatment; Saccharum officinarum.

Abstract: Management of wastes especially agro wastes has been a major problem experienced in developed and developing countries. There is a serious need to convert these agro-wastes into useful forms. This study was undertaken to determine the growth rate and susceptibility pattern of fungi using agro-waste formulated media. Sweet Potato and Watermelon peel wastes were used to formulate SPDA and WDA media respectively and their performance compared with Potato Dextrose agar (PDA). The proximate analysis of the peel wastes was done using standard methods. The methods used for fungi isolation, cultivation and susceptibility testing were spread plate, agar plug diffusion and agar well diffusion techniques respectively. Solvent extraction of scent leaf and Ginger was done using ethanol and the extracts were used for the susceptibility testing. The result of the proximate analysis of the agro wastes revealed the presence of carbohydrate, protein, crude fibre, moisture and ash. Nine fungal species were isolated and used for growth rate and susceptibility testing. The result showed that PDA (0.14- 0.44^h-1) performed better than the formulated media (0.14- 0.18^h-1 and 0.13-0.22^h-1)in growth rate of the isolates with a significant p value of 0.0020, while the formulated media(14- 41mm and 14-34mm; 0-25mm and 0-25mm) performed far better than the PDA(0-15mm and 0-16mm)in susceptibility testing with p values of 0.0028 and 0.0007 for Scent leaf ethanol extract and Ginger ethanol extract respectively. Thus the formulated media can be utilized as alternative cheap sources of culture media for antifungal screening and other mycological assays. Keywords: Agro-waste, Susceptibility testing, Sweet potato peeldextrose agar, Waste management and Watermelon peel dextrose agar.

Abstract: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been identified as one of the most common infectious diseases of major health concern globally. The common method for detecting hepatitis B infection is to detect the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg).This research work was undertaken to determine the seroprevalence and possible risk factors of hepatitis B surface antigen amongst patients in selected hospitals in Kaduna metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Two hundred (200) blood samples were collected from patients who presented themselves for HBV screening and tests were carried out for one hepatitis B virus serological marker: HBsAg using Agary HBsAg test kits. Information was obtained for risk factors using structured questionnaire. There was an increased number of females (55.5%) compared to males (44.5%) recruited for this study. An overall seroprevalence of 9.5% for HBV infection was obtained from this study. About 5.4% and 14.6%of the female and male patients respectively were HBsAg positive. There was significant association between patients with hepatitis B family history ( ᵪ²=25.319;p=0.001), intravenous drug use (ᵪ²=7.707;p=0.006), tribal marks/ tattoos (ᵪ²=3.879;p=0.049) and traditional barbers (ᵪ² =12.604;p=0.001). Other risk factors studied were not significantly associated with HBsAg seropositivity. The highest and lowest frequency of HBsAg infection was observed in age group; 35-44 years (19.2%) and 15-24 years (5.3%) respectively. The high occurrence of HBsAg in this study calls for an urgent intervention strategy that place emphasizes on the need for enlightenment and massive vaccination against HBV.
Keywords: Hepatitis B virus, HBsAg, Risk factors, Seroprevalence

Abstract: In an era of multidrug resistant bacteria, evaluation of more natural therapeutic options becomes necessary. This study was conducted to determine the antibacterial activity of honey on some clinical bacterial isolates from wound of patients attending Dutse General Hospital. Forty (40) wound swab samples were collected and analyzed out of which 33 demonstrated the growth of organisms. These were identified using morphologic characteristics on selective and differential media, as well as Gram’s and biochemical reaction. Several organisms were isolated including; Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Proteus spp, Klebsiella spp and Pseudomonas spp. S. aureus is the most predominant organism isolated (34%). The antibacterial assay was determined using disk diffusion method with four different concentrations of two honey samples viz: 100% (v/v), 70% (v/v), 50% (v/v) and 30% (v/v). The tested organisms were sensitive to the different concentrations of honey used; however the highest activity was observed in 100% (v/v), the zone of inhibition ranges from 15-19mm in diameter. The highest zone of inhibition was observed in S. aureus (19mm) while Pseudomonas spp had the least (15mm). The antibacterial activity increased with increase in concentration. The MIC of the honey sample 1 and 2 were 1.25v/v for S. aureus, E. coli, Klebsiella spp and 2.5v/v for pseudomonas spp respectively. The MBC of the honey samples (1&2) were 2.5v/v for S. aureus, E. coli, Klebsiella spp and 5.0v/v for Pseudomonas spp respectively. The results of the study revealed that honey has a good antibacterial activity and as such can be used to treat wound infections.
Keywords: Pathogens, Assay, Honey, Isolate. Wound,

Abstract: The presence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in fresh salad vegetables was evaluated in this study. One hundred and fifty (150) Salad vegetable samples (lettuce, cabbage and spring onion) were aseptically collected from two different markets (Ramin Kura and Meat and vegetables market) in Sokoto metropolis. Isolates from the samples were fully characterized by using standard methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of seven (7) E. coli O157H7 isolates were investigated using 8 commonly used antibiotic, showed level of antimicrobial resistance. Out of the 19 E. coli identified only 7 were E. coli O157:H7. The occurrence of E. coli O157:H7 in lettuce, cabbage and spring onion were 2 (1.33%), 3(2.00%) and 2(1.33%) respectively. The highest occurrence rate observed from this study was in cabbage 3(2.00%). Samples obtained from Meat and vegetables market have more occurrence of E. coli O157:H7 than samples obtained from the Ramin kura market. Oflaxacin 40(mm), ciprofloxacin 33 (mm) and nitrofurantoin 32 (mm) showed high antibacterial activity while Augmentin did not show any activity. Presence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in salad vegetables serve as potential risk of infection to the consumers.
Keywords: Antibiotic susceptibility, contamination, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and fresh salad vegetables.

Abstract: This study identified the bacterial species associated with dumpsite soil using both cultural and molecular techniques. Soil samples were obtained from the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Bacteria associated with dumpsite soil were isolated using both Nutrient agar and serial dilution method. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from pure cultures of bacterial isolates using Quick-DNA Fungal/Bacterial MiniPrep^TM Kit and the concentration determined using Nanadrop 2000c Spectrophotometer. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of I6S rRNA gene of the extracted DNA was carried out using bacteria universal primer pair; 16SF and 16SR. Sequencing was performed in an ABI3500 Genetic analyzer. The sequences were aligned and compared with some sequences on the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database for species identification and evolutionary trend. Four bacterial species were obtained. The result of the nucleotide sequence analysis revealed that isolate 1 with 1129bp had a 100% similarity to Enterobacter ludwigii; isolate 2 with 1235bp had a 91% similarity to Acinetobacter baumannii; isolate 3 having 1033bp had a 98% similarity to Lysinibacillus fusiformis; while isolate 4 with 1129bp had a 95% similarity to Burkholderia latens. The accession numbers MN310508, MK719842, MN396184 and MN207011 were assigned to isolates 1 to 4 respectively. This study provided more information on the bacteria species associated with dumpsite soils.
Keywords: Dumpsite, sequencing, phylogeny, bacteria

Abstract: Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a pathogenic bacterium of significant importance that causes most of the hospital and community acquired infections associated with S. aureus. Methicillin resistance in strains of S. aureus is due to possession of the mecA gene or mecC gene found on a mobile genetic element (SCCmec). The virulence of MRSA is multifactorial because of the combined action of numerous virulence factors that facilitate tissue adhesion, immune evasion, and host cell injury. These virulence determinants involve both structural factors, such as surface adhesins that mediate adherence to host tissues, and secreted factors, such as enzymes, which convert host tissue into nutrients. The virulence factors of MRSA include PVL, TSST-1, Staphylococcus protein A (spa). The quorum sensing together with the global accessory regulator of Staphylococcus aureus helps control the expression of virulence gene as some are up-regulated during exponential phase of growth and down-regulated during stationary phase and vice-versa. MRSA is versatile and unpredictable. Its capacity for genetic adaptation and the serial emergence of successful epidemic strains cause it to remain a major threat to human health, further understanding of its pathogenicity trends and epidemiology will give an insight on how to tackle it’s spread.
Keywords: Pathogenicity, MRSA, S. aureus, SCCmec, virulence, genes

Abstract: Some toxic chemicals from petroleum products constitute environmental pollutants which are considered threats to ecological system. This study was performed to monitor the survival growth of some selected indigenous Pseudomonas strains isolated from petrochemical contaminated soil. Standard microbiological procedures and 16S rRNA technique were employed during isolation and identification of the strains. The physiochemical characteristics of the soil sample were conducted using standard laboratory procedure. Optimization of culture conditions were carried out under varying pH concentrations, moisture content, temperature and nutrients (N:P). The identified strains were P. aeruginosa PAER4 119, P. putida B6-2 and P. mendocina NK-01. The result of the soil physiochemical properties showed particle size distribution of 70.60 % for sand, 21.40 % for loam and 8.00 % for clay. The recorded pH value of 5.8, moisture content of 12.5 % and total petroleum hydrocarbons of 7.4 % were observed. The results of the optimization showed highest cell growth at temperature of 30^oC, pH value of 7, moisture content of 20 %, and nitrogen phosphorus ratio of 10:1. Maximum growth recorded during bioremediation by the strains were 2.90 x 10¹⁰ cfu/g for P. putida B6-2, 2.86 x 10¹⁰ cfu/g for P. aeruginosa PAER4 119 and 2.84 x 10¹⁰ cfu/g for P. mendocina NK-01. Cell growth increased with time. This study revealed the ability of Pseudomonas strains to grow and survive in the petrochemical contaminated soil. Hence, this study can be employed for successful bioremediation studies. Keywords: Petrochemicals, contaminated soil, Pseudomonas strains.

Abstract: Prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is on the increase in developing countries especially in Nigeria despite the availability of short course therapy that are inexpensive and effective. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of M. tuberculosis in North central Nigeria. A total of 2800 sputum samples from suspected pulmonary TB patients attending secondary health care facilities across North central, Nigeria were collected and processed for the presence of M. tuberculosis using Gene Xpert. The result revealed a prevalence of M. tuberculosis of 13.25% among the studied patients. Patients aged 30-39 years had the highest prevalence of 39.08% with male respondents having 13.88% while females had 12.56%. Also, 20.6% of PTB patients were co-infected HIV. The prevalence of TB was 13.24% and 13.26% among alcoholic consumers and non-alcoholic consumers respectively and 14.2% and 12.8% among smokers and non-smokers respectively. The importance of education with regard to the occurrence of PTB in this study shows that respondent with secondary and primary education had the highest prevalence of 13.6%, followed closely by those with tertiary education (13.4%), the least were participants with no formal education (12.4%). Base on the quality of sputum as a reservoir for MTB, bloody stained sputum showed the highest prevalence of 19.90 % of PTB as compare to mucoid showing 12.50 % as the lowest. The study detected high prevalence of M tuberculosis causing PTB among new cases across the North Central states of Nigeria, and this could serve as a wakeup call to put more effort and channel resources that will lead to reduction of the prevalence of PTB.
Keywords: Prevalence, Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Sputum, Gene Xpert

Abstract: Candida species are responsible for vulvovaginal candidiasis and resistance to antifungal drugs is a challenge. This study determined the incidence of vaginal candidiasis, antifungal susceptibility pattern and virulence markers of Candida species among contraceptive users. A total of 800 High Vaginal Swabs (HVS) were collected from women using contraceptive devices and inoculated onto Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) medium and CHROM agar. Candidal colonies were examined using lactophenol cotton blue and Germ tube test. The isolates were then subjected to a disc diffusion method using voriconazole, nystatin, and fluconazole on Mueller-Hinton agar to determine the susceptibility pattern of the isolates. Virulence markers which include heamolytic activity, coagulase production and biofilm formation were determined using standard microbiological methods. The incidence of vulvovaginal candidiasis in the study area is 44.88%. Candida albicans (33.98%) was the most frequent isolate while a preponderance of C. glabrata (16.99%) was observed among non-albicans Candida species. All the Candida species demonstrated at least one of the virulence markers, except C. parapsilosis which did not produce biofilm. Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis were 100% susceptible to nystatin, voriconazole and fluconazole. All the Candida glabrata isolates were susceptible (100%) to the three antifungal drugs. Candida parapsilosis and Candida krusei were 100% susceptible to nystatin. This current study revealed the incidence and the distribution of Candida species among contraceptive users. The isolates showed varying susceptibility patterns to the drugs except Candida krusei which was 100% resistant to voriconazole and fluconazole.
Keywords: Antifungal drugs, Family planning, Resistance, Virulence.

Abstract: The study identified the bacterial isolates associated with the postoperative wound of women that underwent a hysterectomy and determined their susceptibility pattern to some antibiotics. Sixty (60) specimens of a postoperative wound from patients that underwent hysterectomy were aseptically collected and cultured using standard microbiological procedures. The isolates were identified using Gram stain and biochemical methods, and disc diffusion method was used to test for the susceptibility pattern of the isolates. Six bacterial isolates, namely Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus specie, Klebsiella species, and Proteus species, were isolated. Amongst the six isolates, Pseudomonas aeruginosa had the highest frequency of occurrence 12(29.3%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus 10(24.4%), Klebsiella specie 8(19.5%), Escherichia coli, 5(12.5%) while the least was recorded against Proteus specie 2(4.9%). Among the Gram-positive bacteria, the high level of resistance was recorded by Streptococcus specie (80%) against penicillin, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (70%). In comparison, the least level of resistance was observed with ampicillin (25%) against Streptococcus specie. The zone of inhibition of the antibiotics against the isolates ranges from 8.7–17.3mm for the Gramnegative and 8.2-17.6mm for Gram-positive isolates. Streptomycin and Gentamicin had the highest inhibition (17.3mm) against Gram-negative, while penicillin produces the highest zone of inhibition against the Gram-positive isolates. The study identifies the pronounce resistance of isolates to commonly used antibiotics, which suggested the need for rational use of the drugs to prevent the emergence of multidrug resistant strains. Appropriate infection control measures and sound antibiotic policy are necessary to reduce postoperative wound infections.
Keywords: Susceptibility pattern, Postoperative wounds, Hysterectomy, Bacteria isolates.

Abstract: Escherichia coli is one of the major contaminants in the abattoir because of its frequent association with both living and cattle carcasses. It is used as indicator for both contamination and prevalence of antibiotic resistance. Samples were collected from water, effluent and swabs of various surfaces from selected abattoirs in northwestern Nigeria. They were analyzed using microbiological techniques for isolation of E. coli. Fifty of these bacteria were randomly selected and tested against nine selected antibiotics: amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (30 µg), cefoxitin (30 µg), gentamicin (10 µg), tetracycline (30 µg), ciprofloxacin (5 µg), sulfonamides and trimethroprim (25 µg), chloramphenicol (30 µg), vancomycin (30 µg) and erythromycin (15 µg)to determine their level of resistance to each of the antibiotics using disc diffusion method. The results showed highest resistance of E. coli isolates to vancomycin (92%), followed by amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (76%) and erythromycin (76%). None of the isolates was resistant to gentamicin and ciprofloxacin. However, resistance against chloramphenicol (8%), sulfonamides and trimethroprim (16%), and cefoxitin(24%) were low. Multiple antibiotic resistant index (MARI) was determined and 46 (92%) of the isolates were found to be multi-drug resistant. Indiscriminate use of antibiotics for treatment, as growth promoter in animal foods and poor hygiene practices could be responsible for this level of resistance. The high resistant E. coli could be a significant threat to public health due to the risk of transferring the bacteria into food chain hence, monitoring antimicrobial resistance and virulence is indispensable.
Keywords: Abattoir, Antibiotic resistance, E. coli, Isolation.

Abstract: Probiotics are non-pathogenic and non-toxigenic bacteria that serve as a natural barrier against pathogenic enteric bacteria. Yoghurt and other fermented dairy products are the most common source of probiotics.This study was carried out to assess the probiotic potential of Lactobacillus species isolated from different brands of yoghurt. Nine(9) yoghurt samples consisting of three (3) different brands were purchased from local vendors. The samples were serially diluted, inoculated onto De Man Rogosa and Sharpe(MRS) Agar and incubated anaerobically using a candle jar at 37oC for 24 hrs. Colonies with characteristics colonial morphology of Lactobacillus species on MRS agar were sub-cultured fresh MRS agar. The isolates were further identified and characterized microscopically and biochemically. The isolates were screened for their ability to tolerate low pH, tolerate bile and exhibit antibacterial activity. The nine (9) isolates of Lactobacillus species obtained consist of 7(77.78%) L. plantarum, 1(11.11%) L. bulgaricus and 1(11.11%) L. salivarius. All the isolates tolerated low pH and bile salt at different concentrations. Two (2) of the isolates had antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, however none of the isolates had antibacterial activity against Salmonella Typhi. Of the three Lactobacillus species isolated from yoghurt, L. plantarum had the highest occurrence with 77.78%.Two of the Lactobacillus species isolated from yoghurt tolerated low pH, bile salt at different concentrations and exhibited antibacterial activity hence possesses probiotic potential.
Keywords: Lactobacillus species, probiotic, yoghurt, antibacterial

Abstract: Cassava roots peeling remains a serious global challenge due to their varying sizes and shapes. This results in over or under-peeling during mechanized and automated operations. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of chemical peeling on physiochemical, microbiological and functional characteristics of some cassava products. Yellow-fleshed cassava (IITA-TMS-IBA070593) was peeled by immersing the roots in 15% NaOH solution (lye) for 5 minutes. Softened peels were removed with brush under running water and neutralized with 3% citric acid solution at 30^oC. Cassava peeled with sharp stainless steel knife was used as control. Peeled roots were fermented into stiff dough mill known as Gari and Fufu after 72 and 96 hours respectively. pH, total titratable acidity (TTA) and total plate count (TPC), bacterial and fungal counts were determined on fermenting mash at 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours respectively. Results showed that pH of submerged state fermenting mash for fufu and solid state fermenting mash for gari decreased as TTA increased during fermentation. pH decreased from 8.29 at 0 hour to 5.34 at 96 hours, while TTA increased from 0.20 at 0 hour to 1.60 at 96 hours. TPC increased from 0.5x 10⁴ CFU/g to 1.7x 10⁴ CFU/g, lactic acid bacteria count (LABC) increased from 1.9 x 10⁴ CFU/g to 20.8 x 10⁴ CFU/g, while fungal count increased from 1.8 x 10⁴ CFU /g to 8.4 x 10⁴ CFU /g. Dispersibility ranged from 40.50% to 75.50%, bulk density ranged from 0.59g/ml³ to 0.78g/ml³, water absorption capacity varied between 1.80g/g and 6.00g/g, while swelling power ranged from 14.39% to 15.50%. Products made from chemically peeled cassava compared favourably with knife peeled ones.
Keywords: Yellow-fleshed cassava, peeling, microbiological quality, functional characteristics

Abstract: Rubella is an acute infectious disease caused by rubella virus (RUBV). Rubella virus infection remains one of the major global public health problems, especially in developing countries causing 100 000 cases of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) every year. However, data on this subject matter is scarce in the study area. This study was aimed at determining the seroprevalence of rubella virus among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano State. It was a descriptive, cross sectional and hospital based study. A total of 276 pregnant women participated in the study. Information on bio-data, socio-demographic characteristics and medical history of the participants and risk factors were obtained via a structured questionnaire and hospital records. Blood samples were analysed for RUBV IgG and IgM antibody using ELISA method. The data generated were analysed using SPSS for window version 20.0. An overall rubella IgM prevalence of 32.25% was obtained in the study. Two (0.73%) participants were positive to only rubella IgM antibody, 58.33% to only rubella IgG antibody and 31.52% to both IgM and IgG antibodies. The result of the study showed that there was no statistical relationship between the tested socio-demographical parameters and reproductive characters. Rubella virus incidence among pregnant women in this study area was high; this indicates the need for public enlightenment campaign on possible mode of prevention and control to limit the spread of the disease and its associated morbidity and mortality.
Keywords: Congenital rubella Syndrome, German measles, Rubella Virus, Pregnant Women

Abstract: Tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are among the leading causes of death in Nigeria and Africa with HIV increasing the TB epidemic. This study aimed to determine the Prevalence of HIV among TB patients attending Martha Bamaiyi General Hospital (MBGH) Zuru Kebbi State, Nigeria. It was a cross-sectional study that involved 185 presumptive TB patients that attended MBGH Tuberculosis Laboratory Zuru. Sputum samples were collected from the patients and their TB status was determined using Gene Xpert (MTB/RIF). Demographic information and patients’ HIV status was also documented from their medical record. The result revealed that the prevalence of TB among the studied patients was 17.3% (32/185) and 0% prevalence for RR-TB. The HIV prevalence was found to be 21.62% (40/185) while HIV-TB co-infection was 12.5% (4/185). Males had higher TB prevalence rate of 59.4% while more females (75%) were infected with HIV and had higher HIV-TB co-infection of 100%. Patients aged 25-34 years old had higher HIV infection rate of 38.89%. Based on settlements, the HIV-TB co-infected patients in semi-urban settlement had the highest co-infection rate (50%) while those in urban settlement were more infected with HIV (38.89%). Among the local governments, Danko-Wasagu had the highest HIV prevalence of 58.33% and higher HIV co-infected patients (75%) respectively. Hence, for effective TB control and to minimize the rate of transmission and acquisition of new infections there is the need for quick response and intervention by the appropriate agencies.
Keywords: Tuberculosis, HIV, Co-infection, Gene Xpert

Abstract: Adequate nutrition is a prerequisite for active and healthy living. However, getting the required nutrients from foods that are free from potential toxic constituents and readily available for human consumption are among the major concerns. This study investigated the effect of microbial fermentation on the nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of fermented mung bean (Vigna radiata). Grains of V. radiata were sorted, washed and sun-dried. About 10.5 kg of V. radiata were aseptically pulverized into powder using a blender. Seven portions of 500 g of pulverized samples in triplicate were subjected to both natural and induced fermentation in plastic containers for 4 days at 35⁰C while the raw sample served as control. Nutrient agar and De Man Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) agar were used for isolation and enumeration of microorganisms. Parameters assayed from each of the samples were antinutrients and proximate composition. Streptococcus sp, Lysinibacillus sp, Brevundomonas sp, Lactobacillus sp, and Bacillus sp were the predominant bacterial group isolated from fermented samples. Molecular confirmed the identity of the following microorganisms: Lysinibacillus mangiferihumi, Lysinibacillus sphaericus, Lysinibacillus boronitolerans, Bacillus sp, Lactobacillus sp, Xanthobacter agilis, Brevundimonas diminuta, Brevundimonas olei and Streptococcus thermophilus. Microbial counts ranged from 1.47 × 10⁷ ±0.00 to 1.48 × 10⁷ ±0.02 CFU/g for bacteria; 1.80 ×10⁶ ±0.01 to 2.00 × 10⁶ ±0.01 CFU/g for yeast; and 8×10⁴±0.15 to 9 × 10⁴ ±0.10 CFU/g for fungi. Increase in ash content values was recorded for samples C, D, E, F, and G compared to control which is an indication of the increase in mineral composition. Crude fibre were observed to reduce in value in D, F and G. The protein contents were observed to increase except in samples C and D where decreases in protein contents were observed. Having observed the reduction in antinutrient contents and improvement in nutrients composition of fermented V. radiata, this study has shown that fermentation enhanced the nutritional composition of mung beans.
Keywords: Chemical analysis, fermentation, microbial, mungbeans, sequencing

Abstract: Vegetables are essential protective food for good health and are also potential reservoir of microbial contaminants. Intake of raw vegetables contaminated with detrimental microorganisms may result in food poisoning. Thus this study assessed the microbial loads of leafy and salad vegetables from five different markets in Lagos State. Macerated samples of the vegetables were analyzed for microbial load using pour plate method. Bacteria were putatively identified on the basis of their phenotypic and biochemical characteristics and fungal isolates were identified by lactophenol-in cotton blue staining. The total viable counts recorded in the vegetables samples ranged from 2.2x10⁴-14.8 x 10⁴cfu/g, coliform counts show 1.0 x10⁴–5.6 x 10⁴cfu/g, while Salmonella-Shigella count ranged from0.2 x 10⁴–8.5 x 10⁴cfu/g, and fungal count ranged from 0.6 x 10⁴ – 7.5 x10⁴cfu/g. A total of 145 bacterial and 26fungal isolates were identified from this study. Among the bacterial isolates, Staphylococcus spp(26.21%) were the most predominant bacteria associated with leafy and vegetable salad in the five markets assessed. This was followed by Micrococcus spp (13.8%), Bacillus spp (12.42%), Lactobacillus spp. (8.28%), Pseudomonas spp (3.45%) and E. coli (3.45%) recorded highest percentage of occurrence for the coliform. Among the fungal isolates, highest percentage of occurrence was recorded for Saccharomyces spp (33.33%) followed by Candida spp (28.56%), while other bacterial and fungal species were low in their percentage of occurrence. This study showed that vegetables sold in open market are potential source of pathogenic microorganisms and may present health risk to humans when consumed, thus the need for consistent hygienic practices.
Keywords: Vegetables, Microbial load, Open markets, Pathogenic microorganism

Abstract: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen with the ability to cause severe surgical wound infections and remains a problem. This microorganism commonly shows resistance to several antibiotics. Integron a mobile genetic elements are playing important functions in the wide spread of P. aeruginosa antibiotic resistance. This study is aimed at investigating the occurrence of class 1, 2 and 3 integron genes (int1, int2, int3) among P. aeruginosa strains. For this purpose, a total of 284 wound swabs were collected using sterile swab sticks. Isolated P. aeruginosa were screened with 8 routinely used antibiotics by means of disk diffusion method. Polymerase chain reaction amplification was carried out on extracted DNAs from P. aeruginosa for the detection of integron and subsequent classification into int1, int2 and int3 genes using different set of specific primers. Out of the 99 isolates seen, 62 (66.7%) were P. aeruginosa. Most isolates that harbors integron genes showed notable resistance to antibiotics with highest resistance against Ceftazidime, Augmentin, Cefixime and Gentamicin (54.8%). PCR amplification showed that 16 (47.1%) P. aeruginosa strains harbors integron genes of which 13 (81.3%) isolates carried int1gene, 8 (50.0%) and 6 (37.5%) harbored int2 and int3 genes respectively. High antibiotic resistance amongst P. aeruginosa isolates were demonstrated in our study, int1 gene was prevalent followed by int2 then int3 and integrons has been reported to play an important role in multiple drug resistance among bacteria isolates.
Keywords: Antimicrobial, wound swabs, infections, post operative, polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: The efficacy of antimalarial drugs may be influenced by other factors independent of the parasite susceptibility to the drugs. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of some clinical factors on Arthemeter – Lumefantrine (AL) treatment failure in patients with uncomplicated malaria receiving care in selected community pharmaceutical shops and hospitals from Kano Municipal, Gwale, Tarauni and Kura Local Government Area. Four hundred (400) consenting patients with AL prescription were randomly selected for the study. Plasmodium falciparum positive subjects were confirmed by microscopic examination using Giemsa stained blood films techniques. Clinical and parasitological responses of the enrolled patients were evaluated using 28 days follow up according to WHO protocols for therapeutic efficacy. Structured questionnaire was used to record clinical details of each of the patients. Hematological parameters were assessed using automated hematology analyzer and blood group using antisera agglutination test kit. Among the 400 subjects enrolled, 220 (55%) completed the 28 days follow-up, out of which 170 (77.3%) had adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) and 50 (22.7%) had treatment failure. The mean duration of symptoms before treatment, pre-treatment parasite density, parked cell volume(PCV),erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR) and white blood cell count (WBC) of patients with ACPR (4.3+2.1 days, 8,300+3,250/µl, 36+8.2%, 10.9+2.9mm/H and 5.8+2.5.1x10⁹ /L) were found to be significantly different (P<0.05) from that of patients with treatment failure (6.7+4.2days, 12,210+2,160/µL, 24+6.1%, 14.1+5.3mm/H and 8.4+4.1x10⁹/L) respectively. Treatment failure was found to be more common among patients suffering from malaria and other diseases such as typhoid and hypertension (36%) when compared to those with malaria only (20.8%).It was also found to be less common among patients with O blood group (11.8%) when compared with those of AB, A and B blood groups with treatment failure rate of 27%, 31% and 29% respectively (P<0.05). Treatment failure was found to be not significantly associated with pretreatment body temperature (P>0.05).This study revealed that some pretreatment clinical factors such as high parasitaemia level, long duration of symptoms and abnormal hematological parameters could predispose individual to failed treatment and consequently increases the risk of developing antimalarial drug resistance in a population.
Keywords: Treatment failure, Malaria, Artemether-Lumefantrine, clinical factors

Abstract: This study was conducted to screen for citric acid production by local strains of Aspergillus niger isolated from soils of four locations within Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria namely: botanical garden, refuse dumpsite, flower bed and sheep pen sites. Proximate compositions of the pineapple peel were determined using standard procedures described by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). A total of sixteen (16) soil samples were collected from the different locations and stock suspensions were prepared before being separately diluted serially from 10^-1 to 10⁴. Aliquots of each suspension were separately inoculated onto Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and incubated at room temperature (25°C) for seven (7) days for the isolation of Aspergillus niger. Colonies suspected to be Aspergillus niger were characterized macroscopically and then microscopically using lactophenol cotton blue-staining preparations. The seven isolates identified were then screened on a Czapek-Dox agar medium for potential citric acid production. The isolates were further subjected to citric acid production by submerged fermentation using pineapple peels as the substrate. The isolates confirmed to be Aspergillus niger had percentage occurrences of 25%, 100% and 50% from sheep pen, flower bed and botanical garden sites respectively. No Aspergillus niger was isolated from refuse dumpsite soil. Isolate BGS3 (from botanical garden soil) produced the highest yellow zone of citric acid production (78.5mm) during screening, whereas, isolate SPS (from sheep pen soil) showed the lowest (41.5mm) potential. During production, an overall yield of 0.76g/100ml was obtained using pineapple peel as substrate. Aspergillus niger can be easily isolated from various soil types with highest frequency in soils from sheep pen. The research revealed the potential of various Aspergillus niger isolates from different soil to produced citric acid using pineapple peels (agricultural waste) as substrate.
Keywords: Aspergillus niger, Citric acid, Isolation, Pineapple peels, Screening, Soil

Abstract: Patients with advanced stages of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, or Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), are vulnerable to secondary opportunistic infections. The aim of the study was to assess the cytological features of sputum samples obtained from patients co-infected with pulmonary pathogens in Kano. Sputum samples were collected from HIV infected patients attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and digested using potassium hydroxide and epithelial and non-epithelial cells were harvested, smeared and fixed using alcohol for Papanicolaou staining method for cellular morphology. The sputum samples were also smeared using Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) stain for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and another smear was stained using Grocott’s Methanamine Silver (GMS) staining method for fungi. A total of 65 HIV infected patients were studied. Majority (53.8%) of the participants, were males and 46.2% were females. Cellular features of the sputum samples revealed the presences of mild inflammatory changes in 21.5% of patients, moderate inflammation in 1.5%, negative findings in 61.5% and unsatisfactory smears in 15.4%. The commonest opportunistic pathogens detected were Candida species (24.5%), Mycobacterium species (20%) and Aspergillus species (9.2%). The study identified that majority of the cytological changes observed in the sputum samples of the HIV infected patients studied were inflammatory changes, which might be due to the presence of Mycobacterium turberculosis, Candida species and Aspergillus species. Hence, the cytological features of the sputum samples could play an important role in detecting the pulmonary pathogens.
Keywords: Cytological features, Immunodeficiency, Pulmonary Pathogens.

Abstract: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a naked, double-stranded DNA virus that is often responsible for benign lesions of the skin and mucous membranes. Certain strains of HPV have also been implicated in the development of epithelial malignancies. In this study, we investigated age prevalence of IgG antibodies to human papillomavirus16 and 18 among patients of age 1-65 years attending Family Medicine Department of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin using ELISA techniques. Out of the 174 consented participants, the prevalence of IgG antibodies to HPV, HPV16 and HPV18 in this study is 3.4%, 0.6% and 1.7% respectively. A seroprevalence of 7.1% in the under 5 age-group was found in this crosssectional study. The correlation between the risk factors and HPV seroprevalence were however not statistically significant. The prevalence of IgG antibody observed also shows that majority of the subjects are still at risk of HPV infection and this highlights the potential roles of massive vaccination to provide herd immunity. Seroprevalence among under-5 class calls for inclusion of HPV vaccination among this age group as against current older vaccination age.
Keywords: Human Papillomavirus, IgG antibodies, Age, Prevalence, Vaccine