Published Articles

Abstract: Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B virus are among the leading causes of fatal infections worldwide. This study was conducted between August-December 2018 to determine the sero-prevalence of HIV/HBV co-infection among patients attending two selected Hospitals in Gusau, Nigeria. One hundred and sixty eight (168) study subjects were recruited for this study. Blood samples were collected by venepuncture and screened for the presence of HIV antibodies and Hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) using determine and Hepatitis B first response rapid detection kits respectively. The HIV positive blood samples were retested using uni-gold and analyzed for CD4⁺ count. HbsAg positive blood samples were confirmed by ELISA and retested for various markers of HBV. Antibodies against HIV were detected in 8.3% (14/168) while HbsAg in 7.7% (13/168) and a coinfection of 2.9% (5/168). The mean CD4⁺ count in HIV positive subject was 354.4cells/μl of blood. Test for markers of HBV indicate Anti-HBc as the most predominant (46.1%) while Anti-HBs was the least predominant. Both HIV and HBV were significantly associated with family type and history of sexually STDs. The findings of this study suggest that thorough investigations be employed especially for blood donors so that adequate clinical management can be planned for the infected persons as soon as they are diagnosed.
Keywords: Prevalence, HIV, HBV and Coinfections.

Abstract: Rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (TB) is an emerging problem of great importance to public health worldwide and together with multidrug-resistant TB causes higher mortality rates than drugsensitive tuberculosis. Data regarding drug-resistance and risk factors associated with rifampicin resistant from Kano are lacking. The study therefore, determined the prevalence and risk factors associated with rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB) in Kano State, Nigeria. A one-year retrospective study was conducted among tuberculosis patients attending Direct Observed Treatment Short-course centers equipped with GeneXpert facilities in Kano State, Nigeria from January 2019 to December, 2019. Pulmonary and extra-pulmonary samples were analyzed using Xpert MTB/RIF assay (Cepheid, GeneXpert, USA). The data was collected from the Xpert MTB/RIF assay registers and patient’s folder. Data generated were analyzed using Chi-square and results were presented in tables. Out of 55,021 samples analyzed, 111 (0.2%) had rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis. There was significance relationship between socio-demographic characteristics (gender, age groups and marital status), prevalence and transmission dynamic of rifampicin resistant among the studied subject in the study area (Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.37, 2.54, 1.51; p≤0.5). The study confirmed the presence of rifampicin resistant tuberculosis in the study area. It also identifies the need to strengthen the laboratory capacity for early diagnosis of RR-TB as well as improvement on availability and accessibility of the services to patients by the relevant authorities to reduce the disease burden.
Keywords: Rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the antagonistic activities of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from raw cow milk on selected food-borne pathogens. The antagonistic activities of five different strains of LAB isolates; Lactobacillus plantarum, Leuconostoc mesenteriodes, Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus acidiophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus from raw cow milk on six selected food borne pathogens; Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., Shigella sp., Enterobacter sp. and Serratia sp. were examined using agar well diffusion method. The production and quantification of lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide and diacetyl by these LAB were determined using standard method of analytical chemistry and the LAB were further assayed for antibacterial effect and activity of their crude bacteriocin. The antagonistic effect against food borne pathogens ranged between 3.2 to 11.3 mm, lactic acid (1.2 to 3.0ml), diacetyl (0.4 to 1.5 ml) and hydrogen peroxide (0.6 to 2.1 ml), and the bacterocins produced had strong inhibition zones of 2 to 6 mm. The bacterocins activity ranged between 1200 to 5800 AU/mL. The highest bacterocins activity (5800 AU/mL) was with Lactobacillus acidophilus at pH 4.1 while the least (1200 AU/mL) was with Lactobacillus mesenteriodes at pH 1.21. The results of this study showed that metabolites produced by lactic acid bacteria had strong inhibition against food borne pathogens, and could be used as biological preservative in food industry as an alternative to chemical preservatives.
Keywords:Lactic acid bacteria, raw cow milk, pathogens, antagonistic activities.

Abstract: Antibiotic resistance surveillance is essential in the effective response to the global emergence and spread of multidrug resistant bacteria. This study was carried to determine the trend of antibiotic resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from urine between January, 2014 and December, 2015 in a hospital in Abuja, North Central Nigeria. Urine samples were collected from patients with suspected cases of UTI who were referred to the Microbiology laboratory. The samples were inoculated onto MacConkey agar and incubated for 24 hours at 37 ^oC. Isolates with characteristic colonial morphology of Klebsiella pneumoniae were further characterized microscopically and biochemically. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates was determined using modified Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. A total of 44 Klebsiella pneumoniae consisting of 22 isolates each from 2014 and 2015 were isolated in this study. The isolates were highly resistant to Ampicillin, Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole and Tetracycline. However, none of the isolates (0.00%) was resistant to Ceftriaxone, Netilmicin and Levofloxacin in 2014 and 2015. An increase in resistance rates of the isolates to Ampicillin, Tetracycline, Ofloxacin and TrimethoprimSulfamethoxazole was observed between 2014 and 2015 from: 77.27% to 81.18%, 54.55% to 59.09%, 0.00% to 04.55% and 63.64% to 68.18% respectively. Based on the result of this study, Fluroquinolones, Ceftriaxone, Netilmicin and Levofloxacinmay be considered as therapeutic options for empirical treatment of UTIs caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Keywords: Klebsiella pneumoniae, resistance, antibiotics, urine, trend

Abstract: This study was aimed at evaluating the knowledge, attitude as well as control practices of malaria among residents of Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria. Questionnaire and interview were employed for this study. All data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Out of 400 participants interviewed, 95.75 %, 96% and 79.5% of them had knowledge about the transmission, symptoms, and prevention of the disease, respectively. Majority (91%) of the respondents considered malaria a serious disease and 83% had positive attitude toward the use of hospital for malaria treatment. Forty percent and 88.5% of the respondents had good practices towards malaria prevention and treatment respectively. Despite high levels of knowledge and attitudes in the study area, gaps persist in appropriate preventive practices. This study demonstrated the need to focus on awareness programs to use existing knowledge in practice to control malaria in this locality.
Keywords: Attitude, Bunkure, Knowledge, Malaria, Practices.

Abstract: Infectious infertility is a major hindrance to reproductive performance in livestock. This study was carried out to compare the bacterial profile in the vagina and uterus of camel. Swabs of the vagina and uterus were collected from 45 camel cows with unknown reproductive history at slaughter, and analysed for bacteria. Proteus spp. was the most common bacteria isolated from the genitalia and was more prevalent in the vagina 21 (46.7 %) than the uterus 16 (35.6 %). The relative risk (RR) of uterine infection with Proteus spp. was significant (RR – 4.21; p - 0.0002). There were also more isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis in the vagina 7 (15.6 %) than the uterus 5 (11.1 %), and the risk of uterine infection with this bacterium was significant (RR - 6.8; p - 0.047). The isolation rate of Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Salmonellas spp. in the uterus were higher than in the vagina, while the rate of isolation of Enterobacter aerogenes was the same in the vagina and uterus. However, there was no risk of infection. Escherichia coli, Edwardsiella tarda, Hafnia alve, and Shigella sonnei were found in the uterus alone. Overall, there were more bacteria isolated from the uterus 43 (95.6%) than the vagina 39 (86.7%). The study showed that Proteus spp. and S epidermidis were the most common bacteria in the genitalia of camels capable of causing uterine infections.
Keywords: Bacteriology, Camels, Sokoto, Sokoto,Uterus, Vagina

Abstract: Biosurfactants from microorganisms are promising agents in the bioremediation of crude oil pollution due to their low toxicity and biodegradability. The study was aimed at screening bacteria isolated from petroleum contaminated soil for biosurfactant production. Soil samples were collected from 12 automobile workshops in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. Bacteria were isolated and characterized using pour plate technique and standard biochemical tests. Bacterial strains identified were screened for biosurfactant production using blood haemolysis test, drop collapse test, oil spreading test and foaming activity .accordingly. Of the forty five bacteria isolated and characterized. 60% were Gram-negative (27 strains) while (40%) were Gram-positive (18strains). Bacillus spp (24%) was the most dominant isolate followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22%), Staphylococcus aureus (16%), Serratia marcescens (11%), Escheriachia coli (11%), Enterobacter aerogenes (9%) and Proteus mirabilis (7%) was the least. Results for biosurfactant screening showed that 69% of the isolates displayed haemolytic activity, 67% were positive for the drop collapse test, 75% were positive for the oil spread test and 36 % showed high foaming activities Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus spp showed high positive values in all the tests conducted. These organisms can be employed for future environmental friendly uses in bioremediation of oil contaminated environment.
Keywords: Biosurfactant, Oil contaminated soil, Automobile workshop

Abstract: In order to utilize phosphorus and other nutrients efficiently, monogastric animals require an exogenous supply of phytase to hydrolyze phytate present in feed. However, the stability and efficacy of phytase may be grossly compromised in the event of non compliance by veterinary marts and farmers to storage directives from manufacturers. To overcome this challenge, it is envisaged that live phytaseproducing microorganisms may be used as feed supplement. The aim of this study was to screen some phytase-producing bacteria strains for pathogenicity, and thereafter evaluate the antimicrobial sensitivity and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) tolerance of selected strain in vitro. Four phytase-producing bacteria strains previously isolated from top soils from Lagos dumpsites, and identified as Enterobacter cloacae ODS 29, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ODS 33, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FDS 10 and Bacillus subtilis FDS 16 (MH879829, MH879830, MH879831 and MH879832 respectively) were screened for pathogenic ability by microbiological methods. Pathogen-negative strain was evaluated for susceptibility against ten standard antimicrobials over 24 h and thereafter evaluated for tolerance to GIT conditions (pH 1-4 over 2 h, bile concentrations 0.1 to 2% (w/v) over 5 h, gastric juice over 6 h and simulated GIT condition over 4 h respectively). Results of pathogen test revealed only Enterobacter cloacae ODS 29 as non pathogenic strain of bacteria. Evaluation of its sensitivity to various antimicrobials revealed susceptibility to all ten antimicrobials. Result of GIT tolerance showed E. cloacae ODS 29 to survive pH < 2, bile concentration 2% (w/v), gastric juice and simulated GIT conditions. As such, E. cloacae ODS 29 is considered safe and having potential for probiotic use as feed supplement.
Keywords: Antimicrobial sensitivity, E. cloacae, GIT condition, Hemolysin, Phytase.

Abstract: A study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi among 300 patients attending selected health care centres in Lafia, Nasarawa State Nigeria. Demographic data of patients were collected via semi-structured questionnaire. Bacterial isolates from stool samples collected from patients were identified using standard biochemical and serotyping methods. Stool samples of 17 (5.70%) patients tested positive for Salmonella Typhi, and strains having the somatic O antigen were more prevalent (88.24%) than those with the flagellar H antigen (11.76%). Higher prevalence of Salmonella Typhi was observed in females (7.05%) compared to males (4.17%), and in adults (5.74%) compared to children (5.50%). Prevalence was also higher in singles (7.39%) compared to married (4.00%) and in non-literate patients (11.91%) compared to literates (4.65%). Higher prevalence values were observed among retirees (50%) compared to civil servants (5.81%), private sector workers (5.17%) and unemployed (5.20%). Higher prevalence values were observed among semi-urban dwellers (8.80%) compared to urban dwellers (3.19%) and rural dwellers (5.56%). The major source of drinking water of patients was bore hole (85.67%). There was no significant association between all demographic categories of patients under investigation and infection by Salmonella Typhi (P > 0.05). Improved personal hygiene, supply of potable drinking water, targeted vaccination, and regular screening and licensing of public food and water vendors, are recommended for the control of typhoid fever caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, in the studied area.
Keywords: Health care centres, Prevalence, Patients, Risk factors, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi.

Abstract: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a serious global threat. Thus, this research focused on plasmid profile and prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from patients in Abakaliki, Nigeria. A total of 454 clinical specimens were obtained and screened for presence of beta-lactamase and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus using nitrocefin sticks; oxacillin and cefoxitin antibiotic disc. Antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates were determined using disc diffusion method according to Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute. Plasmid profiles were analyzed using agarose gel electrophoresis. A total of 41 beta-lactamase producing and 36 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were detected from the specimens with percentage prevalence’s of 23.0 and 20.2 respectively. The isolates were highly resistant to cefoxitin (60.9% to 73.0%), cloxacillin (67.6% to 78.0%), cefotaxime (36.4% to 73.9%) and ceftazidime (32.4% to 52.2%). The isolates had very high percentage susceptibility range to ciprofloxacin (77.1 to 91.3), ofloxacin (79.7 to 87.0) and gentamicin (64.4 to 65.2). All strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were susceptible to vancomycin. Different antibiotic resistance patterns were recorded among the S. aureus to other antibiotics. The presence of multiple plasmid DNA was in 32 (18.0 %) clinical isolates. This study reported significant prevalence of MRSA, multiple plasmids and beta-lactamase producing S. aureus in clinical specimens. Thus, a serious global problem and public health threat that calls for a strict measure in the choice of drugs used in the treatment of illnesses.
Keywords: Plasmid profile; Prevalence; MRSA; Patients

Abstract: Microbiological safety of sachet water remains a public health problem in Nigeria. This study was aimed at investigating some packaged sachet water sold in Abeokuta, South-West Nigeria for the microbiological safety including some of the enteric viruses on contaminant candidate list. Sachet water samples from five different producers were obtained over three month’s period. Bacterial and fungal analyses were conducted with standard culture method. Targeted protozoans were investigated by microscopic examination of sediments obtained after centrifugation. Nested and semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques targeting specific genes in adenovirus, norovirus and rotavirus were used for viral analyses. Results were presented in presence-absence score. Contingency table was used to establish relationship between viruses, Escherichia coli and protozoans. Out of a total twenty pooled samples analysed, adenovirus had a prevalence rate of 10% across the study period, whereas rotavirus and norovirus were absent. Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts were also absent. Escherichia coli was present in 40% of the brands. Other bacteria identified were Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, Shigella dysentariae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Aspergillus sp, Mucor and Rhizopus sp. were present in some samples collected. Adenovirus was detected by PCR in a pooled sample of sachet water that tested negative for Escherichia coli, Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts. There is need for microbiological screening of sachet water periodically in order to enhance public health safety.
Keywords: Adenovirus, Fungi, Norovirus, Protozoans, Rotavirus, Sachet water

Abstract: Enzymes are increasingly being used in different industrial processes globally as a result of their extreme efficiency and highly specific bio-catalytic activities. Pectinases are among the most important industrial enzymes and their demand is increasing by the day hence the need to search for cheap and readily available sources of the enzyme. Therefore, this study was undertaken with the aim of isolating and screening mould species from soil for pectinase production. Isolation of pectinolytic moulds was carried out using the spread plate method. Screening of the isolates for their pectinolytic activity was done by culturing on Pectinase Screening Agar Medium (PSAM) and flooding with iodine-potassium iodide solution. Six (6) fungal species; Aspergillus niger, Monilia sitophila, Sclerotium rolfsii, Penicillium spp, Cladiosporium spp and Curvularia spp were isolated. Sclerotium rolfsii, had the highest pectin hydrolysis zone (35 mm) upon screening. It was concluded that Sclerotium rolfsii isolated from botanical garden in Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria has potential for pectinase production
Keywords: Pectinolytic Moulds, Screening, Pectinase, Pectinolytic activity

Abstract: The study was aimed at investigating the antimicrobial activity of Persea americana (Avocado pear) seed extracts on some clinical isolates from urine. Urine samples (500) were collected from patients with urinary tract infection (UTI) from Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, Nigeria. Bacteria and fungi were isolated and identified based on standard techniques. Serratiasp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp., Proteus sp., Salmonella sp., Candida sp. and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were isolated with E.coli and Candida sp observed to have the highest prevalence of 75.0% and71.4% respectively. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of P. americana seeds were screened for phytochemicals. Concentrations of these phytochemicals (g/kg) were observed to be higher in the ethanolic than aqueous extracts. Saponin was identified with the highest concentrations of 5.08 ±0.20 and 0.6±0.12 while tannin the lowest of 0.40±0.1 and 0.15±0.20 in ethanolic and aqueous extracts respectively. Antimicrobial assays revealed that all the isolates except Proteus sp. and Serratia sp. were susceptible to the ethanolic extracts of P. americana while all the organisms were resistant to the various concentrations of the aqueous extract. This finding recommends further study on the use of P. Americana seeds as a potential antimicrobial agent in formulation of drugs for the treatment of UTIs.
Keywords: Antibiotic resistance, Persea americana,Fungi, Bacteria, Plant Extracts and Antimicrobial

Abstract: Malaria is a significant public health problem, especially in developing countries including Nigeria. It has caused the morbidity and death of millions of people; especially pregnant women and children under the age of five years in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of malaria and haemoglobin genotypes among patients attending selected hospitals in the three senatorial districts of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Blood samples were collected from 300 consenting participants and screened for malaria parasites using microscopy. Relevant information was obtained by administration of structured questionnaire. Associations were determined using Chi-square, and P≤0.05 was considered significant. The prevalence of malaria was higher in General Hospital Kafanchan (30%) which is located in Kaduna South Senatorial District, compared to the Hospitals in Kaduna North and Kaduna Central Senatorial Districts (P=0.062). The age group ≤10 (31.3%) had the highest malaria prevalence, the least prevalence was found in the age group ≥41 (9.1%). The difference was statistically significant (P=0.029). The educational status and occupation of participants were not significantly associated with malaria (P<0.05). The high prevalence of malaria in the age group ≤10 may be associated with lower immunity to malaria. Malaria interventions should therefore pay special attention to this group. The percentage of Plasmodium falciparum malaria was higher among persons with HbAA than those with HbAS, HbAC and HbS.
Keywords: Blood, Haemoglobin, Kaduna, Malaria, Prevalence.

Abstract: Fowl cholera caused by Pasteurella multocida is a signifant threat to the poultry industry that hampers profit margin for poultry production. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and serotypes of P. multocida among deep litter and free-range chickens in Vom, Nigeria. A total of 200 cloacal swabs, comprising of 100 each from healthy deep litter and free-range chickens were aseptically collected for the isolation of P. multocida by standard isolating procedures. Biotyping, capsular and somatic serotyping of the isolates was carried out by sugar fermentation test, hyaluronic acid test and agar gel diffusion precipitin test respectively. The prevalence of P. multocida in deep litter and free-range chickens was 7% and 4% respectively. All the isolates from deep litter and free-range were P. multocida as confirmed by the detection of KMT1 sequence using PM-PCR and were subsp. multocida and subsp. septica by sugar fermentation test. Capsular type A and somatic type 4 were detected among 6 out of 7 from deep litter isolates, while one remained untypeable using both the capsular and the somatic typing methods. All the isolates (n=4) from freerange chickens remained untypeable by both methods used in this study. This study elucidates the importance of periodic epidemiological survey for P. multocida in different chicken management system in other to understand the nature of the causative organism in terms of capsular and somatic types so that it may be incorporated in the fowl cholera vaccine production
Keywords: Pasteurella multocida, chicken, fowl cholera, cloacal swab, biotyping, serogrouping

Abstract: The emergence of quinolone resistance among Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi is a growing concern in the treatment and management of typhoid fever especially in developing countries. The quinolone resistance is attributed to point mutation in GyrA gene of the organism. This study was aimed at identifying the occurrence of point mutation in the GyrA gene of Salmonella Typhi from some parts of Adamawa state. Results from the study showed that only 30% of the isolates from the study area were susceptibly to ciprofloxacin while 45% demonstrated reduced susceptibility to it. Two isolates S. Typhi MUB34 and S. Typhi GMB 1 bored plasmids coding for resistance to nalidixic acid. BLAST sequence analysis of the GyrA gene with reference S. Typhi isolate from the NCBI website revealed that 14 (56%) of the isolates had point mutations at position 83-serine while 6 (24%) had mutation at position 87. Further observation of the mutation pattern indicated that 12 (48%) of isolates had single point mutation at position ser 83 while 4(16%) had double mutation at points 83 and 87 of QRDR of gyrA gene. The remaining isolates had no point mutations in the gyrA gene at either position 83 or 87. The mutation observed in the QRDR of GyrA gene of Salmonella enterica Typhi will mean that the selection of fluoroquinolones for treatment of S. Typhi in the study area must be done with caution to avoid treatment failure. This is because the presence of single mutation in the Gyr A gene is associated with reduced susceptibility to quinolone antibiotic while double mutation confers resistance to quinolones.
Keywords: Quinolone, GyrA gene, Resistant, Mutation Salmonella serovar Typhi

Abstract: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major disease burden on the world and man is the only known natural host of HCV. HCV infection depends on age, sex, and immune-competence at the time of infection. In most immuno-competent adults, 75% to 85% develop chronic HCV infection. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) increases the pathological effect of HCV infection and potentiates the reactivation of latent hepatitis infections due tolowered immunity. About 10% of HIV-positive individuals are HCV antibody carriers. The present study aimed at determines the HCV/HIV co-infection among patients attending Antiretroviral clinic of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria. One hundred and eighty (180)known HIV-positive are screened for the presence of HCV infection using HCV antibody Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit according to the manufacturer’s instructions for qualitative detection in plasma. Of the 180 subject screened for HCV, an overall prevalence of 5 (2.8%) were found. Subject aged 41 – 50 years had the highest seroprevalence (5.6%), followed by those aged 0 – 20 years (4.4%) and least seroprevalence was among those aged 21 – 30 and >50 years (0.0%). The highest seroprevalence was obtained among the subject with CD4 cell count of 0 – 200cell/mm³ and those on antiretroviral therapy for about 1 – 5 years. The finding of this study suggested that all HIV-positive should be routinely screened for HCV since about 10% of HIV-positive are HCV carriers and a decline in CD4⁺ cell counts will increase the chance of developing chronic HCV infection.
Keywords: Hepatitis C virus, HIV-positive, ELISA, Co-infection, Liver.

Abstract: Bacillus species were isolated from Ugba produced from naturally fermented African oil bean seed. Proximate composition of the traditional Ugba and Ugba produced using controlled fermentation was carried out at different fermentation time (0hr, 24hr, 48hr, 72hr) and the results showed that the moisture content ranges from 53.66% ± 0.00% and 58.50 ± 0.10%, the ash content ranges from 0.56% ± 0.04 to 2.73% ± 0.01, the protein content ranges from 13.56% ± 0.04 to 15.30% ± 0.01, the fat content ranges from 3.51% ± 0.01 to 4.15% ± 0.05b, the crude fibre ranges from 12.70% ± 0.01 to 14.36% ± 0.20 and the carbohydrate content ranges from 4.96% ± 0.04 to 13.93 ± 0.01. Proximate analysis assay of the products showed that there was significant difference between the pure cultured Ugba and traditional Ugba at different fermentation time (0 hr, 24 hr, 48 hr, 72 hr).Microbial analysis was carried out on the unpreserved ‘Ugba’ for 4weeks. Using standard microbiological procedures, the following Bacillus species were isolated; Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus megaterium. However, fermentation period was reduced from 72 hr to 48 hr using the two isolates as mixed culture for the fermentation process. Shelflife studies of the samples using 10% brine solution showed that the preserved Ugbaand the unpreserved Ugba were significantly different in terms of their keeping quality (6 weeks and 5 days respectively). The unpreserved sample lost its colour, taste, texture and aroma after 5 days while the preserved sample maintained its sensory attributes even after six weeks of storage under room temperature.
Keywords: Fermented African oil bean seed, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, proximate composition.

Abstract: Assessments of heavy metals and microbial contaminations of vegetables cannot be overemphasized as vegetables are important components of human diet. Intake of heavy metalcontaminated vegetables poses high risk to human health. Heavy metal concentrations and microbial contamination in twelve (12) most consumed vegetables Talinum triangulare, Telfairia occidentalis, Vernomia amygdalina, Amaranthus hybridus, Ocimum gratissimum, Celosia argentea, Taraxacum officinale, Piper guineense, Lactuna sativa, Gnetum africanum, Gongronema latifolium, and Pterocarpus mildraedii was carried out using standard laboratory procedures. Antibiotic susceptibility testing against 6 structurally unrelated antibiotics (clindamycin, cefoxitin, cloxacillin, gentamycin, erythromycin and ciprofloxacin) were done on the isolates obtained using disk diffusion method. Total of 36 bacteria isolates were obtained comprising of Staphylococcus aureus (12, 33.3%), Bacillus spp. (23, 63.9%), Micrococcus spp. (1, 2.80%) which were identified based on cultural and biochemical identification. Twenty three Fungal isolates involving Aspergillus acelatus (7, 30.43%), A. fumigatus (7, 30.43%), A. niger (5, 21.74%) and Penicillium Spp (4, 17.40%) were identified based on cultural and fungal staining technique. The overall number of susceptibility for ciprofloxacin (72%), erythromycin (61%) and gentamicin (50%) were recorded. Antibiotic resistance were recorded for clindamycin (66%), cloxacillin (61%) and cefoxitin (45%). The heavy metals concentration on the examined vegetables were above WHO acceptable limit of 0.3mg/kg, 0.2mg/kg and 1.30mg/kg for Pb, Cd and Cr respectively. The bacteria isolated harbored antibiotic resistance mechanisms against antibiotics which calls for urgent measures to minimize all possible routes for contaminations
Keywords: Heavy metals, bacteria and fungal contamination, vegetables.

Abstract: Escherichia coli is one of the major bacterial entropathogens of public health concerns that cause food-borne diseases, thereby contributing to increased human morbidity and mortality. This study was aimed at isolating and characterizing multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates from both local and agric litter samples from selected poultry farms in Kano state. Questionnaire was administered to obtain information such as the size of the poultry farm, types of birds and mode of litter disposal from poultry farmers. A total of 10 samples of litter were aseptically collected 5 each from agric and local poultry farms. Bacteriological investigation on 10 isolates from local and broiler chicken litters for occurrence of E. coli was carried out by isolation through culture and identification using biochemical techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the disc diffusion method. In broiler farms, four out of five (80%) of participating farmers gave antibiotics for prophylaxis. The prevalence of E. coli was 90%. All E. coli isolates were multidrug resistant. The highest frequencies of resistance by E. coli were recorded for septrin (Co-trimoxazole), amoxicillin and chloramphenicol (90-100%).The presence of multidrug resistance was exhibited by all E. coli isolates (MAR. index; 0.6-0.9) which may be a high use of antimicrobials in poultry farms. Contamination of chicken litter may be an underestimated source of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) transmission towards animals, humans and the environment with multidrug resistant E. coli. Therefore, continued surveillance in chicken litter proliferation as local manure would enable monitoring of AMR risks and trends.
Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, E. coli, multidrug resistant, poultry litter

Abstract: This study was carried out to determine the effect of different cooking methods on the proximate analysis and total microbial content ofUgba, using standard microbiological, proximate and phytochemical methods. Microbiological analysis revealed a progressive increase in the total heterotropic bacteria count and coliform count, from zero hour to the 72 hr for treated samples A,B,C,D. Staphylococcal count revealed almost a similar trend, except that no organism was isolated in treated sample B from zero to 24 hours. Proximate analysis revealed that the moisture content, ash content, crude protein content and crude fat content increased as the fermentation progressed. While the crude fiber and carbohydrate decreased as the fermentation progresses. Sensory evaluation revealed a change in the colour, taste, aroma and texture of the respective samples as the fermentation progresses. However, sample B was the most preferred, followed by sample A in terms of overall acceptability. The result of this study shows that sample A and B were most preferred, and also contains high amount of protein which is highly desired to supplement the nutritional requirement of the populace.
Keywords: Coliform count, Ugba, Microbial load, proximate composition.

Abstract: Fungi like Trichophyton species have been implicated in economic loss in the livestock industry. Spread of this organism from one animal to the other and its zonotic nature necessitates this study. The aim of the study was to isolate and identify Trichophyton verrucosum from horses. The study was conducted in the Michael Okpara university farm. Three different sample types from 4 horses were used for the study and these include fecal, blood and skin scrappings. Floatation technique, hematological analysis and serum biochemistry test and Needle mount test were used. Phenotypically, the horses were emaciated with prominent rib cage at the left and right flank of the thoracic vertebrae, areas of alopecia on the left flank of the ventral lumbar vertebrae of the hind limb and ball and socket joint of the femur. The heart rate was high at an average of 67beats/min. There were no endoparasites (eggs, larvae and adult worms) detected in the feaces, low pack cell volume (28%), absence of monocytes, high aminotransferase (AST) at 612µ/L, high creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Ectoparasites (ticks and mites) were absent. Biochemically, T. verrucosum hydrolyses urea. Macroscopically, the texture of the growth organism was waxy and cottony with white coloration. Microscopically, septate, conidospore, macroconidia, microconidia were visible and the arrangement of the chlamydospores was remarkable and used for identification of T. verrucosum.
Keywords: T. verrucosum, equine, endoparasites, ectoparasites, hemanalysis, and serum biochemistry.

Abstract: There is increasing concern about the public health risks associated with routine and indiscriminate use of antibacterial agents in raising livestock worldwide. Our study investigated the antibiotics resistance of bacterial isolates obtained from four poultry farms located in a commercial livestock farm settlement in Ilara-Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria. The antibiotic resistance pattern of readily available and commonly used antibiotics against 92 bacterial strains isolated from the selected farms was determined by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of antibiotics for the bacterial isolates were determined by a standard two-fold serial broth microdilution method using Mueller–Hinton broth. The results showed high resistance values to ampiclox (97.5%), amoxicillin and zinacef (95.1%), augmentin (94.1%), and streptomycin (82.2%). Multiple drug resistance (MDR) was observed for both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial isolates at 86.3% and 90.2% respectively. Also, 24 (26.4%) of the bacterial isolates were completely resistant to all tested antibiotics in the study. The majority of identified bacterial isolates were Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Micrococcus luteus. All the antibiotics used in this study showed high MICs values against the test bacterial isolates. Our findings have added to existing evidence that poultry farms habour antibiotic resistance bacteria (ARB). These ARB may pose a public health risk as they may be pathogenic to humans and animals and also contribute to the flow of antibiotic resistance genes in the ecosystem. Hence, there is the need to avoid the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in poultry farming, especially as growth promoters.
Keywords: Poultry farms; Antibiotics; Antibiotic Resistance; Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria (ARB).

Abstract: This study investigated the production of bioethanol from sugarcane bagasse in an optimized condition. Optimization of production medium helps to maximise metabolite yield. The capacity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to ferment wort derived from sugarcane bagasse, an agricultural waste, in optimized conditions to produce bioethanol, was studied. A box-behnken design of five factors (substrate weight, temperature, inoculum size, pH, incubation time) and three levels was adopted to improve production efficiency. The substrate was subjected to physical and biological pretreatments to obtain simple sugars. Cellulase enzyme was used to breakdown the substrate to simpler sugars. Alcoholic fermentation was done using S. cerevisiae for six days. Brix content was measured before and during the fermentation process, as well as alcohol content after fermentation. Response surface plots of the factors were plotted. The results showed that brix value ranged from 2.3 ^oBx to 3.9 ^oBx while bioethanol production ranged from 1.38g/l to 2.35g/l. At optimal conditions of pH 6, temperature of 40^oC, inoculum size of 4, substrate weight of 10g and fermentation time of 72h, predicted ethanol yield will be 4.23g/l. Sugarcane bagasse is a good substrate for bioethanol production. 4.23g/l of bioethanol was realised with optimization of the fermentation medium.
Keywords: Sugarcane bagasse, Bioethanol, Brix, Optimization, Response Surface Methodology