Published Articles

Abstract: Soil contamination by spent engine oil from mechanical parts of machines is a growing concern in many countries. Biostimulation of contaminated soil with agro-waste like Citrullus lanatus (water melon) and Citrus sinensi (orange) peels offers an environmentally friendly and cost-effective method for remediating the contaminated soil. In this study, biostimualtion of 200g soil contaminated with 20 ml spent engine oil was enhanced using water melon peel (WP), orange peel (OP) and water melon and orange peels compost (WP+OP). This was undertaken for a period of 56 days under room condition. The result showed that the hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria (HUB) counts obtained from the nutrient-treated sample when compared with those from the oil-amended-untreated were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The presence of Micrococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus spp., Klebsiella spp. and Proteus spp. were detected after amendment with watermelon and orange peels agro-wastes from the contaminated soil. The result also showed that amendment with 40g orange peels had higher percentage degradation (75%) compared to the watermelon peels (56%). The half-life (t½) of the amended soil sample treated with combined agro-waste was observed to be 8.45 days as compared to 9 days and 10.66 days observed after individual treatments with orange and watermelon peels respectively. This study has proven that water melon and orange peel samples have stimulating potential in the biodegradation of spent engine oil from the contaminated soil.
Keywords: Agro-wastes, biostimulation, contaminated soil, spent engine oil

Abstract: Good manufacturing practices (GMP) refers to an international set of regulations devised for implementation in the food and drug manufacturing industries to ensure safety of products. It requires documentation and periodic verification and it is enforced by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria. The application of good manufacturing practices in a food industry is therefore very necessary for the production of safe food. Good manufacturing practice is a prerequisite program that involve basic operational conditions and procedures. They include, correct construction and layout of the food premises, adequate maintenance of equipment and machinery used in processing, effective pest control program, quality control of raw materials and ingredients, storage and delivery. They also involve procedures such as employee training and personal hygiene, cleaning and sanitation, record keeping, traceability and recall. Good manufacturing practice is a fundamental management tool that should be applied in every quality system.
Keywords: Food; Good Manufacturing Practices; Hazard; Safety

Abstract: Wastewater samples were collected from cocoa processing plant effluent in Ondo, Nigeria. Lipase-producing bacteria were isolated and screened from the effluent. Four bacterial isolates showed lipolytic activities and were assessed both qualitatively (agar plate cultures) using tributyrin agar and quantitatively (liquid cultures) using olive oil as sole carbon and energy source. The bacterium with the highest lipase activity was selected, identified by biochemical methods and using molecular techniques. The optimization of the production medium for maximum production and lipase activity were carried out. Lipase activity was assayed by a spectrophotometric method. The absorbance of p-Nitrophenol released was measured at 410 nm. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed the bacteria with the highest lipase activity to be Brevundimonas diminuta. Maximum enzyme production was obtained when the medium was incubated for 72 h (35.85± 0.5 U/ml) at temperature of 35°C and maintained at pH 7.5. Olive oil (with 30.00 ± 4.09 U/ml) and peptone (with 47.33 ± 1.26 U/ml) were found to be the most suitable substrate for maximum enzyme production. The organism also utilized the effluent (with 4.78 ± 0.16 U/ml) as carbon source. The study concluded that cocoa processing plant effluent contain substrate that makes it a renewable source for the production of microbial lipase.
Keywords: Brevundimonas dimunita; Cocoa; Effluent; Lipase

Abstract: Gradually human race is progressing to the era of using plant derived medication such as phytomedicines to treat, prevent infectious diseases and solve problem of resistant strains. Several plants possess some biomolecules that could be antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, plant extract that performs preventive and therapeutic roles through modulation of biological activities. However, Allium sativum and Zingiber officinale plants can be employed for this purpose. This study was carried out to investigate the in vitro antibacterial activity of aqueous extract of garlic cloves and ginger rhizomes on resistant isolates from chicken abattoir. Isolation of resistant organism from chicken dressing water and slaughter equipment was done using spread plate and streaking methods. The recovered isolates were exposed to a panel of eight antibiotics using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. The identity of the resistant strains was done using standard biochemical and molecular techniques. Disc and agar well diffusion method were used to test antimicrobial efficacy of aqueous extracts of garlic cloves and ginger rhizomes resistant isolates. E. coli (90%) was the predominant organism isolated while Vibrio spp (50%), Salmonella spp (50%), Shewanella spp (30%), Klebsiella spp (20%), Aeromonas spp (20%), and Providencia spp (10%) with high percentage of multiple antibiotic resistance of 87.5% above. Maximum zone of inhibition at 0.1 concentrations is 8mm-18mm for ginger and 10mm-16mm for garlic on resistant organism tested. In conclusion, ginger and garlic have active metabolites that possess antimicrobials capacity against resistant organisms associated with chicken slaughtering and its dressing water. Therefore, it is advisable to include ginger and garlic to cooking of chicken to serve as both spices to cooking chicken and therapeutic to infections caused by resistant strains associated with chicken.
Keywords: Allium sativum, Zingiber officinale, resistant organisms, zone of inhibition

Abstract: Akamu, is produced by spontaneous fermentation of maize grains by mixed microbial activities. It is consumed by adults and children as breakfast meals and also serves as a weaning diet especially for the low income earners. This work aimed at producing akamu from White and Yellow maize grains determining the effect of processing methods (Changed and unchanged steep water) on the nutrient status of the akamu. White and yellow varieties of maize grains purchased from local sellers at Ubani Main Market, Umuahia, Abia State were sorted, washed and steeped in rain water in two sets for spontaneous fermentation for 48 hrs. For one set, the steep water was not changed throughout the period of fermentation while for the other set, the steep water was changed every 24 hrs. 1ml of the steep water from each set-up was serially diluted every 24 hrs and 0.1 ml aliquots of appropriate dilution was inoculated by spread plate method on suitable media. Plates for the isolation of bacteria were incubated at at 35^oC for 24 hrs while the plates for isolation of fungi were incubated at 22^oC for 5 days. The isolates were characterized and identified using standard procedures. The pH, Titratable acidity and temperature were also determined every 24 hrs. The proximate composition namely moisture, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, ash and carbohydrate were determined using standard methods. The bacterial isolates are Lactobacillus species, L. plantarum, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aurues while the fungal isolates include Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Mucor alternaria and Aspergillus flavus. At the end of the fermentation, only the bacteria: Lactobacillus species, L. plantarum, Bacillus subtilis and the yeast: Saccharomyces cerevisiae were isolated from the akamu. The crude protein (9.25 and 9.23), carbohydrate (75.30 and 74.80) and fibre (3.15 and 3.22) of the akamu produced from the unchanged water samples were significantly higher than those from the changed water samples for both yellow and white maize samples respectively. This research shows that akamu produced from unchanged steep water has higher carbohydrate, protein and fibre contents than that made from changed steep water. It’s also higher in acidity than its counterpart. No significant difference in the microbial and proximate composition of akamu was recorded between the two varieties of maize used.
Keywords: Akamu, maize varieties, fermentation, microorganisms, proximate composition

Abstract: One of the drawbacks of land application of digestate is the possibility to contaminate the environment with potentially pathogenic, virulent and antibiotic resistant bacteria. The present study examined specifically the occurrence of virulence markers, haemolytic patterns and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of putative bacterial pathogens encountered during anaerobic digestion of manure before possible land application. Digestates collected from lab-scale semi-batch type anaerobic digesters were evaluated for the detection and occurrence of virulent and antibiotic resistant bacterial pathogens using standard microbiological methods. A total of 75 bacterial isolates were identified from poultry and goat manure samples, which belonged to 10 genera consisting of 40 (53.3 %) gram-positive bacteria (GPB) and 35 (46.7 %) gram-negative bacteria (GNB). Out of the 75 bacterial isolates from both samples, Clostridium sp, B. subtilis and E. coli had the highest frequency of occurrence 10 (13.3 %) each, closely followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 8 (10.6 %) each, Staphylococcus aureus 7(9.33 %), Vibrio cholerae and Salmonella sp 6(8.00 %) each, while E. faecium and Shigella sp had the least frequency of occurrences 5(6.66 %) each. The percentage occurrence of virulence attributes among encountered isolates were: 54.7% lecithinase; 56.0% gelatinase; 42.6% caseinase, and 52.0% amylase while haemolysin production were 35.0%, 29.3% and 36% for α-, β- and γ- haemolysis respectively. Among them, Bacillus species and Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited more virulence determinants. The susceptibility pattern of GPB and GNB showed 100 % sensitivity to ciprofloxacin, however, GPB displayed varied level of 100 % sensitivity to a single antibiotics ranging from two (2) antibiotics in S. aureus to eight (8) antibiotics each in B. subtilis and Clostridium sp. The survival and persistence of potentially pathogenic and virulent bacteria with antibiotic resistance traits is of public health significance. Hence, the need for continuous monitoring and microbiological evaluation of anaerobic digestate is highly recommended before application on arable land.
Keywords: Virulence determinants, antibiogram, digestate, pathogens, occurrence, manure

Abstract: The relevance of environmental surfaces in the conservation and dissemination of Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria in hospital setting is fast becoming undisputable. Hence, the need for hygiene checks to affirm their status. This study was aimed at examining antibiotic resistance (AR) and carriage of ESBL and AmpC beta-lactamases in Enterobacteriaceae isolated from selected hospital floors in a General hospital. Swab samples were taken from the phlebotomy, children, male surgical wards, theatre and a staff common room floors post cleaning and disinfection. Isolation and biochemical characterization were done according to conventional microbiological methods. The susceptibility of isolated organisms to antibiotics was determined using disc diffusion technique. Phenotypic screening for ESBL and AmpC was done using the double disc technique. A total of 131 isolates belonging to five genera of clinical importance were isolated. Klebsiella spp. was most recovered genera, and from phlebotomy. Antibiotic resistance ranged between 3.8% to ciprofloxacin and 87.7% to ampicillin. Three isolates (2 Klebsiella and 1 E. coli) from the phlebotomy were resistant to 9 out of 10 test antibiotics. Sixtyseven isolates in this study were multiple drug resistant (MDR) to at least three unrelated antibiotic classes. Extended spectrum-β-lactamase activity was detected in 32 (24.4%) of the total isolates. AmpC β-lactamase was not detected in any of the isolates. Eighty and sixty percent of sampled disinfected floors were found to be reservoir of multiple-drug resistant and ESBL-producing bacteria respectively. Such hygiene failure is a serious concern for public health.
Keywords: Antibiotic resistance, Enterobacteriaceae, ESBL, Hospital floor

Abstract: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most well-known pathogens today. Despite recent declines in its prevalence in some areas, MRSA remains a significant clinical concern with a high rate of morbidity and death. As a result of antibiotic use in the clinic, methicillin-resistant S. aureus has arisen (MRSA). Throughout the last few decades, new MRSA clones have been discovered. Unlike traditional MRSA, which is only seen in hospitals, the new clones can spread throughout the community and infect people with no known risk factors. This pattern will continue to emerge as the MRSA reservoir in companion and food animals increases. The aim of this review was to conduct a literature evaluation of basic and clinical MRSA research, with an emphasis on epidemiology, evolution, and S. aureus virulence factors. The study goes on to explain how molecular techniques have been used to classify methicillin resistance determinants as well as their evolutionary history.
Keywords: Methicillin resistant, Staphylococcus aureus, Infection, epidemiology, History, evolution

Abstract: Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile of Bacterial Isolated from Wound Sepsis Patients was study. The study aimed at assessing the antibiotic susceptibility of some bacteria isolated from wound sepsis of patients attending Immanuel General Hospital Eket. Random sampling technique was employed in this study. One hundred (100) wound swabs were obtained and cultured on Blood agar and MacConkey agar. Most Bacterial isolates from the wound were susceptible to most of the antibiotics with few of them being resistant. The prevalence of bacteria isolated from wound swabs were Staphylococcus aureus (42.8%), Escherichia coli (14.3%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14.3%), Streptococcus pyogenes (11.4%), Klebsiella pneumoniae, (8.6%) and Proteus sp. (8.6%). The percentage susceptibility results showed that Staphylococcus aureus was highly susceptible to Rifampicin (96%), Streptomycin (92%) and Levofloxacin (88%). Streptococcus pyogenes, exhibited 100% susceptibility to Ciprofloxacin, Chloramphenicol and Levofloxacin but strongly resisted Amoxicillin (75%). Escherichia coli showed high susceptibility to Septrin (90%), Augmentin (90%), Tarivid (80%) and Nalidixic acid (70%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus spp. isolates were resistant to Ciprofloxacin, Gentamycin. Klebsiella pneumoniae showed resistance to Ciprofloxacin (75%), Augmentin (75%) and Streptomycin (62%). The demographic factor; sex, age, occupation, area of domicile of patients was associated with the occurrence of bacteria from the wound sepsis. The frequency of single and multiple drug resistance is highly alarming and is a growing threat to the control of infectious diseases globally.
Keywords: Antibiotic, Susceptibility, Bacteria, Wound Sepsis

Abstract: Chicken feathers are usually difficult to degrade due to their hard keratinous nature. Their inadequate methods of disposal have brought about environmental problems and loss of possible essential amino acids. Keratinases produced by bacteria including Bacillus spp. could be used to alleviate most of the disposal problems hence, the need to optimize the submerged fermentation process for maximum keratinase production from Bacillus cereus 35 was crucial. The Bacillus cereus 35 was isolated and identified previously using spread plate method and was subjected to various submerged fermentation process parameters assay for maximum keratinase production through one-factor-at-a-time method. The Bacillus cereus 35 keratinase was produced optimally with 1% inoculum concentration at 30ºC for 8 days in a fermentation medium of pH 8.0 containing 1% whole chicken feather and 0.1% casein as carbon and nitrogen sources. A higher keratinase yield (111.2%) was achieved after optimization when compared to the pre-optimization yield. The result indicates that the assessed fermentation parameters positively influenced the keratinase production by Bacillus cereus 35.
Keywords: Fermentation, Keratinase, Optimization, Bacillus cereus 35.

Abstract: Aeromonas has been implicated as the most common bacterial disease in farm animals. In Ebonyi State, Nigeria, these infections and their adverse effects on public health have not been well investigated. The study detects the presence of Aeromonas species from Piggery Farms and determines the antibiotic resistance profile of the isolates. A total of 50 fresh Pig feacal samples were randomly collected from 25 different piggery farms in various parts of State. Bacterial detection was conducted using cultural methods and biochemical analysis. Susceptibility of the Aeromonas spp to antimicrobials was investigated using the Kirby−Bauer disk diffusion method. The study revealed that the microbial load ranges from 5.8±2.2x10⁶ CFU/mL to 22.0±9.6x10⁶ CFU/mL across the locations. The isolates showed 100% resistance to amoxicillin and cefuroxime followed by cefotaxine (90%), tobramycin (80%), ceftazidine (70%), meropenem (60%), The isolates are more susceptible to imipenem (90%), followed by cefepime (60%). All the isolates were resistant to at least three classes of antimicrobials, and had a multiple antibiotic resistance index score between 0.5 and 0.9. The study demonstrated that pig farms are potential public health threat as they are found to be contaminated with high bacterial load of Aeromonas spp which exhibited resistance to some of the life-saving antibiotics. The study advocates good management practices and successful control approaches to protect consumers and to minimize the risk of drug resistance.
Keywords: Antibiotics, Susceptibility, Aeromonas spp, Piggery Farms

Abstract: Palm oil industry is currently a world leader in the supply of oils and fats which constitutes one of the major sectors of the highest economic importance in Nigeria. This study investigates the lipolytic activity of microorganisms isolated from palm oil processing cottage industries in Ekiti State. Soil samples were taken from a depth of 10 – 15 cm in six different locations within Ekiti State, Nigeria. Microorganisms were isolated from the effluents and identified using standard microbiological techniques and molecular characterization. The microbial isolates were screened for lipase production using modified mineral salt medium in submerged fermentation. Lipase production by the isolates was assessed by halo zone of clearance on nutrient agar plates after incubation at 37^oC for 24 hours. The strains of molecularly identified bacteria were Pseudomonas aeruginosa AE016853.1; P. syringae CP019871.1and P. putida JQ782512.1. From this study, the microorganisms (P. aeruginosa, P. syringae and P. putida) isolated from the selected palm oil processing sites display high potential of lipase production. The lipase produced from the Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited high lypolytic activities. The POMEs could serve as source of bacteria for the production of lipases of commercial uses.
Keywords: Assessment, Lipolytic activities, Microorganisms, Palm oil

Abstract: Ogoniland has been suffering from severe environmental devastation occasioned by petroleum pollution since the discovery and exploitation for over five decades. This has brought ill-health and untold hardship to the Ogoni people as the farmlands and water were destroyed. The situation is exacerbated by the uncertainties hanging around hope of complete clean-up and prevention of further spills with consequent public health risks implications. The overall effect has been worsened due to neglect by the stakeholders and relevant authorities. This enormous environmental devastation provoked the Ogoni youths into violent protest and clashes with the security agents which led to the stoppage of activities by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in 1992. The situation compelled the relevant authorities to seek a way of attending to the massive environmental devastation in Ogoniland. In Ogoni environments, soil and water are still severely polluted despite several claims of clean-up. Large volume of this pollution occurs as a result of human error with abandoned dilapidated flow stations/oil transport lines, illegal drilling/refining of crude oil and deliberate destruction of oil transport lines. There is deployment of inappropriate remediation strategies and abandoning without the needed monitoring. This review reevaluates the cumulative impacts of crude oil pollution on the Ogoni environments and the people, different clean-up attempts, strategies and the present state of the environment. Generally, work progress at the remediation sites has been judged to be very slow. However, excavation of the affected soil, subsequent transfer to the bio-cell treatment sites and backfilling of treated soil is ongoing at the moment. Therefore, it is hope that the present remediation strategy will completely clean-up Ogoni environments of crude oil pollution, restore life and hope to Ogoni people while appropriate measures are put in place to prevent further oil spills in Ogoniland.
Keywords: Petroleum, Ecosystem, Ogoniland, Pollution, Remediation.

Abstract: Crystal violet is a synthetic triphenylmethane dye that serves as a biological stain which can also be used in dyeing textile materials. It is toxic and remains in the environment for longer periods, as such needs to be treated before discharge. This study was carried out to assess the biosorption potentials of Aspergillus striatus, Bacillus megaterium, Chlorella vulgaris and Fusarium equiseti on crystal violet dye. This was achieved through inoculation of pure cultures of the organisms into the dye solution. The highest percentage biosorption for all the test organisms was obtained at 24 hours after inoculation, with Fusarium equiseti recording 94.7%, Aspergillus striatus, 89.5%, Chlorella vulgaris, 77.1% and Bacillus megaterium, 68.8%. The results indicated no significant difference in dye removal among the four species with Fusarium equiseti having the highest biosorption potential and Bacillus megaterium the least. A multilayer biosorption pattern was predicted as the biosorption process fitted with the Freundlich's isotherm. To avoid further environmental contamination more eco-friendly strategies for generating dye-degrading organisms that can detoxify dyes should be introduced.
Keywords: Aspergillus striatus, Bacillus megaterium, Chlorella vulgaris, Crystal violet, Fusarium equiseti

Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the remediation capability of Pleurotus ostreatus on spent lubricating oil polluted soil. Twenty percent (v/w) lubricating oil was spiked into 100 g of garden soil, inoculated with P. ostreatus pre-grown with sawdust as a substrate. The changes in pH, moisture content, total petroleum hydrocarbon, percentage total organic carbon, nitrate and phosphate concentrations were monitored biweekly for 84 days. Results obtained showed an increase of pH from 6.21 to 6.79. Total petroleum hydrocarbon concentration reduced by 72.5% from 2892.10mg/kg at day 1 to 796.66mg/kg at day 84. The percentage TOC increased by 73.3% from 3.16% to 5.467% while there was decrease in moisture content from 24.81% to 10.80% (56.5% reduction). There was 62% decrease in the concentration of phosphate from 18.80mg/kg to 7.14mg/kg while 5.4% decrease in nitrate concentration from 89.48mg/kg to 84.68mg/kg was observed. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed an overall significant difference between the concentration changes over time at 95% confidence interval. The results of this study proved the capability of P. ostreatus as an effective remediation tool for the recovery of hydrocarbon impacted soil.
Keywords: Mycoremediation, P. ostreatus, Spent, Lubricating, Oil.

Abstract: The Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is an ideal substitute of chemical food preservatives in addition to its pharmacological advantages. The study was aimed to investigate the phytochemical constituents and antibacterial activity of Clove (S. aromaticum) methanol extracts against some food-borne pathogens. Methanol extracts from S. aromaticum buds were prepared, screened for phytochemical constituents and tested for antibacterial activity against four bacterial foodborne pathogens namely Enterobacter spp, Salmonella spp, Escherichia coli, and S. aureus. Phytochemical screening of the methanol extract of S. aromatic revealed the presence of Alkaloids, saponins, tannins, Carbohydrates, glycosides, flavonoids, Anthraquinones and terpenoids. The Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (LCMS) analysis revealed the presence of important metabolites (Neoglucobiase, Chlorogenic acid, Nomilin, Ergosterol and Quassin). Based on the susceptibility of the organisms to the extracts, there was significant difference on the susceptibility of the organisms against the extracts at p < 0.05. Enterobacter spp was found to be the most susceptible organism with an average zone of 22.50±0.41mm, followed by staphylococcus aureus (17.00±0.82 mm), E. coli (8.50±0.41mm), while salmonella spp (6.00±0.00mm) was resistant. The MIC and MBC values of the extracts ranges from 62.5 to 250 µg/ml. These identified metabolites could be responsible for the antibacterial potential observed. Therefore in addition to its role as food additives, Clove (S. aromaticum) can be very useful in drug management against many food-borne pathogens.
Keywords: Antibacterial, Clove, Food-borne pathogens, Phytochemicals, Profile

Abstract: Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Coagulase negative Staphylococci (CoNS) especially Staphylococcus epidermidis cause skin and soft tissue infections that are often challenging to treat. This study determines the antibacterial activity of locally made black soap on MRSA and CoNS isolated from skin and soft tissue infections. Two hundred (200) swab samples were collected from patients with skin/wound infections. Staphylococcus aureus and CoNS were isolated and identified using standard microbiological tests. MRSA was detected phenotypically using 30µg Cefoxitin discs. Also MecA and blaZ genes were detected from some of the samples using Polymarase Chain Reaction (PCR). Susceptibility of the isolated organisms to locally made black soap was determined using agar well diffusion method. The results revealed that 16% of the samples were identified as MSSA, 6% were MRSA and 10% were S. epidermidis. The highest prevalence of S. epidermidis of 24.3% and 17.6% was recorded from surgical and diabetic wounds. The result revealed that patients aged 50-59 and 20-29 years had the highest prevalence of MRSA with 50% each (P=0.134). Whereas the highest prevalence of S. epidermidis of 60% was recorded among patients aged 50-59 years. There was a slightly higher prevalence of MRSA in female patients (28.6%) compared to male patients (27.2%) (P=0.100) and a higher prevalence of S. epidermidis among males (37.8%) than among females (22.2%). The study revealed that black soap had antibacterial activity both on MRSA and S. epidermidis at all concentrations tested, with higher activity of 18mm and 17.55mm zone of inhibitions against MRSA and S. epidermidis at 50% concentration respectively. The study recommends further studies on the safety of using Black soap against wound infections.
Keywords: Antibacterial activity, Black soap, MRSA, Staphylococcus epidermidis

Abstract: Lactobacilli, a genera belonging to Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are widely applied in fields related to food, feed, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. The present study was aimed at isolating bacteriocin producing Lactobacillus species from ‘Nono’. The samples were screened for the presence of Lactobacillus spp based on routine cultural characteristics, general morphological, biochemical tests and phenotypically using the API 50CHL technique. The LAB were screened by inoculating into MRS broth for 48 hours for bacteriocin production. The crude bacteriocins were evaluated for in vitro antagonistic activity by agar well diffusion method against foodborne pathogens. The extracted crude bacteriocins were partially purified using 80% cold- acetone saturation. Bacteriocins’ activity (arbitrary unit per ml/AU/mL) as well as stability towards varying temperatures, pH and effect of proteolytic enzymes on the partially purified bacteriocins were determined using standard procedures. The results revealed that Lactobacillus plantarum 1, Lactobacillus fermentum 1 and Lactobacillus pentosus were isolated from nono. The extracted bacteriocins exhibited a broad spectrum of activity against S.aureus (18.3+0.6mm) and E.coli (20+0.8mm). The partially purified bacteriocins were heat stable at temperature range of (40^oC- 100^oC) (6400-200 AU/ml). They were also stable at pH range of 2-6 (12800-200 AU/mL). The bacteriocins were sensitive to proteolytic enzymes such as chymotrypsin and proteinase K, but not sensitive to catalase and α-amylase which served as the control enzymes. This further confirms the proteinaceous nature of bacteriocins. Bacteriocin of Lactobacillus pentosus exhibited the highest activity against the tested isolates. The result of this research indicates that bacteriocins could be used in controlling contamination causing microorganisms as well as an alternative to the use of chemical preservatives as food additives.
Keywords: Antagonistic Activity, Bacteriocins, Cold-Acetone, Lactobacillus species, Nono.

Abstract: A Dairy product is a type of food obtained from milk of mammals (cow, sheep, goat and camel). Common dairy products include cheese, yogurt, and butter. Nutritional content of dairy include protein, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acid, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. Dairy products are a quintessential constituent of proposed good nutrition in poor economies, and are an intrinsic aspect of milk production, preparation, and consumption. The different dairy products common to developing countries are Kariesh (Egypt), Ayib (Ethiopia), Gibna (Sudan), Nono (Nigeria), Wara (Nigeria) and Ghee (India). Microorganisms involved in fermentation of milk include Lactic acid bacteria (Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Oenococcus, Streptococcus, Vagococcus, and Weissella). Natural antimicrobial systems in milk, use of antimicrobial additives (using plant extracts or plant parts such as Olea europea (root) Lippia javanica (stem), or Olkingiri (stem) and heating, conventional production techniques such as fermentation (transform lactose (milk sugar) to lactic acid), and other variables all result in the processing and safeness of dairy products in underdeveloped regions. Pathogens of public health concern in the dairy products include Bacillus subtilis, Brucella abortus, Coxiella burnettii, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Mycobacterium bovis, and Staphylococcus aureus still persist in these developing countries. Weight management, improved gut health, digestion, healthy bone, muscle mass are health benefits of dairy consumption. Dairy farmers would require updated knowledge and basic training to prevent contamination of dairy such as hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) design, implementation of good hygienic practices (GHPs) and good agricultural practices (GAP).
Keywords: Nono, Wara, Calcium, Food safety.

Abstract: Fungal infection occurs in dogs and cats which are companion to man. This study aimed at identifying the dermatophytes commonly associated with dogs and cats and their in vitro-antifungal susceptibility profile. Samples were collected from two pet animals (dogs and cats) in three local government areas of Abia State. A total of one hundred and fifty skin scrapings from suspected infected dogs (100) and cats (50) were screened. Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) was used for the culture and Needle Mount Technique was employed. Lactophenol Cotton Blue (LCB) was used for staining. Each of the fungal isolate was identified based on its colony characteristics, hyphal and conidial cells produced. The Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute Technique was used for sensitivity testing of the isolates. The most commonly isolated dermatophytes were Microsporum species (36%) and Trichophyton species (8.6%) which was significantly different among the cats and the dogs (P=0.05). Microsporum species were found to be 100% sensitive to terbinafine, fluconazole and aqusulfur, while Trichophyton species are more sensitive to terbinafine, fluconazole and tinidazole. Terbinafine, fluconazole and tinidazole are the most active drugs against Microsporum and Trichosporum spp and therefore recommended for use
Keywords: Dogs, cats, Dermatophytes, Drugs, in vitro-antifungal sensitivity profile

Abstract: Microbial bioactive compounds are biologically active microbial compounds that are synthesized from microorganisms which exhibit antimicrobial, antitumor, antiviral activities and so on. This study aimed at determining the antibacterial activity, quantification and characterisation of bioactive compounds in the methanolic extract of endophytic fungi isolated from Nipa palm (Nypa fructicans Wurmb.) leaves. Healthy leaves of Nipa palm were collected randomly from Gbalajam Mangrove Swamp in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, Nigeria. The leaves were washed, cut, surface sterilized and plated on acidified Potato dextrose agar for 5 days at 30oC. Fungal colonies were identified based on their morphological and microscopic characteristics. Bioactive compounds production was carried out by submerged fermentation of fungi at 30^oC for 21days and extracted with methanol. Extracts were screened against some pathogenic bacteria using agar well diffusion assay at different concentrations. Molecular identification of isolate with maximum zone of inhibition was done using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and 18S rRNA sequencing. The bioactive compounds in its extract were characterised and quantified using GC-MS (Gas chromatography – Mass spectrometry) analysis. Seven endophytic fungi were isolated namely; Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Fusarium sp., Pestalotiopsis sp., Phomopsis sp., Nigrospora sp. andRhizopus sp. Methanolic extract of Aspergillus sp. that was identified as Aspergillus fumigatus KU350620.1 exhibited maximum zones of inhibition. Eight bioactive compounds were characterised and quantified from the extract. Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (C₁₇H₃₄O) at 30.823% peak area was identified as the most active compound in the extract. The results of this study showed that Nipa palm leaves – endophytic fungal extract have antibacterial potential against pathogenic bacteria and the bioactive compounds from the extract can be used for drug development, industrial, agricultural and other biotechnological purposes.
Keywords: Bioactive compounds, Endophytic fungi, Gas Chromatography, Molecular identification

Abstract: The study aimed at enumerating bacteria and fungi in tannery waste, sawdust, soil as well as finished compost by using standard method. The bacterial isolates were species of Bacillus, Eschericia coli, Micrococcus, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and Aspergillus, Mucor, Tricophyton, Rhizopus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Paecilomyces, Candida and Saccharomyces. The frequencies of bacterial occurrence from the tannery waste (TW), sawdust (SD) and soil (SL) were 1.75 – 10.53%, 1.75 – 8.78% and 1.75 – 10.53% ranges respectively. Bacillus subtilis were most frequently encountered (26.32%) followed by P. aeruginosa (19.29%) and Streptococcus faecalis (17.54%). S. aureus and Enterococcus faecalis had the least of occurrence of (3.51%). Among the fungal isolates A. niger had the highest frequency of occurrence (22.22%) followed by A. flavus and P. chrysogenum with 19.05% each Tricophyton rubrum, Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and S. cerevisiae occurred in TW, SD and SL, while C. albicans occurred in TW and SD only. At the mesophilic temperature of < 40 oC species of S. aureus, S. faecalis, P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis, M. luteus, P. mirabilis. A. niger, A. flavus, P. chrysogenum, S. cerevisiae and C. albicans predominated within 7 days of composting for both bacteria and fungi. The results obtained suggest that the bacteria and fungi associated with the production of compost from tannery waste and sawdust were mostly primary degraders of organic compounds, commonly found in the environment.
Keywords: Compost, microorganisms, tannery waste, sawdust

Abstract: Herpes simplex virus type (HSV-1 and 2) infections are one of the major sexually transmitted infections among pregnant women worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type-1 and 2 among pregnant women attending antenatal care at mile four Hospital Abakaliki Nigeria. Blood samples were aseptically collected from 88 pregnant women who gave informed consent and completed a self-administered questionnaire. Blood samples were screened for HSV-1 and 2 specific IgG antibodies using an Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test kit. The haematological indices were determined using Mythic 22 machine method. The Chi-square test was used to determine associations between seropositivity and socio-demographic variables. The overall prevalence of HVS types was 55(62.50%), thus 36(40.91%) were positive for HSV-1, 19(21.59%) for HSV-2 and 17(19.32%) for HSV 1 and 2 co-infected. The prevalence of HSV type 1 and 2 were observed to be higher among pregnant women within the age of 24-29, (18.18%);(11.36%), within their third trimester, (23.86%);(12.50%), and zero parity, (15.91%);(10.23%) respectively. There were no significant changes in the haematological parameters tested in all age groups except for the pack cell volume which was lower than the normal range as a result of the pregnancy. Statistical analysis showed that prevalence of HSV-1 and 2 were significantly associated with age, occupation, trimester, gravidity and parity (P≤ 0.05). This study observed the potential public health impact of HSV-1 and 2 and co-infection among pregnant women in Abakaliki Nigeria and especially considering the possible risk of congenital transmission, thus there is need for frequent educating the pregnant women about the danger of HSV.
Keywords: Seroprevalence, Herpes simplex virus type-1 and 2, Pregnant women, Abakaliki.

Abstract: Pathogenic Mycobacterium species continue to be public health threat especially in developing countries like Nigeria. This study aimed to identify pathogenic Mycobacterium species in suspected human TB patients at Damaturu Specialist Hospital in Yobe State, Nigeria. A total of 391 sputum samples were examined and tested using standard methods and positive isolates were further subjected to SD-bioline Ag MPT64 test and molecular genotype MTBC for Mycobacterium species identification. The result revealed that 186 samples were positive and 133 (71.51%) were identified as M. tuberculosis, 51(27.42%) were identified as M. africanum and 2(1.17%) were identified as M. bovis. The study revealed that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the occurrence of Mycobacterium species among the studied subjects in relation to their gender. However, it is worth noting that 74M. tuberculosis, 30 M. africanum and 2M. bovis isolates were isolated from males while the remaining 59M. tuberculosis, 21M. africanum isolates were from females. The study highlighted the significance of tuberculosis in suspected TB patients and its public health implications and calls for prompt action towards controlling the disease in Damaturu Specialist Hospital, Yobe State and Nigeria in general.
Keywords: Genotypic, Humans, Identification, Mycobacterium