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The effect of addition of crude and ammonium sulphate ((NH^SQi) precipitation of P-D-mannanase produced by Penicillium italicum on in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) of rice bran meal intended for animal feed formulation was studied. Firstly, the crude enzyme (non-precipitated), and (NH-1)SO4 precipitated enzyme were incorporated in the series of enzymes activities. Secondly, the effect of p-D-mannanase preparation and incubation time was evaluated on IVDMD and IVPD. Crude enzyme produced in basal medium supplemented with rice bran meal as the carbon source was assayed by dinitrosalicylic acid method and precipitated from culture supernatant with 70% ammonium sulphate concentration. Measurement of IVDMD and IVPD were carried out using pepsin pancreatine assay. Results from statistical analysis showed significant interaction between the kind of enzyme preparations and activities on IVPD and IVDMD. In vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) of rice bran meal prepared with different enzyme preparations increased significantly (P<0.05) with increase in enzyme concentration. In vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) of rice bran meal prepared with ammonium sulphate increased all through the experiments with increase in enzyme concentration (0.1-0.5 mL), while decrease in protein digestibility was observed in rice bran meal prepared with crude mannanase beyond 0.4 mL enzyme supplementation. To study the effect of incubation time on digestibility of rice bran meal, 400 ul and 500 pi were used for crude and ammonium sulphate enzyme preparations respectively. IVPD of any enzyme additions (crude and ammonium sulphate enzyme preparations) at every incubation time was significantly above the non-enzyme treatment. Treatment with crude enzyme at 6 h incubation showed the highest IVPD, while ammonium sulphate precipitated enzyme at 8 h showed the highest IVPD. Incorporation of crude and ammonium sulphate precipitated enzyme improved the percentage IVDMD of rice bran meal all through the fermentation time. Incorporation of p~ D-mannanase might enhance the digestibility of ration containing high mannan, and ezyme precipitation with ammonium sulphate could be applied.

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Since HIV, HBV and HCV share common routes of transmission and acquisition, HIV infected patients are likely exposed to HB and C viruses. We hypothesised that there was no difference between prevalence rate of HB and C infections among HIV-infected patients accessing healthcare at HIV and AIDS section of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria. This is a hospital-based cross sectional study. After obtaining ethical approval, we consecutively selected consenting 356 participants from whom we obtained pertinent socio demographic data using questionnaire forms; after which we aseptically collected blood samples and prepared plasma from each. The latter were tested, using ELISA, for presence of HBsAg and anti-HCV antibody. The results were analyzed using t-test and binary logistic regression. Of the 356 (128 males and 228 females: age range 7 months-70 years, mean age 36.5 years) HIV-infected participants, 114 (32.0%) and 14 (3.9%) were respectively positive for HBsAg and anti-HCV antibody; these respectively represented dual HIV-HBV and HIV-HCV infection rates. The HIV-positive participants had more than 11 times (p=0.001) likelihood of being HBsAg positive than being anti-HCV antibody positive. Group-specific prevalence rate was also higher for HIV-HBV dual infection. Conclusively, the HIV-infected participants had significantly higher HB rate compared to HC, this was suggestive of higher infectiousness of HBV and greater exposure to HBV than HCV. The only variable predictive of HIV-HCV or HIV HBV dual infection was education. But, occupation and history of blood transfusion were respectively predictive of HIV-HBV and HIV-HCV dual infection among the study participants.

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The sanitary and microbial risk assessment of the hand-dug wells in Oproama Community was undertaken between February 2010 and January 2011. The sanitary risk assessment of the hand-dug wells reveals very high risk (8-10) based on physical protection of the water point; distance to sources of contamination and open defecation. The quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) of the hand-dug wells for Escherichia coli (9.69E03-2.21E03), Vibrio sp (1.53E09 - 3.14E09) and Salmonella sp. (1.59E09 - 2.83E09) far exceed the risk level of 1.0E-06 (10"6) suggested by the World Health Organisation and indicate a potential health hazard to the consumers in Oproama. The study however, shows how sanitary inspection and QMRA can be used in areas with limited data, and that the outcome can provide valuable information for the management of water supplies.

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An investigation was carried out to determine the bacteriological quality of potable water from different locations and sources within Keffi metropolis. Water samples from Tap, Borehole and Well were collected in duplicates from ten (10) different locations within Keffi metropolis. Samples obtained were analyzed bacteriologically using standard methods. The spread plate method following serial dilution and the Most Probable Number techniques were used for the isolation of microorganisms and determination of the total viable counts from samples. For water samples from tap, borehole and well, the total viable counts were 5.5 x 106cfu/ml, 6.3xl06cfu/ml and 8.3xl06 cfu/ml respectively, while the Most Probable Number counts of coliform bacteria were 22.0 (MPN/100 ml), 24.5 (MPN/100 ml) and 40.5 (MPN/100 ml), respectively. Of the eight bacteria species isolated from the studied samples, all eight (Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysentriae, E. coli and Enter ococcus faecalis) were found in well water samples. All the species except K. pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enter ococcus faecalis were found in borehole water samples, while Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi and £. coli were isolated from tap water samples. The results of this investigation indicated that most potable water within Keffi Metropolis are not microbiologically safe for human consumption, therefore there is need for stringent treatment of water before consumption so as to avoid potential health hazard.

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Abstract The bacteriological quality of treated piped water in distribution system in Ilorin metropolis was assessed. The pH, suspended solid and microbiological characteristics (heterotrophic bacteria count and coliform count) of treated water collected from thirty different locations within the metropolis were determined. The samples were slightly acidic (pH 5.16 to 6.53); the suspended solid content was low (3-OxlO"4 to 6.5xl0"3 mg/ml) but the bacterial counts were high (l.OxlO4 to 2.25xl05 cfu/ml); the coliform count varied between 0 and 19cfu/ml. In all 11 bacterial species were encountered; Bacillus subtilis Enterobacter aerogenes Micrococcus luteus were the predominant organisms. Each samples contained between 3 and 7 bacterial species. The results suggest that the treated water sometimes fall below the WHO bacteriological standard required of drinking water. Post-treatment contamination especially, breach of distribution network's integrity is suspected. The study highlights the need for regular surveillance of the water distribution system

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Wheat straw and cotton waste were used as substrates and some natural additives; nitrogen and carbon sources were used as nutrient supplements to enhance mycelia growth of Pleurotusostreatus (Florida). Sundried wheat straw substrate was cut into small pieces. The minced wheat straw and cotton waste substrates were soaked in boiled water and excess water squeezed out using a clean muslin cloth. Substrates were boiled and autoclaved and spawn of Pleurotusosreatus was inoculated in a sterilized chamber and supplements were added. Wheat straw was found to be a better substrate for mycelia growth than cotton wastes. The natural additives and carbon sources resulted in better growth than the nitrogen additives on both substrates. Malted yellow maize, D - fructose and methyl cellulose can best be used as additives to promote mycelia growth of Pleurotusostreatus

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A study to isolate and determine the antibiogram pattern of Staphylococcus saprophytics associated with asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women was carried out. A total of ninety one (91) clinical urine samples were collected from antenatal women attending some hospitals in Bauchi metropolis. Out of these samples 32.9% (30 of 91) were positive with S. saprophytics for significant bacteriuria (CFU > 105/mL). The highest prevalence of 43.8% (14 of 32) was found among the age group of 26-30 years, with the least (0.0%) in 41-50 years. Most of the isolates were highly sensitive to Amikacin (73.3%), Gentamicin (63.3%), Cefotaxime (56.7%), Imipenem (86.7%), Ciprofloxacin (83.3%) and Nitrofurantoin (70.0%). Multidrug resistance to some beta-lactam drugs (Ampicillin and Amoxycillin) was observed. This study found low socioeconomic status, decreased level of education, increased maternal age and parity as risk factors that could raised the rate of ASB. The relatively high prevalence of the infection in pregnancy is alarming, and require urgent attention of clinicians as the organism remain significant among sexually active women

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This study was conducted to determine microbial contamination of mobile phones in the university of Ilorin campus, in the central north region of Nigeria, and identify the most important microbial species associated with these phones in order to take the necessary remedial measures. The analysis of a total of 202 samples was done to identify fungal and pathogenic bacteria isolates. Sterile swabs were firmly passed on the handset, the buttons and the screens of mobile phones, and then inoculated into media of bacteria and fungi. Frequency distributions of isolates were calculated. The organisms consistently isolated in this research, with their percentage frequency of occurrence, based on colonial morphology and biochemical characteristics comprised of Staphylococcus aureus (60%), Bacillus subtilis (95%) , Enterobacter aerogenes (30%) Aspergillus niger (90%), and Rhizopus spp. (50%). The mean bacterial viable count recorded was 4.93 x 106 CFU/g, 2-12 x 106 and 3.22 x 106CFU/g This is influenced by the number of users in case of business mobile phones. Less busy phone, had lower bacterial count. Consequently, these mobile phones could serve as a vehicle for the transmission of pathogenic organisms. The study showed that all mobile phones under consideration were infected by several microbes, most of which belonged to the natural flora of the human body as well as airborne fungi and soil. This means that it is necessary to practice good personal hygiene by sterilizing hands after contact with a phone to reduce the incidence of microbial transmission especially at call centers since it is a source of disease transmission

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Microbiological assessment of Auricularia auricular-judae sold in three markets in Port Harcourt metropolis was carried out. Nine microbial genera were isolated and identified on the basis of their microbiological, morphological, biochemical and physiological characteristics. The heterotrophic bacterial counts ranged between 1.8 X 104 - 4.7 X 105 Cfu/g whereas the heterotrophic fungal counts ranged between 1.6 X 104 - 3 X 1056fu/g. The bacterial isolates belong to five genera, Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, Pseudomonas and Serratia species. The fungal isolates belong to four genera, Saccharomyces, Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium species. The results of this study show that the microbial counts on the Jew's ear mushroom obtained from Port Harcourt metropolis were higher than the recommended 0.1 X 105 Cfu/g limit of Commission on Microbiological Specification for Food (CMSF). This microbial load represents a potential health risk when the mushrooms are eaten raw or undercooked. Proper handling of the mushroom from the farm to the market and subsequently to the consumer is advised for food safety

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The aim of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of disinfectants by in-use testing and to identify bacterial isolates contaminating disinfectants in different hospitals. Ninety two samples of disinfectants comprising Purit, Izal, Bleach, Spirit and Dettol being used in twenty hospitals in Kogi State were analyzed for efficacy between July and December 2011 by in-use technique. Samples of disinfectant were taken from floor-mop bucket, cleansing buckets, discard jars, disinfectant solution in which instruments, crockery, bed pans, etc., have been rinsed, and closed containers of diluted disinfectants ready for use. Viable counts of bacteria in these in-use samples were determined by cultures. Out of 92 samples of disinfectants in use tested, 47(51.1%) failed the in-use test. Various types of bacterial isolates were identified. Pseudoinonti> aeruginosa (36.2%) was the most frequently isolated organism. Purit had 20% failure rate when duration in-use was 7days, Bleach 33% failure rate, Izal 25% failure rate, Dettol 0%, Spirit 16% failure rate all for the same 7days. Other organisms isolated include coagulase Negative staphylococcus (29.8%), Staphylococcus aureus (19.1%) and Proteus spp (14.1%). Disinfectants should be prepared strictly by the manufacturer's instructions and should not exceed 7 days of exposure while in use

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Microbial evaluation of roasted chicken sold in Keffi metropolis was investigated. Samples of the roasted chickens were collected in triplicates from seven different sales locations for an assessment of their microbiological qualities. Spread plate technique was employed for the isolation of the microorganisms following serial dilution of the samples. The hands of the vendors preparing and selling the roasted chickens were also swabbed for isolation of microorganisms. The microbial load on the roasted chicken examined ranged from 1.3 x 105 to 3.7 x 105 cfu/g, whereas the microbial load on the sellers' hands were in the range of 3.4 x 105 to 7.4 x 105 cfu/ml. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp, Klebsiella spp, Salmonella spp, Shigella spp and Aspergillus fumigatus were the microbial species isolated from both the roasted chickens and the sellers' hands, respectively. The counts of A. fumigatus were lowest while those of Staphylococcus spp were highest in both the roasted chicken and the sellers' hands respectively. However, with respect to occurrence in the different locations studied, Staphylococcus spp had the highest percentage occurrence of 85%, followed by A. fumigatus which had 71%, while E. coli and Salmonella spp had the least (43%) respectively. The results generally revealed that sellers' hands had higher microbial counts than the roasted chickens. The findings of this investigation are of immense public health significance especially to the consumers of roasted chickens in the Keffi metropolis. The presence of pathogens and E. coli, an indicator of feacal contamination, can render food unsafe for human consumption. Thus, the roasted chickens sold in Keffi potent a health risk to its consumers.

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The potential of three preservation techniques: the use of two chemical preservatives; sodium benzoate and sodium metabisulphite, pasteurization and refrigeration for the preservation of kunun-zaki was evaluated. The treated samples were stored for four weeks. Microbiological analyses and assay of physico-chemical parameters such as pH, titratable acidity, sugar content, mineral content and alcohol content were conducted at three-day intervals for the duration of storage. Changes in the quality attributes and overall acceptability of the stored samples were also monitored over the period. Results obtained indicate the presence of seven organisms comprising five bacteria and two yeasts in the kunun-zaki samples. They were Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Micrococcus varians, Lactobacillus fermenti, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans. Bacterial counts ranged from 0.89x106 to 14.9xl06 CFU ml/1 while fungal counts ranged from 0.98xl06 to 16.8xl06 CFU mL-1. The results of physicochemical analyses carried out on pre-storage showed that kunun-zaki had pH, titratable acidity, sugar content and alcohol content of 5.93, 0.137 ml, 6.40% and 0.0% respectively. There was a general reduction in pH, sugar content and mineral content of the kunun-zaki samples, with a general increases in the titratable acidity and alcohol contents during the storage period. Sensory evaluation tests indicated that kunun-zaki samples preserved using chemicals and stored at 5°C were acceptable to the 27th day of storage. This study revealed a new possibility of storage stability of kunun-zaki, without significantly affecting the organoleptic properties (p<0.05) for four weeks with combined processes of pasteurization, refrigeration (5°C) and the use of chemical preservatives.

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Poultry are increasingly being associated with carriage of multi-resistant organisms that may cause disease in humans. This study evaluated the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance in enterococci isolated from poultry in Imo State Nigeria. One hundred and thirty (130) Enterococcns spp. were isolated from cloacal swabs, fecal and litter samples from different poultry farms. The isolates were characterized microbiologically and biochemically by fermentation tests. Theywere then evaluated for their resistance to 10 antibiotics by agar disk diffusion method. The most predominant specie as identified was E. faecium (43.1%), followed by E. faecal is(223%), while 34.6% were grouped as Enterococcns spp. High frequencies of resistance were observed among the isolates for erythromycin (80%), quinupristine/ dalfopristine (72.3%) and ciprofloxacin (72.3%) with vancomycin having the lowest resistance rates (43.1%). A total of 121 isolates were multiple resistant, with 11 being resistant to all 10 antibiotics tested. The multiple antimicrobial resistances (MAR) index therefore ranged from 0.3 to 1.00. The isolates exhibited a high level of variability with 85 resistant patterns identified among them. These isolates could serve as active reservoirs for antimicrobial resistance and resistance genes. Improved hygiene practices and controlled use of antibiotics in agriculture and animal husbandry are therefore desirable for environmental management and public health protection

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An assessment of the microbiological quality of seven commercial brands of yoghurt drinks sold in Owerri metropolis was determined using standard microbiological procedures. The physical parameters of the brands at time of purchase were also determined. The results showed that the pH values of the samples ranged from 4.29-4.46, while their temperature readings were between 8 and 17°c. While average total heterotrophic counts rang ed from 2.00x105 to 2.04x106cfu/ml, average coliform counts were from 8.0x104 to 2.01xl06cfu/ml and average total fungal counts ranged from 3.5xl05 to 2.5xl06sfu/ml. Four bacterial genera were identified among the isolates and included Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp. and Lactobacillusspp. The fungal genera identified were Candida albicans, Aspergillusfumigatus, Aspergillusglaucusand Saccharomyces cerevisiae.Escherichia coli were isolated from all the seven yoghurt brands sampled. The result of this study therefore indicated poor Microbiological standards of commercial yoghurts sold in Owerri metropolis at the time of this research. This result underlines the need for improved hygienic measures in the processing, storage and distribution of these products to avert public health challenges

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A study to determine the distribution of intestinal parasites in fecal effluents from cattle was carried out at the Gariki abattoir in Abakaliki; Ebonyi State. Samples were collected from cow slurries. A total of 200 samples were examined for intestinal parasites. The conventional wet preparation procedure by the World health organization and the Formol ether concentration technique were used to analyse the slurry samples. Both helminth and protozoan parasites were discovered in this study. Parasites species recovered include Ascaris lumbicoides, Giardia lamblia, Hookworms and Taenia spp. Among all the organisms discovered, Fasciola spp had the highest prevalence (26.7%) and the lowest observed were Entamoeba coli and Hymenolepis diminuta with the prevalence of 0.9% each. Incidence of gastrointestinal parasites in cattle is an economic threat to the farmer as well as direct consumers who rely on beef as their source of protein. This study established an incidence of helminth and protozoan infections of both zoonotic and socioeconomic importance in some of the slurries examined. Considering the impact of the infections on animal production and public health, it is suggested that effective prophylactic measures be adopted as a first step to curtail helminth infections of cattle in Nigeria especially as regards maintaining abattoirs with high sanitary standards.

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Soil and sediment samples collected from crude oil impacted sites at Ogale-Eleme, Rivers State, and five water samples from effluent discharge points at five different flow stations in Delta State, all in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria respectively were analyzed for the presence of hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria using Bushnell-Haas agar, followed by dioxygenase screening. A total of sixty bacterial species under eleven genera were isolated, characterized and identified as Acinetobacter, Alcaligenes, Bacillus, Edwardsiella, Entervbacter, Flavobacterium, Klebsiella, Micrococcus, Proteus, Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus. Out of the sixty bacteria characterized, only four isolates from the water sample obtained from Ahia flow station in Delta State and sediment sample E identified as Pseudomonas spp. were found to possess the enzyme dioxygenase. This was detected using indigo production by putative hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria. Indigo is produced as an intermediate in indole metabolism by dioxygenases via the meta-cleavage pathway. Bacteria possessing dioxygenases reduced indole to indigo while colonies of such isolates turned navy blue. The findings demonstrate that autochthonous hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria associated with crude oil polluted sites in Niger Delta may probably possess the natural propensity to degrade aromatic hydrocarbons in crude oil.

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This study reports result of malaria parasite test, Widal test and bacteriological test was carried out on 205 samples. Of these, 160 were cases of patients presenting malaria-like symptoms while 45 were healthy controls. Out of the 160 patients studied, 117(73.1%) had acute malaria, while 18(40%) out of the 45 control sample were malaria parasite carriers. Widal test was done to determine those positive for anti-salmonella antibodies, Widal titers > 1/160 which is considered very specific for diagnosis of typhoid fever. This test was positive for salmonella 'O' and 'H' titers in 57(48.7%) and 3(16.7%) of malaria patients and carriers respectively. Statistical analysis showed that there is a relationship between malaria parasite load and the level of salmonella antibody titres. Bacteriological test was then carried out to determine the isolation rate of S. typhi. Only 3(2.6%) of the malaria patient samples were positive for typhoid by the blood culture method. There were no isolation in the carrier group. On four weeks follow up, after malaria treatment, 38 of the 54 samples showing widal positive without S. typhi isolate were retested and 29(76.3%) become negative. It was postulated that the stimulation of the immune system due to acute malaria infection could be responsible for this phenomenon. The rate of co-infection with malaria parasites and S. typhi was high when typhoid was diagnosed by widal (29.3%) than by blood culture method(1.50%). The incidence of typhoid and malaria co-infection will greatly reduce if the diagnosis of typhoid fever in malaria endmic areas as Owerri is based on blood culture. /

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Sera of some individuals (260 males and 230 females) resident at a Niger Delta region of Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria were tested for the presence of antibodies to hepatitis B virus (HBV) using the rapid chromatographic and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Out of a total of 490 collected and examined samples, 4.08% tested positive for HBV antibodies. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) between the prevalence of HBV in the males (5.77%) and the prevalence of the virus in the females (2.17%). The age- and sex-stratified distribution of HBV amongst the study population shows that the seroprevalence of HBV was highest (11.11%) in individuals that were between the ages of 13 and 22 years and least (3.45%) in individuals that were between the ages of 23 and 32 years. Males that were between the ages of 13 and 22 were more significantly infected than females within that age group. None of the males and females that were more than 23 years was infected with the virus. In the wake of the present results there is need for personal and governmental preventive measures for HBV control to be mounted in this study area. Such extensive surveillance and intervention strategies must ensure that all individuals at risk infection be vaccinated. Post-exposure prophylaxis with hepatitis B immunoglobulin should also be administered to non-immune individuals.

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Bioremediation is a technology that utilizes the metabolic potential of microorganisms to clean up contaminated environments. The purpose of this review is to assess the current state of. Phytoremediation as an innovative technology and to discuss its usefulness and potential in the remediation of various impacted sites. Since the dawn of industrial revolution and Agricultural activities mankind has been introducing numerous hazardous compound in the environment at an exponential rate. This hazardous pollutant consists of a variety of organic compound, fertilizer, and heavy metals, which pose serious risk to human health. Heavy metals are primarily more concerned because they cannot be destroyed by degradation frequently, the remediation of contaminated soils, ground water, and surface water is not common due to inability to decompose as a result of microbial activities. Therefore, there is need for the prevention and control of this pollution from contaminated areas in Jigawa state. Phytoremediation is useful in these circumstances because natural plants or transgenic plants are able to bioaccumulate this contaminant in the above ground parts which are then harvested for removal. Phytoremediation is a green technology, and when properly implemented it could minimizes disturbance of the soil and surrounding environment and reduce the spread of contamination via air and waterborne. Phytoremediation does not require expensive equipment. However, the greatest advantage of phytoremediation is its low cost and environmentally friendly compared to conventional clean up technologies. Despite all the important of phytoremediation in the preventing and control of pollutant, their use in developing countries like Nigeria is limited. Therefore, this review aimed at providing an innovative economical and environmentally- friendly approach to removing contaminant from wastes sites.

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The study was aimed at determining the occurrence state of malaria parasite infection among children (0-lyears age) attending Dutse General Hospital Jigawa state, served as sites for a prospective study. A total of two Hundered (200) blood samples were collected from the subjects and examined using standard microscopic method. The result was recorded as positive or negative to malaria parasite infection were subjected to statistical analysis. Out of 200 subjects screened the overall prevalence among children were 67(35.5%) and 49(24.5%) male and female children respectively. The results from this study demonstrated that male patients recorded a higher prevalence compared to the female counterpart in Dutse District. This finding showed a high prevalence within the age group 0-2 years with percentage prevalence of (36.7%) and was lowest in age range 12-14 years (8%). The findings indicate that there was no significant difference between malaria parasite infection and the children based on age groups and gender (p> 0.05). The incidence and spread of malarial parasite infection cases during raining season were intense. In view of this study there is need for mass screening and general public should intensify efforts toward controlling mosquito's breeding sites.

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Petroleum derived plastics constitute environmental problem because they are not biodegradable. Alternative substrates for manufacture of biodegradable plastics are necessary to safeguard the environment. Some bacterial genera produce Poly-p hydroxybutyrate (PHB), under adverse nutrient conditions, which serve as alternatives for petroleum derived plastics. Azotobacterspis associated with its biosynthesis. Media suitable for growth of Azotobactervinelandiiior the accumulation of PHB are needed. In an effort to find out these facts, Azotobacter was isolated from rhizopheric soil of maize crop at Uli in Anambra State, Nigeria, by a selective media. Morphological characteristics were creamy beige colonies, Gram stain indicated negative rods. Biochemical tests were positive for catalase, oxidase, citrate, indole, sucrose, lactose, and hydrogen sulphide production, confirming the isolate to be Azotobactervinelandiiby Bergey's criteria. Growth of the isolate in acetate medium containing casitone as nitrogen source did not yield PHB. Combination of glucose and ammonium acetate medium containing castione gave the best yield of PHB per milliliter and per milligram of glucose consumed. Cell dry weight was 24.6% increase in GAAM and 22.50% in ACM. Treatment with sodium hypochlorite for 1 hour at 60°C lysed the cells of A. vinelandii. Addition of ethanol and acetone removed cell lipids and other molecules. Treatment with chloroform extracted PHB. Media combining glucose, ammonium acetate and casitone are suitable for A. vinelandii biosynthesis of PHB while chloroform extracts it.

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Microbial response to plants' roots and contaminants in diesel-oil impacted soils were assessed in a greenhouse study. Two plants, Pueraria spp. and Panicum maximum were planted in 6% w/w polluted and control soil samples to obtain contaminated planted and uncontaminated planted pots. Contaminated control and uncontaminated control pots were also maintained. Periodically, from week zero to 8 weeks after planting (WAP), the total bacterial, fungal and hydrocarbon utilizing microbial counts of the soil samples were determined. The results showed that total bacterial and fungal counts at week zero decreased from an average of 5.8 x 106 CFU/g soil and 3.42 x 104 CFU/g soil in uncontaminated soil to 3.04 x 106 CFU/g soil and 2.27 x 104 CFU/g soil respectively, in the contaminated control samples. This could be in response to the direct toxic effects of volatile hydrocarbons, limitations in oxygen and water resulting from hydrophobic oil. At 4 WAP, the bacterial counts increased to 16.33 x 106 CFU/g soil and 12.67 x 106 CFU/g soil in the contaminated samples planted Pueraria spp. and P. maximum respectively. This could be as a result of the response of adapted species to the rhizosphere effect. At the end of the study, the percentage oil in soil were reduced by 55.63%, 64.38% and 65.45% in contaminated unvegetated sample, contaminated sample planted Pueraria spp. and in contaminated sample planted P. maximum, respectively. This study showed that microbial growth was sustained in the rhizosphere of the plant species studied. This has implications for bioremediation especially in the tropics where warm temperatures favour plants' growth and microbial activities.

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In this study, isolation and characterization of microorganisms associated with trimmed human nails were investigated. The trimmed nails were collected from three Manicure and Pedicure shops along Adewole Estate, Ilorin, Kwara State over a period of nine weeks. Microbial isolation was done using a standard serial dilution technique. The colonial morphology and biochemical study of the isolates indicated two gram positive cocci and three gram negative rod bacteria. These bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter species. Fungi isolated were Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigates, Alternaria species, Cladosporium species, Geotrichum candidum, and Rhizopus nigricans. The study reveals that hygienic practices of both the attendants and the patrons at the manicure and pedicure shops may have not been adequate enough and hence both are advised to improve their hygienic level in order to prevent transmission of the associated diseases.