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In recent years, a negative trend of increasing prevalence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureas (MRSA) Stains has been noted worldwide. Cases of MRSA have increased in livestock animals and are found in intensively reared production animals where it can be transmitted to humans. The study investigated the occurrence of MRSA in pigs from selected piggery farms. In Nekede with high density of pig production. Out of the 200 nasal and rectal swabs collected MRSA was isolated from 68% of the pigs. Isolated were confirmed to be Staphylococcus aureas on the basis of colonial morphology, coagulase production, DNase and catalase tests. Antimicrobial pattern of S. aureus showed resistance to levofloxacin (59%) ciprofloxacin (54%), methicillin (91%), ampiclox (85%) and amoxicillin (69%). This study demonstrated the prevalence of MRSA in pigs from these farms and it is a concern because of the transmission of MRSA between pigs and humans

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Rhodobacter Sphaeroidesw as isolated from four environmental samples, lake, mud, soil andstream by specific enrichment. Identification of the isolate by cultural characteristics, Gram stain, sugar fermentations and sulfide oxidation showed that it is Rhodobacter Sphaeroidesby Bergey'scriteria. R. Sphaeroidescan produce hydrogen gas as a product of metabolism, and previous studies have shown that the organism is associated with waste treatment. Therefore, the potentiality of the isolate for hydrogen gas production at ambient environmental conditions using fermented corn waste water and glucose which served as a control was investigated. The effect of light intensity on the potential of the isolate was evaluated. At ambient environmental conditions, the yield of hydrogen gas by the organism was 7.8ml/g with fermented corn waste water and 9.8ml/g with glucose. The conversion efficiency values of R. sphaeroides for fermented corn waste water and glucose were statistically significant (p < 0.05). In the optimization experiments, there was increasing hydrogen evolution withincreasing light intensities. The highest hydrogen gas was recorded at 120W and the least was obtained at 150W while there was no yield of hydrogen gas at 200W. The results show that R. sphaeroidesis valuable for the treatment of organic carbon waste and for the realization of economic products

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A study was undertaken to determine the bacterial population and diversity of the shells of ready-to-eat conophor (Tetracarpidium conophorum ) nuts retailed in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Fifty samples (5 nuts per sample) of ready-to-eat conophor nuts were purchased from 50 retailers in Ekeonunwo market (EM), Okigwe road motor park (ORMP), Arugo motor park (AMP), New market (NM) and Relief market (RM) and analyzed for total coliform, total aerobic heterotrophic bacteria (TAHB), and the presence of indicator and pathogenic bacteria using standard plate count methods. It was discovered that samples from RM and AMP accounted for the highest and lowest TAHB values of 6.30 and 4.20 logio cfu/g, respectively while total coliform counts in the samples ranged from 1.04 logio cfu/g for RM to 4.18 logio cfu/g for EM. Bacterial species associated with the samples were identified as Salmonella sp., Shigella sp., Enterobacter sp., Klebsiella sp., Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus sp., Escherichia coli, Diphtheroids and Actinomycetes. The predominant bacterial isolates were Staphylococcus aureus and Lactobacillus sp. with the later being more predominant. Samples from AMP and ORMP showed E. coli contamination. Salmonella sp. and Shigella sp. were found in samples from AMP, EM and RM. Enterobacter sp. and Klebsiella sp. were confirmed in samples from NM, RM and EM. The presence of indicator of feacal contamination and pathogenic bacteria in the shells of ready-to-eat conophor nuts poses potential risks to the consuming public. The results emphasized the need for appropriate cooking of the nuts to ensure decontamination, maintenance of good hygienic practices during preservation, selling and handling prior to consumption of conophor nuts.

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A comparative study of the quality of rain water from different roofing materials was carried out in Egbema, an oil producing community in Rivers State. While SO4, P04, NO3, turbidity and hardness of the rain water samples were more in asbestos and concrete roofs, the metallic ions, Zn, Fe, Al. Mn and Pb were statistically (p=0.05) more in corrugated iron and aluminum roofs which also had higher conductivity. Higher acidity was observed in the gas flaring area (Ebocha) compared to Okwuzi, 3-4km away. This resulted in greater cation and anions in the rain water from Ebocha compared to Okwuzi (P = 0.05). Seasonal effects showed that higher values where obtained from the occasional rains of the dry season, followed by the early rainy season rain water samples while the least were in the mid rainy season rain water. Values from the late rains of rainy season were not statistically (P = 0.05) higher than the mid rainy season ones, though they were slightly higher. More fungal count, were recorded during the dry periods, followed by the heterotrophic bacteria with the least being the coliforms. Higher microbial counts were found in the asbestos, followed by the concrete roofs before the corrugated iron roofs and then the aluminum roofs. The above observations were attributed to the acid rain formation due to the gas flaring activities at Ebocha. Rainwater from the Egbema communities was therefore not potable and safe for drinking purposes.

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:Essential oils from grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and bottle brush (Callistemon rigidus) were obtained by steam distillation. Hot water extract of the grape seed was also obtained. They were screened for antimicrobial activity against 115 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus spp and a locally isolated antibiotic sensitive strain of S. aureus using the agar-well diffusion method. Ocimum gratissimum oil showed the largest inhibitory zone sizes (14-4lmm), followed by that of Callistemon rigidus (10-33mm). Grape seed extract gave the least inhibitory zone sizes of 6 - 17 mm. O. gratissimum oil was the most effective against the staphylococcal isolates as 38 (80.85%) of the S. aureus and 56 (82.35%) of the coagulase - negative staphylococci were susceptible. They were least susceptible to the grape seed extract to which only 11 (23.40%) of the S. aureus and 23 (33.82%) of the coagulase - negative staphylococci screened were susceptible. The development of essential oils from these plants into effective antibacterial herbal preparations should be aggressively pursued to augment the available antibiotics for treating multi-drug resistant staphylococci.

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Cultures of algal species are often needed for research purposes. These cultures are frequently accompanied by bacteria that are picked up from the environment together with the algal cells, thus the practice of purifying algal cultures using antibiotics. Water sample from fish pond having algal bloom was inoculated into BG-II medium supplemented with 62.5 ug.mF Chloramphenicol and 100 ug.ml-1 Nystatin. The total heterotrophic bacterial count before the addition of the antibiotics was 3.8xl04cfu.ml1. The bacterial population decreased to an average count of 3.5xl02 cfu.ml1, after a period of 24 hours. This population was made up of three distinct colonies. Colonial morphology and preliminary tests based on physicochemical characteristics gave a probable identification of the isolates as Bacillus, Proteus, and Pseudomonas. The Bacillus showed resistance to Chloramphenicol and Flucloxacillin; Proteus showed resistance to Chloramphenicol, Flucloxacillin, Lincomycin, Erythromycin, Ampicilin, Ampiclox, and Septrin; Pseudomonas showed resistance to all antibiotics used in the investigation with exception to Ciprofloxacin, Streptomycin, and Rifampin, which were effective on the three isolates. The results indicate that certain bacteria that are present in algal cultures can become resistant to several antibiotics as a result of purification of algal cultures using antibiotics at sub lethal dose. It is suggested that screening for effective antibiotic(s) and determination of their minimum inhibitory concentration or minimum lethal concentration, as the case may be, against identified bacteria contaminants be part of the procedure for setting up pure cultures of algae.

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The present study investigates the prevalence of antibiotic resistance and resistance patterns among bacterial isolates from liquid wastes and waste dump soils of hospitals in Owerri metropolis Nigeria. The bacterial isolates were identified on the basis of standard cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. Antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was tested by disc diffusion method. A total of 115 bacteria species belonging to 11 different genera were isolated from the hospital waste water and waste dump soils. Multidrug resistance was observed in all the waste water and waste dump soil isolates. The waste water and waste dump soil isolates were all resistant to Amoxycillin, Tetracycline, Gentamycin, Erythromycin and Chloramphenicol. However, of the waste water isolates, 4 (66.7%) were sensitive to Zinnacef, 3 (50%) to Nitrofurantoin and Pefloxacin, while 2 (33.3) were sensitive to Ciprofloxacin. While in the waste dump soils, all the isolates except Bacillus spp. 4 (80%) were also sensitive to Nitrofurantoin, while all except Bacillus spp. and S. aureus 3 (60%) were sensitive to Zinnacef . The high prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria with various degrees of resistance to antibiotics observed in this study could represent a potential public health risk. This will contribute to the hazards of poorly managed hospital waste. To help check this growing problem of antibiotics resistance, this study recommends a national policy on health care waste management and formulation of a national drug policy in Nigeria.

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Polvcyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are hydrophobic organic compounds known to he highly toxic and recalcitrant in the environment and are present in hydrocarbon contaminated soil and sediment. This study was investigated to selectively ascertain the prevalence of anthracence utilizing microbes in a chronically polluted site. Samples were collected from crude oil contaminated sites in Obagi Town Omoku, Rivers State, Nigeria. Five samples were collected from 3 sites (Obi 27, Obi 22 and Obi 10, all in Obagi Town, Omoku), and designated A, B and C respectively. Soil and sediments samples were collected from sites A and B, while only soil sample was collected from site C. These samples were analyzed for the presence of anthracene utilizing microbes. A total of 12 bacterial species which fall under 7 genera were isolated, characterized and identified from 5 petroleum polluted sample using anthracene as the sole carbon source. The isolates obtained were Acinectobacter, Alcaligenes, Bacillus, Enterobacter, Flavobacterium, Psendomonas and Staphylococcus. A total of 5 fungal species which fall under 3 genera were also isolated and identified from the 5 petroleum polluted samples using Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol agar. Penicillium sp., Microsporium sp., and Aspergillus sp., were the dominant fungi genera isolated from all the samples using Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol agar. None of the isolated organisms tested positive for catechol- 2, 3 dioxygenase after catechol solution was sprayed on the isolates and incubated for 10 minutes. These findings demonstrate the selective enrichment of anthracene utilizing microbes following crude oil pollution in the environment.

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The present study dealt with the formulation and bacteriological quality assessment of two novel methods for processing of conophor (Tetracarpidium conophorum) nuts as food. Cooked-and-roasted (CR) and steeped-and-roasted (SR) conophor nuts stored for 28 days in air-tight transparent glass bottles at room temperature (30±2°C) were analyzed for total aerobic heterotrophic bacterial (TAHB) and total coliform counts. The CR sample recorded an insignificant population of TAHB up to day 7 followed by a viable count (cfu/g) of 3.0 x 103, 5.1 x 103 and 3.3 x 105 for day 14, 21 and 28, respectively. However, an insignificant population of TAHB was observed for the SR sample throughout the study period. There was no coliform growth on the nut samples irrespective of the processing method. Also, regardless of the processing method, the bacterial isolates successively encountered in the samples were identified as Bacillus sp., Corynebactcrium sp., Lactobacillus sp. Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus sp. In addition, the SR sample recorded the growth of Micrococcus sp. The most predominant bacteria in both the CR and SR samples were Corynebacterium sp. and Lactobacillus sp. There was persistent decline in moisture content from 6.04% at day 0 to 4.25 % at day 28 for CR sample, and 6.00% at day 0 to 4.26% at day 28 for SR sample. The bacteriological quality of conophor nuts which are processed, packaged and stored as reported herein does not appear to suggest a public health concern.

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Various efforts are currently being directed at exploiting the vast majority of unconventional protein sources in order to ameliorate the problem of protein deficiency associated with developing communities and of such is the production of Mucuna beans condiments through fermentation process. The effect of aeration on the fermentation of Mucuna jaspadae beans using Bacillus subtilis at three aeration speed of 60, 90 and 120rev/min respectively for 96hours was examined. Both the physicochemical parameters and the sensory evaluations were determined after fermentation. There were observable changes in the odour of the fermented seeds with the highest score at 60 and 120rev/min, while the most acceptable change in colour, texture and sliminess was recorded at 90rev/min. An increase was observed in the pH of the fermented seeds up to the third day of fermentation at 90rev/min (6.88 - 7.76) and 120rev/min (6.25 - 7.37) before declining; while it only increased up to the second day of the fermentation at 60rev/min (6.31 - 6.81), after which it showed a reduced value on the third day but subsequently increased on the fourth day of fermentation. The titratable acidity (TTA) generally increased with fermentation time, while moisture content was observed to decrease. A TTA value of 5% observed after 24 hours of fermentation at 60rev/min was the lowest value recorded while the highest value observed was 19% recorded after 96hours of fermentation at 90rev/min. Fermentation at 60rev/min recorded the lowest moisture content of 40% while a 70% moisture content was observed for beans fermented at 90rev/min. The reducing sugar content showed a decrease after the fermentation process at 60 and 120rev/min from 1.037A to 1033A and 1.021A respectively while it was observed to increase at 90rev/min from 1.037 to 1.039 after fermentation. Locust bean (Pakia biglobosa) fermented with Bacillus subtilis was used as the standard for this experiment.

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Growth pattern and mycelia formation of two strains O (Oral isolate) and G (genitourinary tract isolate) of Candida albicans in horse-serum, MSB and RPMI 1640 media indicates that the first medium promotes filamentation in both strains while MSB initiates medium mycelium formation for O strain and RPMI stimulates the yeast growth and low filamentation. However, RPMI promotes moderate filamentation and growth of C. albicans (G). The peak of mycelium production appeared between 1.5 to 4.5h after inoculation of C. albicans O and between 1.5 to 6.0 and 7.5h for C. albicans G. the pH value of 7.4 appeared to be optimal for filamentation on MSB at 37°C for C. albicans. O (Oral pH slightly alkaline), While, pH of 4.4 was responsible for highest mycelia formation of C albicans G. (vaginal pH around 4.5) under same cultural conditions incubation temperature of 37°C was concomitant with the highest germ-tube formation by C. albicans O, on MSB at pH 7.4 while 34°C was optimum for filamentation by C. albicans G. on MSB at pH 4.4. These results indicated that the pattern of filamentation by C. albicans depends mainly on the yeast strain. The nutritional and cultural conditions control the route of yeast dimorphism. The two C. albicans strains (O and G) showed the same phenotypic switching when grown on solid media of MSB, RPMI, horse serum and blood agar base, in presence of 7%C02 (anaerobic) and in absence of 7%C02 (aerobic) conditions). However C. albicans G showed phenotypic switching on chocolate agar (feet appendages in presence of 7%C02 and normal growth in absence of CO2) while C. albicans O showed no switching under the same conditions

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The present study evaluates the phytochemical composition of ethanolic extract and antimicrobial property of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Nicotiana tabacum. The antimicrobial effects of Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) leaf extract on microbial isolates (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) was evaluated using using agar well diffusion method. Also, the Phytochemical screening of the plant was done using standard chemical methods. Phytochemical screening of ethanol extract of N. tabaci detected the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids and cyanogenic glycosides. The antimicrobial effects of tobacco leaves using ethanol and water showed that the extract inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by a diameter of 2.8 and 3.6cm respectively while water extract inhibited the organisms by a diameter of 1.2 and 1.4cm respectively. At a concentraton of l.OOmg/ml of Nicotiana tabacum leaf extract Staphylococcus aureus, an inhibition of 2.3cm was observed while on Escherichia coli, the same concentration of the extract inhibited 2.8cm The mineral estimate in N. tabaci leaf using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) showed that Fe is 648.53mg/kg, Mg, 640.33mg/kg, Na, 7021.30mg/kg, K, 3128.63mg/kg, Ca, 17,551.33mg/kg, and Zn, 46.30mg/kg. The result of this study validates the use of tobacco leaf extract as snuff in treatment of cold and catarrh as it is commonly used by the elderly in Eastern Nigeria and can also be used in eliminating infections caused by gram positive and gram negative bacteria.

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A bacterial strain tolerance to 4-Chlorophenol and Zinc was isolated from sediment of Okrika River that receives effluent from petroleum refinery plant. Out of fifteen (15) bacterial strains isolated, only one of the isolates identified as Bacillus sp. SD12 with highest adhesion to soil (47.4 %) was found to be tolerant to high concentrations of both 4-CP (400 ug/ml) and Zn (200 ug/ml), and hence was selected for further studies. In BH agar medium with mixture of 4-CP and Zn, growth stimulation was observed at 50 ug/ml. The isolate exhibited tolerance to mixtures of 4 CP and other heavy metal ions (Cu, Co and Ni) with growth values of 3.6, 4.7 and ^ 0 cfu/ml for Cu, Co and Ni respectively. Therefore from the results obtained, the organism was found to be good candidate for detoxification of industrial phenolic wastewaters.

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This study was conducted to investigate the effects of fungal based fermentation on the nutritional composition of orange peels. The effect of solid state fermentation (SSF) on the nutrients and anti-nutritional factors (ANF) of orange peels was achieved by Trichosporonoides oedocephalis, Penicillium italicum and Aspergillus flavus with two inocula concentrations (103 and 105 spores/ml). The protein content of T. oedocephalis and A. flavus fermented orange peels increased significantly (P<0.05) with the highest values of 13.25 and 13.42% respectively obtained with 103 spores/ml. With an increase in the inocula concentrations of P. italicum from 103 to 105spores/ml, the crude protein increased when compared with control treatments. The contents of alkaloid, saponin and phytate of T. oedocephalis fermented orange peels decreased significantly (P<0.05) by 2.89% (103 spores/ml), 41.04% (105 spores/ml), 7.09% (103 spores/ml), 24.41% (105 spores/ml), 68.93% (103 spores/ml) and 53.40% (103 spores/ml) respectively in comparison with control treatments. The oxalate, phytate and tannin contents of P. italicum treated orange peels with 105 spores/ml decreased by 21.66, 63.84 and 66.67% respectively in comparison with control treatments. This result suggests that fungal treatment of orange peels with appropriate inocula concentrations resulted in the enhancement of its nutritional status; hence it's potential in animal rations.

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Hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria in environmental samples collected from crude oil impacted sites at Eleme, Rivers State, and five water samples from effluent discharge points at five different flow-stations in Delta State, all in the Niger Delta were isolated using Bushnell Haas agar. Bacterial genera tentatively characterized were Acinetobacter, Alcaligenes, Bacillus, Edwardsiella, Enterobacter, Flavobacterium, Klebsiella, Micrococcus, Proteus, Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus. A portion of the 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (16S rRNA) gene of the genomic DNA extracted from each bacterial isolate was amplified (ca.550bp) with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the universal primer set 27F: GAGTTTGATCCTGGCTCAG and 1492R: GGTTACCTTGTTACGACT to amplify the DNA between positions 27 and 1492 of bacterial 16S rRNA genes- Sequence analysis revealed the presence of distinct known hydrocarbon degrading bacteria like Myroides odoratus, diverse strains of Bacteroides propionifaciens sp. nov, Myroides pelagicus, Myroides odoratus strain BVC 52, Proteus penneri strain YAK6, Proteus vulgaris, Proteus vidgaris strain knp3, Proteus vulgaris strain E14, Myroides odoratimimus strain LWD09, Proteus penneri strain YCY 34, Myroides Odoratimimus strain CM9, Myroides Odoratimimus strain YCT1, Alcaligenes sp. CRRI 27, Zooglea ramigera, Alcaligenes sp. XW3, Bacteroides caccae, Proteus penneri strain FFL8 and Alcaligenes sp. ICT-6. Sequences of Myroides and Proteus species were the dominant populations within the hydrocarbon utilizers and have been previously associated with hydrocarbon degradation.

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Newcastle disease (ND) is the most important viral disease of poultry in the world and a major constraint against both Industrial and village poultry production in Africa and Asia. A serological study was conducted to estimate the level of circulating antibodies against ND in unvaccinated local chickens, raised under traditional management system in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. Haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test was used to analyze 400 chicken sera (252 live bird market and 88 household chickens) for NDV antibodies from four Local Government Areas (LGAs) -Udenu, Nsukka, Igbo-Eze South and Igbo-Eze North- all within Nsukka Zone. The overall seroprevalence rate was 60.3% and only 47.1% of chicken had HI antibody titre of > 41og2 which was considered protective. A seroprevalence rate of 65.1% and 46.6% and a Geometric Mean titer (GMT) of 207.9 and 11.3 were obtained from live bird markets and households chickens respectively. About 52.9% of chickens sampled were at risk of suffering clinical ND. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the overall antibody prevalence rate between live bird market chickens and household chickens and between the age groups. A seroprevalence rate of 60.3% NDV antibodies in apparently healthy chickens observed in this study is suggestive of the presence and continuous circulation of NDV in the study area. Hence, improvement of extension services, biosecurity measures, and routine vaccination with thermostable NDV vaccines are highly recommended.

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This study was carried out to investigate the antagonistic activities of tongue isolates; Micrococcus luteus, Streptococcus mutatis, and Corynebacterium sp. and Aspergillus sp. against five test pathogenic fungi; Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, Colletotrichum capsici, Colletotrichum pisi, Sclerotium rolfsii, and Fusarium oxysporum, monitored over a period of five days incubation. All isolates were subjected to screening against the plant pathogens and most of the isolates showed antagonistic activity. Streptococcus mutatis (13.8±0.1: P=.05) showed the highest antagonistic activity after 24h; and least, Micrococcus luteus (0.1±0.0) against Colletotrichum capsici. The experimental results demonstrated the fungicidal effect of tongue microflora and revealed the possibility of the metabolites produced by these microorganisms to be used as potential biocontrol agents against these fungal species. This research paper further discussed the use of oral microflora as possible source(s) of biocontrol agents in control of plant disease, especially those caused by the selected test fungal pathogens. It also highlights factors that contribute to the limited use of biocontrol agents (BCAs).

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Culture-based and molecular detection of the quality of borehole water collected at random from seven hostels in Ihiagwa was undertaken. The bacterial isolates identified using culture-based analysis include Staphylococcus sp, Klebsiella sp, Micrococcus sp, Salmonella sp, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The presence of fungal isolates such as Trichoderma sp, Aspergillus sp and Rhizopus sp was also observed. Molecular identification of isolates using Polymerase Chain Reaction [PCR assay] with specific primers targeting 16sRNA of coliforms, 16sRNA of total bacteria genera, 16sRNA of Vibrio sp and IVsRNA of total fungi was carried out. Bands were obtained during gel electrophoresis depicting the presence of targeted organisms. The absence of Vibrio sp was evident. This study was carried out to ascertain the level of contamination and non potability of drinking water used within these hostels

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The infection process when C albicans grew in the filamentous and colonial forms were assessed in rats by determination of survival times, fungal burden from kidney and histological examination. Rats in the various immunological state survived C albicans in the Colonial form than in the filamentous form. Neutrophil deficient rats and rats depleted of all forms of immunity had the highest mortality with lowest mean survival times of 0.6±0.4 and 0.8 ±0.41 days respectively after infection with filamentous C albicans. There were no significant variations in the fungal kidney burden among the groups except for the Neutrophil deficient rats infected with filamentous C albicans that showed the lowest kidney burden 6.61 ± 0.73 cfu/g of kidney. Result indicates that there was variation in the relative invasion of the kidney by the C albicans when the organism grows in different morphological forms The result also mirrors the superiority of the immune status over morphological state of the organism and the consequences of certain regimen used in the treatment of candidiasis as shown on the effect of CPM, as this compound is an active substance in anti fungal drugs used in the treatment of infections caused by Candida albicans

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Objects such as door handles, mobile phones, pens, often touched with hands can act as vectors of microbial pathogens. The aim of this study was to isolate, identify and evaluate the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of bacterial contaminants from door handles in Michael Okpara University of agriculture, Umudike.A total of one hundred door handles randomly scattered within the university campus of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) were swabbed and analyzed for bacterial contamination. Samples collected were cultured and incubated at 37°C for 24 hrs. Isolation and identification of bacterial pathogens was done by standard microbiological procedures. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was done by disc diffusion technique.A total of one hundred and thirty (130) bacteria were isolated in this study, they E. are; Enterococcus feacalis 6(4.8%), Coagulase negative Staphylococcus(CoaNS)28(21.2%), Streptococcus spp 22(16.6%), Klebsiella spp 3(2.2%), Bacillus spp 22(16.6%), coli 4(3.0%), Proteus mirabilis 4(3.0%), Proteus vulgaris 6(4.6%), Pseudomonasaeruginosa 2(1.5%) and Staphylococcus aureus 33(25.0%). Ofloxacin, Peflacine, and Ceftriaxone were effective against the bacteria and exhibited encouraging results while Cotrimoxazole was resistant to most isolates. The spread of microorganism and prevention of infection from door handles can be minimized by thorough hand washing and use of hand sanitizer as well as daily washing and cleaning of restrooms and canteens with disinfectants.

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This research work was therefore carried out to assess the effect of different containers on the quality of different water samples and the effect of long storage time on the bacterial load (bioload) of the water samples. Spread plate count technique was adopted using Nutrient, Salmonella/Shigella, MacConkey and Thiosulphite Citrate bile sucrose agar. Calabash, Glass, Metal and Plastic containers were used in the storage of rainwater, river water and tap water. In rain water stored in calabash, the total heterotrophic bioload decreased from 9.21ogcfu/ml to 5.31ogcfu/ml. For the river water stored in glass container, the bioload decreased from 7.01ogcfu/ml to 5.01ogcfu/ml. In other containers, there were such decreases. Several factors were noticed to be responsible for the bioload changes. The factors include; the toxins and acids produced as secondary metabolites during the stationary phase, temperature variation, nutrient depletion, and pH. Plastic container recorded the highest bioload decrease. People are advised to use plastic containers for water storage and they should filter the water before using so as to remove the biofilms formed at the wall of the containers due to death of bacteria when toxins are produced and nutrient depleted.

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Growth effects of phosphate solubilizing bacterial strains on maize, beans and groundnut seedlings in potted soil samples were investigated. The bacterial strains were isolated from uncultivated agricultural farmland on nutrient agar medium. The isolates were tested for their phosphate solubilizing potential using National Botanical Research Institute Phosphate (NBRIP) agar containing tricalcium phosphate as the sole phosphate source. The isolates showed varying phosphate solubilization index (PSI) ranging from 1.8 to 3.1. Among the isolates tested for phosphate solubilization, Pseudomonas sp. PSBA2, Pseudomonas sp. PSBN1 and Bacillus sp. PBSC1 showed higher phosphate solubilization index (PSI) values of 2.8, 3.1 and 1.9 respectively. The best growth performances (31.2 cm, 38.4 cm2, and 2.93 cm for plant height, leave area and shoot length respectively) were observed in maize inoculated with Pseudomonas sp. PSBN1 while the least performances with values of 6.4 cm, 2.8 cm2, and 2.9 cm for plant height, leave area and shoot length respectively was observed in beans inoculated with Bacillus sp. PBSC1. Results of this study are suggestive of the potential for the use of phosphate solubilizing bacteria as a biofertilizer.

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Medicinal plants have been of existence from time immemorial. Over 250,000 exist and are believed to have different medicinal activities. Moreover, only the activities of about 50,000 plants have been examined. The use of plants for the remedy of diseases is usually termed phytotherapy, complementary and alternative medicine or phytomedicine. These plants have been classified based on part used, habit, habitat, therapeutic value, Ayurvedic formulations in which they are used and Botanical classification. Plant phytochemicals confer medicinal plants their medicinal activities and has been broadly classified into primary constituents which include the common sugars, amino acids, chlorophylls, proteins, purines and pyrimidines of nucleic acids etc. while secondary constituents are the remaining plant chemicals such as alkaloids, terpenes, flavonoids, lignans, plant steroids, curcumines, saponins, phenolics, flavonoids and glucosides. The activity of the phytochemicals depends on their structures. Several methods of extraction of this useful phytochemicals exists depending on the target phytochemical. Medicinal plants have shown promising antimicrobial activities, anti-helminthic, anticancer, antidiarrheal and antiviral activities. Phytotherapy have several advantages over synthetic drugs. Moreover, it also has limitations. The characteristics, advantages, limitations of phytotherapy is been reviewed in this work