Abstract

---

Oil spillages in mangrove ecosystems can be problematic hence, the need to source for bioremediation strategies from within the ecosystem. Red mangrove seedlings were carefully uprooted from mangrove soil of Ugbokodo community of Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. These acclimatized seedlings were exposed to acute treatment of one-time application of 150 ml crude oil and chronic treatment of weekly application of 20 ml crude oil. Mangrove seedlings’ reactions to crude oil were investigated by observing their stem height, stem girth, numbers of leaves and leaf area fortnightly for 90 days. Also, chemical parameters (pH, heavy metals, and total petroleum hydrocarbon-TPH) were analyzed to determine the effects of the crude oil on the mangrove soils. The findings revealed notable degrees of growth in the mangrove seedlings and seedlings with chronic treatment recorded a higher increase of growth. The highest decrease in pH was observed in soil with chronic treatment (SWCT) from 5.55 at day 0 to 5.18 at day 9. The highest decrease in TPH concentration was observed in SWCT from 958.4 ppm at day 0 to 412.33 ppm at day 90. There was a decrease in the concentrations of heavy metals except for Pb in soil with acute treatment (SWAT) during the 90 days incubation period. The findings revealed that mangrove plants exposed to acute and chronic contamination both have phytoremediative abilities but seedlings with chronic treatment demonstrated greater phytoremediative capacity and acute contamination of crude oil has more adverse effect on the mangrove soil ecosystem than chronic contamination.

Abstract

---

The structural characterization of biosurfactants produced by Xanthomonas campestris isolated from tannery effluents was performed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). FT-IR analysis revealed distinct functional groups consistent with amphiphilic biosurfactants. A broad band at 3339 cm⁻¹ indicated O–H stretching associated with hydroxyl groups, while a strong absorption at 1640 cm⁻¹ corresponded to amide carbonyl groups. Peaks at 1220 cm⁻¹ and 1019 cm⁻¹ confirmed C–O and C–O–C vibrations typical of sugar moieties, whereas low-frequency peaks at 750 cm⁻¹ and 672 cm⁻¹ represented C–H bending of long hydrocarbon chains. These results support the presence of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains, consistent with glycolipid-type biosurfactants. GC–MS analysis further confirmed this classification, detecting fatty acid fragments (57.1–257.3 m/z) that constitute the hydrophobic region, alongside a diagnostic sugar fragment at 183.2 m/z indicative of rhamnose. High molecular weight fragments (467.6–593.7 m/z) corresponded to intact or partially fragmented glycolipid conjugates. The combined evidence strongly suggests the biosurfactant is a rhamnolipid-like glycolipid with structural complexity that explains its emulsifying and surface-active properties and the crude biosurfactant from Xanthomonas campestris showed stability at pH 8, 45 °C, and 10% NaCl. These findings highlight the potential of X. campestris from tannery effluents as a promising source of glycolipid biosurfactants for environmental and industrial applications.

Abstract

---

Undergraduate research is a core component of Microbiology training and a crucial pathway for enhancing scientific capacity. Despite its recognised value, students in resource-limited settings often complete research projects under substantial infrastructural and institutional constraints. This study assessed the research experiences of final-year Microbiology undergraduates at a University in Southern Nigeria, using the case study to examine the opportunities and challenges inherent in the Nigerian higher education system. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 107 of 130 final-year students using a piloted, self-administered electronic questionnaire. Key variables captured included project characteristics, supervision patterns, laboratory access, skill acquisition, confidence in research, challenges encountered, and recommendations for improvement. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, while qualitative responses were interpreted thematically. Most students reported substantial gains in laboratory skills (91.6%), improved confidence in research design (89.7%), and generally positive supervisory experiences, with more than 94% rating supervision as good or excellent. However, recurrent systemic limitations shaped the research process. Students frequently cited erratic electricity, inadequate laboratory equipment, and high personal costs for reagents, transportation, and private laboratory analyses. Time pressure, delays in project approval, and conflicts between coursework and laboratory schedules further constrained project execution. Qualitative findings revealed a call for structured research training prior to project commencement, as well as growing enthusiasm for microbiology-driven entrepreneurship. The study highlights a paradox that while undergraduate research effectively builds skills and confidence, its full potential is undermined by infrastructure deficits and limited institutional support. Therefore, addressing these gaps requires strategic investment in laboratory capacity, improved supervisory structures, and the incorporation of entrepreneurship and innovation pathways into the curriculum, thereby engendering a new generation of graduates capable of meeting current societal demands.

Abstract

---

Negative impacts of contaminated groundwater on human health are chronic and are very difficult to detect. This study assessed the extents of groundwater contaminations based on the level of microbial and physicochemical characteristics in selected local government areas (LGAs) of Oyo-State, Southwestern Nigeria. Groundwater samples were collected from 10 wells per each LGA (50 wells in total), in-situ measurement of physicochemical parameters namely pH, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC) among others and microbial analyses were also carried out using standard laboratory procedures through isolation and identification of microbes, confirmation of isolates and protozoan analysis. The acquired data were subjected to Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan multiple range test (DMRT) to evaluate their level of significance. The results revealed that the mean distribution of the physicochemical parameters ranged from 4.7±0.15−8.9±0.21b; 26.7℃±3.06c−30.9℃±1.63b; 119±0.58a−599.7±9.07g (mg/l); 15.6±0.51a−82±2.0f (µs/cm) respectively for pH, temperature, TDS, EC. The results of the microbial analyses revealed that most of the water samples were contaminated with a total number of ten (10) isolates namely Citrobacter freundii, Shigella dysenteriae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Vibrio cholerae. In terms of maximum exhibited bacteria loads, the most contaminated area is Oja-Oba (OJB) with 4.0 × 102 cfu/ml and the least contaminated area is Iwo-road (IWR) with 2.0 × 102 cfu/ml while in terms of compliance level, the most contaminated area is OJB and the least contaminated area is Apata (APT) with 10% and 60% compliance levels. Therefore, the investigated areas, most particular OJB groundwater are hereby recommended for comprehensive treatment.

Abstract

---

The hands are the chief organs for physical manipulation of the environment. They serve as a medium for the propagation of microorganisms from place to place and from person to person. Human hands usually harbour microorganisms both as part of the body’s normal flora as well as transient microorganisms contracted from the environment. This study was aimed at isolating and identifying bacterial and fungal isolates from door handles in University of Benin male and female post-graduate hostels. Samples from door handles were subjected to standard microbiological analysis such as culturing, enumeration, Gram staining, biochemical test, lactophenol cotton blue assay and multiple antibiotic resistance tests. The bacterial count ranged from 6.94±2.52ax102 cfu/m2 to 13.54±0.72ax102cfu/m2 while the highest fungal count in this study was 10.35±0.79a x 102cfu/cm2 the across the female and male hostels. The World Health Organization (WHO) acceptable level of fungal contamination is 108cfu/g or ml of which the amount present in the door handle surface was found to be in between the range. The results of this present study showed that Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger, Mucor mucedo, Yeast sp and Penicillium notatum were present on the door handle surfaces. This study also shows that there were more bacterial population in male hostels compared to the female hostels from both Ugbowo and Ekenwan campus indicating that individual door handles are not identical with respect to their design, usage patterns, surface materials, and environmental conditions (e.g. temperature, moisture, and ventilation rates) and any of these factors could influence the composition of bacterial communities found on door handle surfaces. S. aureus and E. coli demonstrated a very clear β hemolysis in the form of clearance zone along the streak on blood agar plate within 24 hours of incubation at room temperature. E. coli was also resistant to more than two (2) tested antibiotics. It is imperative that the culture of hand-washing be imbibed as this would reduce the chances of getting infections from the microorganisms a door user would be exposed to. Proper sanitation of the door surfaces should be constantly carried out and maintained.

Abstract

---

Untreated abattoir wastewater contains high microbial loads that may persist in irrigated soils and transferred to edible crops. This study investigated the culture and molecular profiles of microorganisms isolated from abattoir wastewater, it’s irrigated soils and crops cultivated on the receiving soils with particular emphasis on soil and crop-associated microbiomes in Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria. Effluents exhibited elevated bacterial (6.94–7.02 log₁₀ cfu ml⁻¹) and coliform counts (5.38–5.52 log₁₀ cfu ml⁻¹), with isolation of Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus, and Penicillium species. Wastewater-irrigated soils demonstrated significantly higher microbial population than the control, including heterotrophic bacteria (up to 7.46 log₁₀ cfu g⁻¹) and enterococci (up to 5.08 log₁₀ cfu g⁻¹). Soil communities were dominated by Bacillus (100%), Pseudomonas (90%), Enterobacter (70%), E. coli (70%), and Aspergillus niger (100%). Crops grown on abattoir wastewater-irrigated soils harboured similar microbial groups, confirming effluent–soil–crop microbial transmission. Molecular characterization using 16S rRNA gene sequencing for bacteria and Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequencing for fungi confirmed the identities of key isolates, including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Enterobacter cloacae, Bacillus subtilis, Aspergillus niger, and Fusarium oxysporum. The findings demonstrate that irrigation with untreated abattoir wastewater alters soil microbiome and facilitates the transfer of wastewater-borne microorganisms onto edible crops, raising significant food-safety and public-health concerns.

Abstract

---

In nature, keratinous substrates are broken down by keratinophilic fungus and a major habitat for this fungus is the soil. Their ability to breakdown keratin contributes to the pathogenicity potential of many of these fungi. Their actions may lead to worsen of respiratory diseases and development of a condition known as dermatomycosis, in both humans and animals. This study was aimed at isolating Keratinophilic fungi from the soil of the school playgrounds which are located at Abakpa Nike, Enugu state, Nigeria. Forty (40) soil samples were obtained from ten different school playgrounds using the hair bait techniques (HTB). Twenty-four (60%) yielded fungal growth. The growth on the baits were sub cultured into plates of Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) and identification of the isolates was based on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. A total of 66 fungal isolates of 13 species from 5 genera were identified. Aspergillus flavus 13(32.5%) was the most dominant keratinophilic fungus, followed by Microsporum gypseum 10(25%), Aspergillus fumigatus 8(20%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Aspergillus niger 6(15%), Trichopyton equinum 5(12.5%), Microsporum ferrugineum and Fusarium 4(10%), Microsporum audounii 3(7.5%), Microsporum distortum and Microsporum cookie 2(5%) Alterneria 2(5%) and Microsporum terrestre 1(2.5%). The presence of keratinophilic fungi in school playground soils may present a serious risk to human health, especially for children and teenagers. The need for schools to practice and enforce hygiene protocols is important so as to curb the spread of these fungi and lower the risk of fungal infections.

Abstract

---

Piggery activities necessitate large amount of wastewater generation with high concentrations of organic matter and pathogens. This study characterized the microbial and physicochemical properties of discharged piggery wastewater and its bioremediation potential. Wastewater samples collected weekly from May to July, 2024 at piggery farm, Federal University of Technology Akure, were subjected to microbiological succession analysis and cultivated using pour plate technique. Isolates identified colonially by conventional methods were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing and phylogeny. Samples’ physicochemical parameters were assessed before and after treatment with dominant isolates using standard methods. Bioremediation was done in four batches; individual isolates, consortium and control. Bacterial growth reduced from 8.36 × 10-1 cfu/ml (day 1) to 1.29 × 10-5 cfu/ml (day 5) at 103 serial dilutions. Fungal growth was recorded only on day 1 (1.3 × 10-5 sfu/ml) at 103 serial dilutions, with no growth detected thereafter. At day 5, most dominant bacterial species were identified as Proteus mirabilis OLU (PX611816) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa OLU (PX614431). Samples bioremediated with P. mirabilis OLU and P. aeruginosa OLU consortium increased pH from 7.15±0.03 to 7.52±0.9, dissolved oxygen level from 4.61±0.02 to 5.81±0.01 mg/ml, and decreased biochemical oxygen demand from 206.42±0.05 to 121.83±0.33 mg/ml and chemical oxygen demand values from 386.94±0.04 to 192.02±0.03 mg/ml. Findings from the study revealed that autochthonous bacterial isolates from piggery wastewater samples has potential to remediate samples with poor microbiological and physicochemical qualities. This suggests a stakeholders’ call for upscale of bioremediation strategies in wastewater treatment.

Abstract

---

The demand for an alternative to inorganic fertilizer is steadily increasing due to the drawbacks associated with its usage. The utilization of digestates has gained significant recognition recently due to their remarkable benefits even after being applied to the soil. Hence, this investigation aimed to assess the bacteriological profile of digestates, effluents, and feedstock originating from various waste streams, as well as the isolates’ ability to enhance plant growth. Conventional methods were employed in the analyses. Data analysis was conducted using the Microsoft Excel package, and basic descriptive statistics were employed to interpret the acquired data. The results unveiled that the heterotrophic bacterial counts (expressed as log10 cfu/g or ml) in the digestates, effluents, and feedstock samples ranged from 4.80±0.14 (effluent samples) to 6.09±0.01 (cow dung sample). The coliform counts (log10 cfu/g or ml) obtained from the samples varied from 4.24±0.34 (effluent samples) to 5.67±0.03 (cow dung). The bacterial species isolated from the digestates, effluents, and feedstock samples comprised Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, and Klebsiella oxytoca. Among these isolates B. subtilis exhibited the highest frequency of occurrence (27.8%), while P. aeruginosa demonstrated the lowest occurrence (11.1%). Regarding the plant growth promoting characteristics (rhizobacterial properties) of the bacterial isolates, all isolates exhibited ammonia production, while Bacillus, Klebsiella, and Serratia demonstrated nitrogen-fixation capability. Overall, Bacillus and Klebsiella were positively associated with at least three out of the four tests for plant growth promotion in the study. The findings of this study revealed the importance of these bacterial isolates from the digestates as organic biofertilizer for plant growth enhanced performance, thus guaranteeing food security and safety.

Abstract

---

Plesiomonas shigelloides is an emerging pathogen commonly found in aquatic environment that had been implicated in diverse gastrointestinal diseases. This study evaluated the incidence of Plesiomonas shigelloides and their antibiogram pattern in fish storage water, fish and fish seller’s towel swab. Samples were collected from two major markets in Southern part of Ondo State, Nigeria and broth culture of 18 – 24h old enriched culture was plated on Inositol Brilliant Green Bile agar for up to 48 h at 37oC. Isolates were confirmed via PCR and sequencing-based method. Using the disc diffusion method, confirmed isolates were assessed for their antibiogram profiles against 15 antibiotics and multiple antibiotic resistance phenotypes. About 158 presumptive Plesiomonas shigelloides was recovered from the samples collected from the two markets and only 58 (31.6%) were positive using PCR. Resistance of the isolates against the antibiotics followed the order: Erythromycin (85%), Ampicillin (83%), Ceftazidime (81%), Cefuroxime (71%), Tetracycline (67%), Meropenem and Vancomycin (45%), Amoxicillin and Streptomycin (43%), Trimethoprim (41%), Ciprofloxacin and Chloramphenicol (34%), Gentamicin (26%), Cotrimoxazole (22%) and Amikacin (21%). The multiple antibiotic-resistance indices of the organism were higher than the accepted threshold of 0.2. This is the first report on assessing the ease at which P. shigelloides in Clarias gariepinus sold in the market can be transmitted. We concluded that this pathogen with multiple antimicrobial resistant phenotypes can be easily transmitted consequently, a public health threat meanwhile, Amikacin, Cotrimoxazole and Gentamicin are important antibiotics that could be used against the pathogen.

Abstract

---

Suya, a popular Nigerian skewered meat (pH 5.7–7.2; aw 0.98–0.99), is a low-acid, high- moisture food that is highly susceptible to microbial contamination. Pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus pose severe public health risks in developing regions, where contaminated meat often serves as a primary transmission pathway. These risks are exacerbated by inadequate preparation and poor hygiene practices. This study assessed the microbiological quality of ready-to-eat Suya sold in Lagos State, Nigeria, and evaluated associated public health risks by identifying prevalent pathogenic bacteria and their contamination levels. Forty Suya samples were collected from vendors across five locations. Selective agars were used to isolate major pathogens, including coliforms, E. coli, Salmonella spp., S. aureus, and Bacillus cereus, and to determine their contamination loads. Proximate composition and pH were also measured. All samples contained B. cereus, the most frequently isolated bacterium. Mean counts revealed significant contamination: E. coli (4.19–4.48 log cfu/g), S. aureus (5.31–6.65 log cfu/g), and Salmonella spp. (4.17–4.35 log cfu/g). The pH ranged from 6.74 to 8.00. The abundance of pathogenic bacteria highlights inadequate hygiene during preparation and handling, posing substantial risks to consumer health. Ensuring Suya’s safety requires strict adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) protocols.

Abstract

---

Vegetables are vital dietary components, supplying essential nutrients for human health. However, their safety can be compromised by various contaminants. This study assessed the microbiological, parasitological, and heavy metal contamination of ten commonly consumed vegetables— Telfairiaoccidentalis, Amaranthus spp., Celosia argentea, Corchorusolitorius, Vernonia amygdalina, Solanumlycopersicum, Cucumissativus, Brassica oleracea, Daucuscarota, and Phaseolus vulgaris— purchased from markets in Offa metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria. Standard microbiological methods were employed for bacterial and fungal enumeration and isolation, while parasitological assessment utilized the sedimentation method. Heavy metal detection was performed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (Buck Scientific Model 230). Total bacterial counts ranged from 1.30×104 to 1.00×105cfu/g and fungal counts range from 4.20×106 to 1.24×107cfu/g. Key bacterial isolates included Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella entericaserovarTyphi (molecularly confirmed), Staphylococcus aureus (molecularly confirmed), and Escherichia coli (molecularly confirmed). Fungal isolates primarily comprised Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, and Candida tropicalis. Parasitological investigation revealed significant infestation by Ascarislumbricoides and Balantidium coli. Alarmingly, concentrations of lead (0.50±0.01 mg/kg) and manganese (2.47±0.06 mg/kg) in some vegetable samples exceeded permissible limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO). These findings highlight significant microbial, parasitic, and heavy metal contamination in selected vegetables from Offa metropolis, indicating their potential as sources of public health concern and necessitating enhanced food safety interventions.

Abstract

---

Yellow mombin is an underutilized indigenous fruit characterized by unique flavor and high sugar content making it suitable for exotic wine production though fermentation. This study was aimed at exploiting the fermentative capability of palm wine Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the production of wine and evaluating the functional, antioxidant and sensory attributes of wine produced from yellow mombin fruit. High ethanol tolerant (14%) Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from palm wine was used to ferment yellow mombin ‘must’ for 7 days of primary (aerobic) fermentation and 7 days of secondary (anaerobic) fermentation successively. Wine samples were subjected to microbial analysis, physicochemical analysis and antioxidant capacity assay using standard methods. Sensory attributes of the yellow mombin wine were evaluated adopting the nine-point hedonic scale using commercial indigenous wine as control. At the end of the fermentation, the yeast and coliform populations were at 6.02 and 0.0 log10CFU/ml respectively. The physicochemical values of the yellow mombin wine with respect to pH, titratable acidity, Brixo, specific gravity, alcohol content, temperature were 3.35, 0.89%, 5.70, 1.012, 10.5% (v/v), 28 oC, respectively. The yellow mombin wine had a moisture content of 86.85%, total phenolic content of 19.10 mgGAE/100ml, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) and ABTS (2,2´-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) of 65.12%, 18.35 mgGAE/100ml, and 11.34% respectively. The yellow mombin wine was preferred by the panelists as its overall acceptance rating was 8.5. This study has shown yellow mombin to be good substrate for acceptable table wine production using Saccharomyces cerevisiae from palm wine.

Abstract

---

Cytokines, play a crucial role regulating the immune response and coordinating the communication between cells of the immune system and other tissues. The co-infection of HIV/HCV in patients compared to mono infections has been discovered to have reduced anti-inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and dehydroepiandrosteronesulphate in plasma. The aim of this study therefore, is to compare the level of some inflammatory cytokines such as the Interleukine 1B, 6,12, Tumour Necrosis Factor α in HIV-positive, HCV (mono infection) and HIV/HCV co-infected individuals. Blood samples were collected from 1250 HIV-negative individuals and 550 HIV-positive patients attending the antiretroviral clinic in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, between November 2018 and October 2019. Enzyme linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to screen for HCV antibodies (for detection of HCV mono-infection and HIV/HCV co-infection) and determination of cytokines levels. Thirty-six HIV-negative infected individuals (2.88%) tested positive for HCV antibody and, twenty-four (4.4%) tested positive for HCV antibody in the HIV-positive individuals. The IL1β in HIV mono-infection was significantly (P < 0.05) lower. The IL 6 was significantly higher (P < 0.05) among HIV mono infection. The HIV/HCV showed a higher significant level (P < 0.05) for IL12, while there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) across the groups for TNFα. Findings from this study discovered a higher level of cytokines across the three groups than in previously reported findings. It is recommended that measures be put in place to control pollutions which may lead to cytokine increase.

Abstract

---

Universities were potential hubs for SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Nigeria; however, empirical data on the infection burden among students have been limited. The study assessed the seroprevalence of SARS‑CoV‑2 and associated factors among undergraduates at a public University to inform educational and public health policy. The study used a cross-sectional design and was conducted among systematically sampled students at the University of Benin City, Nigeria, between February and December 2022. Sociodemographic and behavioural data were collected using a structured tool. Nasal swabs and venous blood were tested for SARS‑CoV‑2 antigen and IgM/IgG antibodies using rapid diagnostic assays. Seroprevalence was estimated with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs), and associated factors were explored using logistic regression, with the findings presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs). Among 677 participants (mean age, 21.5 years), all antigen tests were negative. Of 670 valid serological results, 79.6% tested positive for IgG and 14.0% for IgM. IgG positivity was independently associated with the use of mixed transportation (aOR 2.32; 95% CI: 1.31-4.09) and attendance at religious gatherings twice a week (aOR 1.82; 95% CI: 1.07-3.10). IgM positivity was higher among students residing in rural settings and lower among those using mixed transportation. In conclusion, no active COVID‑19 infection was detected, but most students had evidence of past infection during the post‑omicron period. These findings underscore the substantial cumulative exposure among young adults and highlight the importance of strengthening prevention strategies in university settings.

Abstract

---

As the economic burden of treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) is gravely increasing due to multi-drug resistance (MDR) among uro-pathogens, the search for new sources of antimicrobial compounds including bacteriocins has been a priority recently. This study therefore, evaluated the antibacterial activity of bacteriocins against multi-drug resistant bacteria implicated in UTIs. Fermented food (ogi, tapioca, palm wine, kunu, raw milk, and unripe plantain) samples were collected and screened for bacteriocin-producing bacteria using standard microbiological methods. Cell-free bacteriocn was extracted from the screened isolates by centrifugation and tested against MDR Escherichia coli (MDREc) and Staphylococcus aureus (MDRSa) using agar-well diffusion method. Bacteriocin-producing bacterial isolates with high antibacterial activity were identified using PCR and sequencing methods. A total of eight isolates produced bacteriocins with antibacterial activity against E. coli MDREc (7.0 ± 0.40 mm to 19.0 ± 0.99 mm) and S. aureus MDRSa (4.0 ± 0.5 mm to 14.0 ± 0.49 mm). The MIC for the cell-free extracts ranged from 15.63 mg/ml to 31.25 mg/ml against E. coli MDREc and 31.25 mg/ml to 62.50 mg/ml against S. aureus MDRSa, while MBC was at 125 mg/ml to 250 mg/ml and 250 mg/ml against the organisms, respectively. Cell-free extracts of bacteriocin producing isolates obtained from kunu (KU-BPI(B)), raw milk (M-BPI(A)), and unripe plantain (PN-BPI(B)) had significantly (P < 0.05) higher antibacterial activity and the isolates were identified as Morganella morganii KU, Proteus vulgaris CM, and Alcaligenes feacalis PN, respectively. Hence, these isolates produced bacteriocins with broad spectrum bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity against multi-drug resistant E. coli MDREc and S. aureus MDRSa implicated in UTIs.

Abstract

---

Abstract: Urogenital infections caused by Candida species (candiduria) are a growing public health concern, exacerbated by the rise of antifungal-resistant strains. This necessitates the search for novel, effective antifungal agents, with medicinal plants being a promising source. Ethanol, chloroform, and hot water (aqueous) extracts of Zingiber officinale (rhizome), Justicia carnea (leaf), and Hibiscus sabdariffa (calyx) sourced from Akure, Ondo State, were prepared and tested at 200 mg/ml against uropathogenic Candida albicans isolated from midstream urine samples of patients attending government hospitals in Ondo State. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) were determined for the active extracts using a broth microdilution method. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using H. sabdariffa was also characterized and assessed. The hot water extract of J. carnea and the ethanol extract of H. sabdariffa demonstrated the largest zones of inhibition (29.00±0.58 mm) against the isolate. The hot water extract of Z. officinale also showed significant activity, with a peak inhibition of 18.67±0.33 mm. Nanoparticles synthesized with H. sabdariffa showed potent activity, peaking at 24.00±0.58 mm. Z. officinale aqueous extract exhibited the most potent fungicidal activity, with an MFC of 100 mg/ml. The broad-spectrum fungicidal activity of Z. officinale and H. sabdariffa aqueous extracts highlights their potential as therapeutic agents. These findings indicate that nanosynthesized and polar extracts of these indigenous plants offer a viable alternative for developing novel antifungal therapeutics against multidrug-resistant candiduria.

Abstract

---

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading infections that cause death worldwide. The emergence of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis is of great concern for National TB control programmes wich hinders the control of tuberculosis; therefore it has become important to screen infected patients for resistant TB. A total of 437 sputum samples were collected from re-treatment TB patients. The samples were screened for Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) and positive samples were cultured on Lowenstein Jensen medium. The isolates were confirmed as Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex (MTBC) using immune- chromatographic test and their resistant pattern was detected using proportion method. The results revealed that 72 (16.47%) of the samples were AFB Smear positive, out of which, 62 (86%) were culture positive, 6 (8%) were culture negative and 4(6%) were contaminated. Also 57 (91.9%) of the 62 cultures positive samples, were Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex (MTBC). Among the57 isolates, 33(58%) isolates were found to be resistant to streptomycin, 47 (82.5%) and 44(77%) were found be resistant to isoniazid and rifampicin respectively. While 35 (51%) isolates were found to be resistant to ethambutol. Additionally, 41(71.93%) of the isolates were identified as multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). The study detects high resistance of M. tuberculosis to the two of the most important first anti-TB drugs as well as exhibited high multidrug resistance. The study identifies the need for fast and accurate diagnosis of resistant TB especially among re-treatment cases to interrupt transmission chain which will go a long way in providing a successful TB control.