Characterization of bacteria isolates colonizing the throat of hospitalized patients at Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria and in vitro antimicrobial effects of Citrus aurantifolia and Alum on the isolates

1Olajide, O. A., *1Kolawole, O. M., 1Bada-Siyede, I. B., 1Ayanda, O. O., and 1,2Suleiman, M. M.

1Infectious Disease and Environmental Health Research Group, Department of Microbiology,  Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, Nigeria                            2Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Summit University, Offa, Nigeria *Correspondence to: tomak7475@gmail.com; omk@unilorin.edu.ng; +234-8060088495

Abstract:

Background: Antibiotic resistance in microorganisms implicated in nosocomial respiratory infections is a major reason for prolonged hospital stay and increased cost of therapeutic treatment of hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP). This study was designed to isolate bacterial pathogens colonizing the throat of hospitalized patients at the Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, and to evaluate antibacterial effects of extracts of Citrus aurantifolia peel and Alum against these bacterial isolates.

Methodology: This was a cross sectional study of 100 randomly recruited hospitalized patients at the Sobi Specialist

Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria. Throat samples collected from consenting participants were cultured on selective agar media (MacConkey, Eosin-Methylene blue and Mannitol salt) for isolation of bacteria. Identification of isolates from culture plates was done by Gram reaction and conventional biochemical tests while confirmation of the isolates was done by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Antibiotic susceptibility test for each isolate to selected antibiotics (ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, cefuroxime, ceftazidime, gentamicin, nitrofuran, ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin) was done by the Kirby Buer disc diffusion method. Aqueous extract of Alum ([KAl(SO4).12H2O]) was done to produce concentrations of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% (w/v) at pH 3.6 and tested on the bacterial isolates using agar diffusion method. Citrus aurantifolia peel was extracted using methanol and hexane solvents to produce extract concentrations of 500mg/ml, 250mg/ml and 150mg/ml, and tested on the isolates by agar diffusion, and by the broth dilution method to obtain minimum inhibitory (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of C. aurantifoliaContinue reading “Characterization of bacteria isolates colonizing the throat of hospitalized patients at Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria and in vitro antimicrobial effects of Citrus aurantifolia and Alum on the isolates”

In vivo assessment of antibacterial activity of Cassia sieberiana stem bark extracts on enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli infection in Wister rats

In vivo assessment of antibacterial activity of Cassia sieberiana stem bark extracts on enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli infection in Wister rats

1Usanga, V. U., 1Ukwah, B. N., 2William, O., *1Kalu, M. E., 3Akpan, J. L., 1Azi, O. S., and 1Ude, U. A.

 1Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Science and Technology, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria

2Department of Laboratory Services, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria

3Department of Pharmacology, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: kalu.erem@ebsu.edu.ng; +234806 402 8592

Abstract:

 Background: The acceptance of traditional medicine as an alternative form of health care has led researchers to further investigate the antimicrobial and other health benefits of medicinal plants including Cassia sieberiana. The objective of this study is to assess the in vivo antibacterial effects of C. sieberiana stem bark extracts on infections caused by human and animal isolates of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) in Wister rats.

Methodology: This in vivo study was designed for 21 days in 3 phases of 7 days each; adaptation, infection and treatment. Escherichia coli were isolated from aerobic cultures of human and cattle faecal samples and EHEC 0157 identified by serological typing using latex agglutination method. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of authenticated C. sieberiana stem bark, were prepared using standard method. Forty-five Wister rats were randomly divided into 9 groups (A-I) of 5 rats each. Rats in group A (uninfected with human or animal EHEC isolate and untreated) served as negative control while rats in group B (infected with EHEC animal isolate and untreated) and group C (infected with EHEC human isolate and untreated) served as positive controls. Rats in group C through group I were experimental groups that were either infected with human or animal EHEC isolate and treated, or uninfected but treated with ethanol and aqueous extracts of C. sieberiana. During each of the study phase, faecal samples were collected from the rats and processed for evaluation of EHEC count and to determine faecal occult blood. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 20.0 and categorical variables were compared with Pearson’s Chi-square, with significant value taken as p<0.05 Continue reading “In vivo assessment of antibacterial activity of Cassia sieberiana stem bark extracts on enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli infection in Wister rats”

Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women attending Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria using the complete Amsel’s diagnostic criteria

*1Udeogu, C. V., 1Agbakoba, N. R., 1Chukwuma, L. N., 2Okwelogu, S. I., and 3Oguejiofor, C. B.

1Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Microbiology Unit, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

2Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

3Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: chidozie.udeogu@yahoo.com

Abstract:

Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) in pregnant women remains a cause for clinical concern among clinicians and health care professionals. BV has been linked to prenatal, antenatal and postnatal challenges in pregnant women. Information on prevalence of BV across trimesters of pregnancy is expected to give better clinical insight into the pathophysiology of this polymicrobial disorder. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of BV in pregnant women attending the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Nigeria. Continue reading “Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women attending Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria using the complete Amsel’s diagnostic criteria”

Prevalence of antibiotic residues in body organs of pigs slaughtered in Jos, Nigeria

*1Anueyiagu, K. N., 1Nandi, S., 1Uzochukwu, I. A., and 2Sule, S. O.

1Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, NVRI Vom, Nigeria

2Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Technology, NVRI Vom, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: anueyiagunnamdi@yahoo.com; +2348035841582;

ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000000225667982

Abstract:

Background: Drug residue is a serious issue for the food chain when antimicrobial substances are inappropriately used or when the withdrawal times before slaughtering the treated animals are not respected. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of antibiotic residues in pork slaughtered for human consumption in Jos South Local Government Area (LGA), Plateau State, Nigeria. Continue reading “Prevalence of antibiotic residues in body organs of pigs slaughtered in Jos, Nigeria”

Clinical neglect of aspergillosis in pulmonary tuberculosis coinfection: a case report of avoidable mortality in a resourceconstrained setting

*[1]Adeyemo, A. T., 1Obadare, T. O., [2]Edward, S. S., 1Ibrahim, A. O., 1Irek, E. O., 1Amupitan, A. A., 2Olorunsogo, O. A., 1Anuforo, A. C., 2,3Obiajunwa, P. O., and 1,4Aboderin, A. O.

     1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching  Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria                                                                                

2Department of Paediatrics, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

3Department of Paediatrics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria                             

4Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria  

*Correspondence to: adeyemiadeyemo3@gmail.com; ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000000335442530

Abstract:

Background: Pulmonary aspergillosis (PA) is common among patients with tuberculosis (TB). With both infections presenting with similar clinical and radiologic features, diagnosis of PA is often made too late or missed completely due to lack of clinical suspicion and poor diagnostic laboratory capacity for mycotic infections prevalent in our settings. We present a case of preventable mortality caused by delayed diagnosis and treatment of PA in a patient with pulmonary TB (PTB). Continue reading “Clinical neglect of aspergillosis in pulmonary tuberculosis coinfection: a case report of avoidable mortality in a resourceconstrained setting”

‘Metastatic seed’ of cholera in Edo State, Nigeria: a case report

*1,3Adewuyi, G. M., 1,3Samuel, O. S., 1Unuane, A. E., 2Iraoyah, K. O., 1Onuha, G. O.,   1Otumu, O. T., and 1Ogbue, J. I.

Departments of 1Medical Microbiology/Parasitology and 2Internal Medicine, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria

3Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria   *Correspondence to: gbolawuyi@yahoo.com; ORCiD: 0000-0002-8976-5565

Abstract:

There were reported cholera epidemics in some States in Nigeria. Cholera is an acute diarrhea disease with marked epidemic propensity, caused by colonization of the small intestine by Vibrio cholerae serogroup 01 or 0139. Cholera, like other infectious diseases epidemics, has propensity for sending metastatic seed to any susceptible remote community. If the metastatic seed can be promptly diagnosed and managed appropriately, the spread and development of new epicenter can be aborted. This report is a case of metastatic cholera who presented in a tertiary hospital in Edo State, Nigeria. The case was promptly detected and effectively managed using good surveillance system, inter-departmental collaboration, swift responses, good laboratory practices, patient isolation and infection prevention and control measures, coupled with appropriate fluid and antimicrobial treatments. This prevented cholera epidemic in the hospital and Edo State in general. Continue reading “‘Metastatic seed’ of cholera in Edo State, Nigeria: a case report”

The role of infections in the pathogenesis of bleeding among patients with haemophilia-A: A primer for haemophilia caregivers in the tropics

*1Ahmed, S. G., and 2Ibrahim, U. A.

1Department of Haematology, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

2Department of Paediatrics, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: drsagirahmed@yahoo.com; +2348034418015

Abstract:

Background: Haemophiliacs are often transfusion-dependent, and are at risk of HIV and non-HIV immuno- suppression, making them vulnerable to transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) and non-TTIs, many of which can cause infection-associated bleeding (IAB) even in non-haemophilic individuals. Haemophiliacs are particularly susceptible to IAB due to vicious interaction between pre-existing ‘inherited’ FVIII deficiency and infection-induced ‘acquired’ pro-haemorrhagic abnormalities. IAB in haemophiliacs manifests as undue musculoskeletal and/or mucocutaneous haemorrhages. It is thus important for haemophilia caregivers in general (and in the tropics in particular) to have thorough understanding of IAB. Clinico-pathological perspectives of IAB in haemophilia are fragmented, and not comprehensively appraised in previous literature. This review presents updated, compre- hensive but concise overview of pathogenesis, trigger mechanisms, clinical implications, therapy and prevention of IAB in haemophiliacs as accrued from literature.

Methodology: Online databases such as PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar and others were interrogated using the search terms; ‘haemophilia-A’, ‘viral, bacterial and parasitic infections’, ‘bleeding’, ‘mucocutaneous’, ‘thrombo- cytopenia’, ‘ecchymosis’, ‘purpura’, ‘haematuria’, ‘melena’, ‘haematemesis’, and ‘haemoptysis’ in various combina- tions. Continue reading “The role of infections in the pathogenesis of bleeding among patients with haemophilia-A: A primer for haemophilia caregivers in the tropics”

A review of the roles of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules in infections

*1Adegboro, B., 2Kolawole, O. M., 3Lawani, O., 2Folahan, F., and 2Seriki, A. A.

1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria

2Infectious Diseases and Environmental Health Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

3Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin *Correspondence to: boazadegboro@gmail.com

Abstract:
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) locus is a group of genes located on the short arm of chromosome 6 in human that code for proteins on the cell surface. They have important roles in immune response by the cells of immune system. Using a comprehensive search method on Google Scholar and PubMed databases, literatures on MHC published in English until 2021 were searched with the terms; “MHC”, “HLA”, “MHC antigen presentation” and “MHC roles in infections”. Relevant publications were identified, screened for duplicates and selected per eligibility. The review highlights the different haplotypes of the MHC that either enhance or depress the body immune system to some important viral, bacterial and parasitic infections. The possibility of utilizing this knowledge in genetic engineering and immunomodulation, to prevent infectious diseases and cancers, are discussed. Continue reading “A review of the roles of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules in infections”

Evaluation of procalcitonin as a biomarker of bacterial sepsis in adult population in a tertiary healthcare facility in Lagos, Nigeria

*1,2Idakari, C. N., *2,3Efunshile, A. M., 4Akase, I. E., 1Osuagwu, C. S., 1Oshun, P.,
and 1Oduyebo, O. O.

1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos/Lagos University
Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria

2Department of Medical Microbiology, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria

3Department of Medical Microbiology, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria

4Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Lagos/Lagos University
Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria
*Correspondence to: idakarichinedu@gmail.com and drefunshile@yahoo.com

Abstract:
Background: Prompt antibiotic treatment of sepsis improves the outcome, but dependence on clinical diagnosis for empiric therapy leads to overuse of antibiotics which in turn promotes the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Blood culture takes time and molecular diagnosis may not be available or affordable. The use of procalcitonin (PCT) as a biomarker to guide antibiotic therapy in adults is less established compared to children. This study was therefore designed to evaluate the usefulness of PCT as a biomarker to aid early commencement of antibiotics among adult patients with sepsis in a tertiary healthcare facility in Lagos, Nigeria.

Methodology: Three hundred patients with clinical diagnosis of sepsis made by the managing physicians were recruited for the study. Criteria used for clinical diagnosis of sepsis include tachycardia, tachypnea, fever or
hypothermia and presence of leukocytosis, bandemia or leucopenia. The patients were selected using systematic consecutive sampling methods. A sepsis work-up including quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA),
white blood cell count (WCC), aerobic blood culture and estimation of serum PCT levels were done for all the participants. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for windows version 25.0.
Sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values, accuracy and likelihood ratio of PCT against blood culture, WCC and qSOFA score were determined. Association between variables was measured using Fisher exact
test (with Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval). P-value ˂0.05 was considered statistically significant. Continue reading “Evaluation of procalcitonin as a biomarker of bacterial sepsis in adult population in a tertiary healthcare facility in Lagos, Nigeria”

Phytochemical study and evaluation of the antiviral activity of aqueous extracts of three medicinal plants; Xylopia aethiopica, Gliricidia sepium and Ocimum gratissimum used in Cote d’Ivoire

*1Bouagnon, J. J. R., 2Bolou, G. E. K., 3Guédé, K. B., 4Sanga, D., 4Koffi, L. R., 4N’Guessan, C. D. R., 5Konan, Y., 5Adjogoua, E. V., 4N’Guessan, J. D.,
4Djaman, A. J., and 1,3Dosso, M.

1Biological Resources Center/Biobank, Institut Pasteur, Côte d’Ivoire

2National Floristic Center, Felix Houphouët-Boigny University, Côte d’Ivoire

3Department of Bacteriology-Virology, Institut Pasteur, Côte d’Ivoire

4Laboratory of Biology and Health, UFR Biosciences, Felix Houphouët-Boigny University, Côte d’Ivoire

5Department of epidemic viruses, Institut Pasteur, Côte d’Ivoire
*Correspondence to: ritabouagnon@pasteur.ci

Abstract:
Background: The present work is part of the exploration of new antiviral molecules to combat antimicrobial resistance. In purpose, this study determined the phytochemical analysis, cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of extracts from three Ivorian medicinal plants; Gliricidia sepium, Ocimum gratissimum and Xylopia aethiopica against poliovirus 1, a non-enveloped RNA virus.

Methodology: Aqueous extract of the three plants, which were identified at the herbarium of National Floristic Center Abidjan, was done using a previously described method. The precipitation or staining technique was used to highlight the chemical groups in the three extracts while the polyphenol content of each extract was assessed by the colorimetric method. Cytotoxicity and antiviral activity tests were performed in 96-well plates. Cytotoxicity of each extract on L20B (a genetically engineered mouse cell line) was determined by observation of the cell line carpet. Antiviral activity of three extracts against poliovirus type I was determined after 72 hours using an assay that measures inhibition of the cytopathic effect on cell culture. Continue reading “Phytochemical study and evaluation of the antiviral activity of aqueous extracts of three medicinal plants; Xylopia aethiopica, Gliricidia sepium and Ocimum gratissimum used in Cote d’Ivoire”