Posted on

Asymptomatic bacteriuria in an apparently healthy population and its relation to hypertension

B.W. Odetoyin, O Olaniran, D.O. Afolayan, I.A. Aderibigbe, O Alaka, A.A. Onanuga

 

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a major health problem in sub-Sahara Africa. Several studies have suggested a role of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in the aetiology of hypertension, but there is a dearth of information on this association in Africa where the burden of hypertension is high. We investigated the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria, its association with hypertension and determined the antibiotic resistance patterns of implicated bacterial isolates in an urban community of Ile-Ife.

Methods: One hundred and seventy-four apparently healthy individuals were investigated for ASB. Relevant information was obtained from them with standard proforma. Their Blood pressure was measured with a standard mercury sphygmomanometer. All samples were processed on cysteine lactose electrolyte deficient medium and chocolate agar. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique.

Results:Fifty (28.7%) individuals were positive for ASB. ASB was commonly detected among the female subjects (X2=5.619; p-value = 0.01777), and among individuals in the age group of 50 59 years. Those that were hypertensive were two and a half times more likely to have ASB (Odd ratio=2.5; p-value=0.01369; CI=1.19-5.35). The highest percentage of hypertensive female participants with ASB was found in the age group of 30-39 years (33.3%) while among the male participants, the highest percentage was found in the age group of 60-69 years (9.5%). Escherichia coli (n=13; 26%) and Staphylococcus aureus (n=13; 26%) were the commonest organisms implicated in ASB. The majority of the isolates (>90%) were multidrug resistant. Isolates of Escherichia coli were commonly resistant to ampicillin (83.3%), ceftriaxone (72.7%) and cefepime (66.7%). Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were all (100%) resistant to erythromycin, cloxacillin and streptomycin. All isolates were least resistant to cotrimoxazole (<8%).

Conclusion: Women as well as men in the age group of 50-59 years were more likely to develop ASB. ASB could be contributing to the rising incidence of hypertension in this environment. Co-occurrence of hypertension and ASB portends a grave problem for apparently healthy individuals in this environment.

Keywords: Asymptomatic bacteriuria, Hypertension, Escherichia coli, healthy individuals, urban community

Download full journal in PDF below

Asymptomatic bacteriuria in an apparently healthy population and its relation to hypertension

Posted on

Comparative study of microbial, proximate and heavy metal compositions of some gastropods, bivalve and crustacean seafood

S Oranusi, E.D. Effiong, N.U. Duru

 

Abstract

Background: Seafood are known to be nutritionally rich, however, water bodies from where these foods are harvested are often burdened with wastes from industries, household and run-offs. Thus seafood can harbor pathogenic microorganisms and heavy metals which can pose a serious health hazard to consumers.

Materials and Methods: In this study, 5kg each of Littorina littorea, Achatina fulica,Tympanotonos fuscatus, Dorsanum miran, Egeria radiateand Penaeus notialis were investigated for microbial, proximate and heavy metal qualities using standard microbiological and chemical methods of analysis.

Results: The gastropod mollusks Tympanotonos fuscatus, Littorina littorea and Achatina fulica had significantly (p≤0.05) higher microbial loads compared to other samples. All the samples had significantly (p≤0.05) higher coliform counts compared to standard specifications. The microbial isolates from the samples included species of Bacillus, Klebsiellae, Citrobacter, Providencia, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, yeasts, Alternaria, Absidia, Rhizopus, and Mucor. Antibiogram of the isolates revealed multiple resistances with 79.55% and 66.67% resistance to antibacterial and antifungal agents respectively. The seafood was rich in protein (8.0±0.03 to 46.0±0.03%) and fat (0.6±0.01 to 8.8±1.00%) but low in carbohydrate (1.18±0.84 to 3.81±0.86%).The heavy metal compositions of the seafood were generally low except for manganese 6.36±0.03ppm in Dorsanum miran and nickel 0.81±0.50 ppm in Penaeus notialis.

Conclusion: The microbial loads of the seafood are significantly (p≤0.05) higher in gastropods and more than acceptable standard, effective protection of water bodies for food cultivation and constant monitoring of seafood is necessary. Adequate processing and employing good manufacturing practices can reduce the microbial loads to an acceptable level and prevent food borne hazards that could be associated with seafood consumption.

Keywords: Seafood, Heavy metals, Microbial profile, proximate compositions

Download full journal in PDF below

Comparative study of microbial, proximate and heavy metal compositions of some gastropods, bivalve and crustacean seafood

 

Posted on

Prevalence of hookworm species among butchers in Akure Metropolis

O.O. Ifayefunmi, I.K. Adewuyi, R.A. Agunlejika, J.F. Akinseye, S.B. Ayuba

 

Abstract

The prevalence of hookworm species among butchers in Akure metropolis was carried out by collecting 200 feacal specimens from four different abattoirs within Akure Metropolis. The specimen was examined by iodine preparations for a clearer picture of the eggs and formol-ether technique. The result obtained from this study showed that there was significant difference between (P<0.05) hookworm infection and gender distribution with masculine gender accounting for an infectivity rare of 71.4% while the female gender shows infectivity rate of 28.6%. it was equally observed the hookworm infection usually existed solely or alongside with other helminthes with infectivity rate of 5.5%.

Keywords: Hookworm, Butchers, Akure

Download full journal in PDF below

Prevalence of hookworm species among butchers in Akure Metropolis

Posted on

Re-emergence of monkeypox in Nigeria: a cause for concern and public enlightenment

A Fowotade, T.O. Fasuyi, R.A. Bakare

 

Abstract

Monkey pox infection is a zoonotic infection transmitted by direct or indirect contact with blood, body fluids and lesions of an infected animal. Human to human spread of Monkey pox has been described and infection is usually self-limiting, with an incubation period of 6-16 days. In Nigeria, the last case of monkey pox infection was recorded over 46 years ago. The recent emergence in Nigeria occurred in the year 2017 and was reported to have spread to 24 states with 228 suspected individuals affected. Laboratory diagnosis, as well as management and prevention of monkey pox infection in Nigeria, remain challenging as Nigeria is a resource-poor country with limited infrastructure, technical skill and training which is required in making a diagnosis. The ability of the monkey pox virus to evolve, its potential bioterrorism potential, as well as its recent emergence in Nigeria further justifies the need for improving the understanding of the presentation and prevention of monkey pox infection.

Keywords: monkey pox, emerging virus, Nigeria, rash, zoonosis, orthopox

Download full journal in PDF below

Re-emergence of monkeypox in Nigeria a cause for concern and public enlightenment

Posted on

Antimicrobial resistance pattern of clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli on carbapenems

A.A. Ajayi, A.E. Salubi, B Lawal, A.E. Onibokun, O.M. Ajayi, T.A. Ogunleye

 

Abstract

Pectinases are a group of enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of pectin. Pectinase producing Aspergillus niger was obtained from a five-day old Eba (Cassava flakes). Response surface methodology was used for optimizing the process of the pectinase produced. Four independent variables which are, temperature, pH, substrate concentration and time of Heating at  70oC were used to optimize the significant correlation between the effects of the variables on pectinase production. A second-order polynomial was fitted to data and validated by ANOVA. The results revealed maximum pectinase production at pH 6.0, 50oC Temperature, 0.02% substrate concentration and the enzyme lost all its activity within 7 min of heating at 70oC. The study revealed that optimization of pectinase through RSM could improve the enzymatic characteristics and yield of the enzyme. The models used were highly significant with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.901

Keywords: Pectinase; Aspergillus niger; Response Surface Methodology; Central Composite Design

Download full journal in PDF below

Optimization of pectinase production by Aspergillus niger using central composite design

Posted on

Antimicrobial resistance pattern of clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli on carbapenems

E.K. Oladipo, O.A. Ajibade, I.J. Adeosun, E.H. Awoyelu, S.B. Akinade, O.A. Alabi, O.A. Ayilara

 

Abstract

Background: Carbapenems are the most effective and important  therapeutic options to serious infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. However, Carbepenems resistant  isolates of  Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeroginosa are increasing worldwide. This study, therefore, was carried out to determine the resistance pattern of clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli to Carbapenems.

Methods: Fifty (50) E. coli and forty seven (47) Pseudomonas aeruginosa  isolates were studied. Antibiotic  Susceptibility test was performed as recommended by the CLSI. The antibiotics used were Ertapenem,  Imipenem, Colistin Sulphate, Levofloxacin, and Piperacillin/Tazobactam.

Results: Out of 97 clinical isolates subjected to drug susceptibilities test,  Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed resistance to Ertapenem (87.2%); followed by Levofloxacin (19.1%), Colistin sulphate (12.8%),  Piperacillin/tazobactan (4.3%) and Imipenem (2.1%) while E.coli displayed resistance to Ertapenem (30%), Levofloxacin (20%) and Colistin sulphate
(4%). Interestingly, E coli was susceptible to Imipenem (0%) and   Piperacillin/tazobactan (0%). A significant effect of Ertapenem on  Pseudomonas aeruginosa was recorded. Also a significant effect of  Piperacillin/Tazobactam was recorded on E coli. No significant effect was recorded among the other antibiotics on P aeruginosa or E coli.

Conclusion: There is a high level of Carbapenems resistance among the clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa compared to Escherichia coli in this study. Considering the therapeutic value of Carbapenems as one of the last options for the treatment of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, rational Carbapenems usage is essential to reduce selective pressure over Enterobacteriaceae andPseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates.

Keywords: Carbapenems, Antibiotics, Nosocomial, Susceptibility

Download full journal in PDF below

Antimicrobial resistance pattern of clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli on carbapenems

Posted on

Public health implications of Salmonella species contamination of naira notes obtained from butchers in Abakaliki meat market, Ebonyi state

I.B. Moses, E.N. Ugbo, I.R. Iroha, E.G. Ukpai, S.C. Eluu, D.C. Ilang, S.N. Otozi

 

Abstract

Daily transactions have made paper currencies to pass through many  hands, and pathogens become imposed on them before they are finally deposited in banks. This study evaluates the public health implications of Salmonella species contamination of naira notes obtained from butchers in Abakaliki meat market, Ebonyi State. A total of 95 samples of naira notes in different denominations (N5 to N1000) were randomly collected from butchers within Abakaliki metropolis between the months of March and May, 2016. All the naira note samples were analysed using standard  microbiological procedures. A total of nine (9.5 %) Salmonella spp isolates were obtained from the 95 naira note samples. All the Salmonella spp  isolates were completely resistant (100 %) to ceftazidime. The highest susceptibility frequency was observed for ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, meropenem, imipenem, and ofloxacin with values ranging from 88.9 % – 77.8 %. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean percentage resistance and susceptibility of the Salmonella spp isolates (P ˂ 0.05). Most of the Salmonella spp isolates exhibited multi-drug resistant traits as they were resistant to at least two different classes of antibiotics. The average multiple antibiotic resistance indices (MARI) of the Salmonella spp isolates was 0.35. This study shows that ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, meropenem, imipenem, and ofloxacin are still effective in the treatment of bacterial infections caused by Salmonella spp. Proper and hygienic handling of paper currencies is of public health importance so as to avert health challenges associated with microbial contamination of bank notes especially Salmonella spp.

Keywords: Salmonella, Naira notes, butchers, antibiotics, public health

Download full journal in PDF below

Public health implications of Salmonella species contamination of naira notes obtained from butchers in Abakaliki meat market, Ebonyi state

Posted on

A survey on urinary tract infection associated with two most common uropathogenic bacteria

R.O. Okojie, V.O. Omorokpe

 

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by the uropathogens – Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae among outpatients attending a hospital in Benin and the  antibiotic susceptibility pattern of both isolates. Mid-stream urine samples were collected from 96 patients, analysed microscopically and streaked on the surface of prepared plates of blood and MacConkey Agar. Isolates resulting from incubated plates were identified by standard microbiological techniques. Susceptibility testing was done using the disk diffusion  technique on Mueller Hinton Agar. The prevalence of UTI was 22.9%. It was significantly more prevalent in females (30.6%) than males (8.8%) (p < 0.05) and in age group 31 – 40 years (45.5%). Escherichia coli was the most commonly isolated and more prevalent (14.6%) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (5.2%). High level resistance (100%) to amoxycillin/clavulanic acid, ampicillin and ceftazidime was observed among the isolates. The active drugs against the bacteria were nitrofurantoin, ofloxacin and imipenem. Routine diagnostic procedure/screening is necessary to avoid complications.

Keywords: Infection, prevalence, resistance, uropathogens.

Download full journal in PDF below

Public health implications of Salmonella species contamination of naira notes obtained from butchers in Abakaliki meat market, Ebonyi state

Posted on

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori IgG and stool antigen detection from dyspeptic patients in Jos, Nigeria

D.O. Ombugadu, O.V. Oladele, S.C. Onuoha, O. Omisope, A. Ani

 

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori is a helical shaped gram negative microaerophilic bacterium, that can inhabit various areas of the stomach. The study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among dyspeptic patients attending Endoscopy unit, Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH). The prevalence of H pylori; antibodies in plasma and antigen in stool samples of 80 patients examined was studied using ELISA (DIA PRO, Italy) and ICA (BIOTEST China) respectively. Sociodemographic and clinical information was obtained through the assistance of attending  gastroenterology staff. Blood grouping was also performed by slide  agglutination test for all patients. Helicobacter pyloriIgG antibodies were detected in plasma of 28 (35%) patients of which 27 patients out of the sero-positive cases were antigen positive while Helicobacter pylori antigen was detected in the stool of 31 (38.8%) patients of which 27 patients out of the antigen positive cases were also seropositve. No significant association was found between Helicobacter pylori and age, sex, ABO blood group,  economic status, source of water and consumption of alcohol. Thus,  Helicobacter pylori seropositivity with respect to blood groups was found to be 32.6%, 46.7%, 33.3% and 33.3% in blood groups O, B, A and AB  respectively, while Helicobacter pylori stool antigen test positive results was found to be 33.3%, 33.3%, 46% and 39.5% in blood groups O, B, A and AB respectively. Hence, no statistical association was found between   Helicobacter pylori infection and blood groups of the patients (P>0.05). However, marital status was significantly associated with Helicobacter pylori antibody test (P<0.05). There is need for government to encourage people about the Helicobacter pylori screening test since it is one of the etiologic agent of ulcer.

Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, Jos, Peptic ulcer, Prevalence.

Download full journal in PDF below

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori IgG and stool antigen detection from dyspeptic patients in Jos, Nigeria

 

Posted on

Assessment of microbiological and chemical qualities of selected cocoa, tea and coffee brands in Nigerian markets

S.O. Anosike, S. Oranusi

 

Abstract

Background: Cocoa, Tea, and Coffee products are consumed worldwide; they are rich in nutrient and, thus, prone to microbial contaminations that could cause food infections and intoxication.

Objective: the objectives of the paper are: To evaluate the microbial and chemical qualities of some popular brands of cocoa, coffee and tea  products in Nigerian market and benchmark it with standard specifications, to determine the products safety for human consumption and proffer solutions on ways to prevent possible food borne hazards associated with these products.

Materials and Methods: This study examined the microbiological and chemical qualities of some brands of these products at the consumer level using standard analytical methods.

Results: Five (50%) of the cocoa products had coliform counts (cfu/g) significantly (p<0.05) higher than  acceptable limits and range from 2.6×101±0.01 to 4.6×101±0.01. The mean total aerobic plate count and fungal counts (cfu/g) cocoa, coffee, and tea were not significantly (p<0.05) different from standard specifications. The microbial isolates include species of Bacillus (59.2%), Staphylococcus(12.0%), Enterobacter(1.6%), Aspergillus(20.0%), Penicillium(14.4%) and Saccharomyces (12.0%). Moisture contents higher than 6% and 3% standard specifications in tea and cocoa products was detected in 7(70%) of tea and 2(20%) of cocoa products respectively. The samples are rich in phenol contents (mg/ml) and contain varying concentrations of manganese, calcium, iron, and copper. Free Radical Scavenging (DPPH) activity of 6.2±0.01 to  16.3±0.02μg/ml was detected in the samples.

Conclusion: Some cocoa products contain unacceptable levels of coliforms, the high moisture contents above 3 and 6% standard specifications in some cocoa and tea products could encourage the proliferation of  mycotoxigenic moulds and pathogenic bacteria to hazardous levels. The use of good raw materials, compliance to good manufacturing practices (GMP) and apt storage are advocated.

Keywords: Chemical qualities, Cocoa, Coffee, Microbial qualities,  Mycotoxigenic moulds, Tea

Download full journal in PDF below

Assessment of microbiological and chemical qualities of selected cocoa, tea and coffee brands in Nigerian markets