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Effects of fruit and vegetable smoothie formulations on serum electrolytes, haematological indices and faecal bacteriology: An in vivo experiment in female Wistar albino rats

Ekong, M. O., *Anashie, M. A., Ekpenyong, G. A., Nnaji, G. C., Asuquo, J. O., and Archibong, E. A.

Department of Microbiology, University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Calabar, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: mildredanashie310@gmail.com; 08143509138

Abstract: 

Background: The global demand for fruits and vegetables consumed as smoothies is increasing, driven by a growing population and heightened awareness of their health benefits. However, the nutritional significance and health effects of smoothies remain underexplored. Chemotherapeutic agents are widely used in managing various illnesses but are associated with the dysregulation and destruction of healthy cells, raising concerns in clinical settings. This study aimed to assess the potential of smoothie formulations in regulating serum electrolytes, haematological indices, and faecal bacteriology in an experimental animal model. Continue reading “Effects of fruit and vegetable smoothie formulations on serum electrolytes, haematological indices and faecal bacteriology: An in vivo experiment in female Wistar albino rats”

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Microbiological profile of bacteraemia in febrile patients receiving chemotherapy: Experience of the Alassane Ouattara National Center of Oncology and Radiotherapy (CNRAO), 2024

*1,2Boni, C., 1Kouakou, C., 2Gnegouri, R., 2Benié Ackah, J., and 1Koffi, K. S.

1Department of Fundamental and Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

2Laboratory Department, Alassane Ouattara National Center of Oncology and Radiotherapy (CNRAO), Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

*Correspondence to: boni.cho@ufhb.edu.ci; +2250505083523

 

Abstract:

 Background: Febrile episodes in patients undergoing chemotherapy pose a major risk for bloodstream infections (BSIs). Prompt microbiological diagnosis is essential to guide targeted therapy and minimize the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.

Methodology: A six-month cross-sectional study (July–December 2024) was conducted at the Alassane Ouattara National Center of Oncology and Radiotherapy (CNRAO), Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. All chemotherapy patients presenting with fever (≥38.5°C) were included. Blood cultures were processed using the BACT/ALERT system, and bacterial identification with antimicrobial susceptibility testing followed CA-SFM 2022 guidelines. ESBL and carbapenemase production in Gram-negative isolates was detected in line with CA-SFM/EUCAST guidelines while methicillin resistance (MR), macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLSB), and kanamycin-tobramycin-genta- micin (KTG) resistance phenotypes in Gram-positive isolates were detected in line with CLSI/CA-SFM standard. Continue reading “Microbiological profile of bacteraemia in febrile patients receiving chemotherapy: Experience of the Alassane Ouattara National Center of Oncology and Radiotherapy (CNRAO), 2024”

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Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus infection at the Matam Communal Medical Center, Guinea-Conakry

1,2Traore, S., *2,3Conde, M. S., 2,3Conde, M., 2Youla, Y., 2,3Diallo, A., 2,3Camara, A. S., 2,3Camara, A. A., 2,3Soumah, M. L., 3Diakite, Z., and 3Sako, F. B.

1Centre Médical Communal de Matam, Conakry, Guinea

2Faculté des Sciences et Techniques de Santé Université Gamal Abdel de Conakry, Guinea

3Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ignace Deen de Conakry, Guinea        *Correspondence to: mamadisaran93@gmail.com

 

Abstract:

Background: Hepatitis B remains a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly because of its high prevalence and serious complications. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B in patients seen at the Medical Biology Laboratory of the Communal Medical Center (CMC) in Matam, Guinea-Conakry. Continue reading “Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus infection at the Matam Communal Medical Center, Guinea-Conakry”

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Exploring the metabolic harmony: Probing the impact of VHBAX probiotics on glucose metabolism in a zebrafish model

Prabu, R., Prasad,  S. V. S., Kodimule, S., and *Sunhare, R.Development and Research Centre-Probiotics, Vidya Herbs Pvt Ltd, No. 102B & 105B, Pharmaceuticals SEZ

Industrial area, KIDB, Hassan, 573201 Karnataka, India

*Correspondence to: raksha@vidyaherbs.com; +91-8600040075

 

Abstract:

 Background: Probiotics alter gut microbiota composition and diversity. Research indicates that probiotic supplementation might enhance glucose homeostasis and reduce inflammation in patients with type Ⅱ diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to investigate how particular probiotic strains (VHBAX Bacillus coagulans) affect glucose homeostasis and appetite-related behaviours associated with metabolic illnesses such as obesity and type Ⅱ diabetes in a zebrafish model. Continue reading “Exploring the metabolic harmony: Probing the impact of VHBAX probiotics on glucose metabolism in a zebrafish model”

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Female genital schistosomiasis in Matta health area, Western Cameroon Region: Prevalence, risk factors and biomarkers profile

*1Nguepi, M. S. D., 1Ubre, S. I., 1Tincho, M. B., 1Egoko, M. D., 3Nanfack, C. D.,     2Noubissi, P. A., 1Agbor, F. I., and 2Lambou, A. F.

1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P. O. Box 63, Cameroon

2Department of Animal Biology and Conservation, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P. O. Box 63, Cameroon

3Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Ministry of Health, University of Yaounde I, O. Box 1364, Yaounde, Cameroon

*Correspondence to: syldong@yahoo.fr; Tel: 696510217

Corrigendum to: Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 2025; 26 (4): 316-333 https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajcem.v26i4.2 Continue reading “Female genital schistosomiasis in Matta health area, Western Cameroon Region: Prevalence, risk factors and biomarkers profile”

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Microbiomes and immune checkpoint mechanisms in cancer progression: A structured narrative review

Ekong, M. O., Agbiji, N. N., *Ekpenyong, G. M., and Nnaji, G. C.

Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Calabar, Nigeria                                       *Correspondence to: glorymaurice25@gmail.com Continue reading “Microbiomes and immune checkpoint mechanisms in cancer progression: A structured narrative review”

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Female genital schistosomiasis in Matta health area, Western Cameroon Region: Prevalence, risk factors and biomarkers profile

*1Nguepi, M. S. D., 1Ubre, S. I., 1Tincho, M. B., 1Egoko, M. D., 2Nanfack, C. D.,             1Noubissi, P. A., 1Agbor, F. I., and 1Lambou, A. F.

1Faculty of Health Science, University of Buea, Cameroon

2University of Yaounde I, Cameroon

*Correspondence to: syldong@yahoo.fr; Tel: 696510217

Abstract:

Background: Schistosomiasis is a disease affecting particularly people living in low-income countries. Egg sequestration in the female genitalia, leading to female genital schistosomiasis (FGS), is associated with the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can lead to secondary infertility, which remains underdiagnosed. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with FGS and urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) and to assess some biochemical markers associated with these conditions. Continue reading “Female genital schistosomiasis in Matta health area, Western Cameroon Region: Prevalence, risk factors and biomarkers profile”

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Prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among school-aged children in Ipogun community, Ondo State, Nigeria

*[1]Ajayi, O. O., 1Sulaimon, S. Y., [2]Olorunniyi O. F., and 3Omoleye, O. S.

1Department of Biological Sciences, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, Nigeria

2Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Ekiti State University, Ado- Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria 3Department of Veterinary Services, Laboratory Unit, Ministry of Agriculture, Ondo State, Nigeria *Correspondence to: ooajayi@jabu.edu.ng

Abstract:

Background: Urinary schistosomiasis remains a public health challenge among school-aged children in Nigeria. The disease is caused by the blood fluke parasite, Schistosoma haematobium and harbored by freshwater snail intermediate hosts. Contact with infected surface water bodies made children vulnerable. This study investigated the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among school-aged children in Ipogun community, Ondo State, Nigeria.  Continue reading “Prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among school-aged children in Ipogun community, Ondo State, Nigeria”

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Factors associated with parasitic contamination of fresh fruits retailed at major markets in Ibadan, Nigeria: A public health concern

*[1],[2]Makanjuola, O. B., 1Onifade, Y. M., and 1,2Dada-Adegbola, H. O.

1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

2Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: funmimakanjuola@yahoo.com; +2348034731717; ORCID: 0000-0001-7785-0183

Abstract:

Background: Globally, cases of protozoan and helminths infections in humans have been linked to the consumption of unwashed fresh fruits and this has been prevalent especially in developing countries. The ingestion of parasite-contaminated fruits can lead to intestinal parasitosis that can result in childhood diarrhea, malnutrition and growth retardation. Hence, the aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of parasites contaminating fresh fruits sold in major markets in Ibadan, Nigeria, the sources and factors associated with contamination.  Continue reading “Factors associated with parasitic contamination of fresh fruits retailed at major markets in Ibadan, Nigeria: A public health concern”

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Antifungal susceptibility patterns of Candida species colonizing the oral cavity of cancer patients attending two tertiary hospitals in southwest Nigeria

*1,2Adewole, O. E., 1Jonathan, S. G., 3Olorunmola, F. O., 4Owotade, F. J., 5Gbolagade-Jonathan, P. T., 6Odetoyin, B. W., and 6Olaniran, O.

1Mycology and Applied Microbiology Research Group, Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

2Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ilesa, Ilesa, Nigeria

3Department of Drugs Research and Production Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

4Department of Oral Medicine and Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

5Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan. Ibadan, Nigeria

6Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: oeadewole@yahoo.com, +2347063352347, ORCiD: 0000000177125037

Abstract:

 Background: Candida species inhabit humans as commensals but become opportunistic pathogens in immunocompromised individuals. This yeast has developed resistance to anti-fungal medications and infection caused by it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Information on the yeast colonization profile and the antifungal sensitivity pattern in the Nigerian population is sparse. This study determined the prevalence and antifungal susceptibility patterns of oral Candida species among cancer patients attending two tertiary care hospitals in Osun State, southwest Nigeria. Continue reading “Antifungal susceptibility patterns of Candida species colonizing the oral cavity of cancer patients attending two tertiary hospitals in southwest Nigeria”