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Public health practices at meat pie retail points in Makurdi, Benue State and its potential effect on consumer’s health

G.A. Obande, E.U. Umeh, E.T. Azua, C. Aleruchi, P. Adikwu

 

Abstract

Observance of public health best practices at point of sales by meat pie retailers in Makurdi, Benue State was evaluated by studying three (3) retail sources namely eateries, supermarkets and street hawkers. Observations were carried out ninety (90) times between March to July 2013. The neatness of the vendor, sales  environment, and state of the product storage containers were assessed.  Microbiological analysis revealed the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp, Enterobacter spp, Proteus spp, Pseudomonas spp, Citrobacter spp, Edwardsiella spp, Bacillus spp, Klebsiella spp and Shigella spp. There was a positive relationship between multiple bacterial contamination and the constituents of the meat pie fillings. A total of 64 (35.6%) fillings had between 3 – 7 bacterial contaminants, 57 (31.7%) had at least 2 bacterial contaminants, 58 (32.2%) had at least 1 contaminant while only 1 (0.6%) was without any bacterial contaminant. Only 5(5.6 %) of the vendors and 10(11.1%) of the sales environment were very neat, while 23(25.6%) and 22(24.4%) of the storage containers were observed to be partially accessible to air/dust and insects respectively. None of the vendors (90:100%) used hand gloves, none (90:100%) used an apron, 89 (98.9%) used no cutlery and 89 (98%) had uncovered hair while serving the product. The paper submits that the health of consumers is endangered by this negligence. Hence, the need for regulatory authorities to create awareness on, as well as enforce the observance of established point of sales practices for the sake of the public health.

Keywords: Public, health, meat pie, fillings, negligence, contamination.

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Public health practices at meat pie retail points in Makurdi, Benue State and its potential effect on consumer’s health

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Pattern of bacterial pathogens of acute Otitis media in a tertiary hospital, South Western Nigeria

S.A. Fayemiwo, R.A. Ayoade, Y.O. Adesiji, S.S. Taiwo

 

Abstract

Introduction: Otitis media was reasonably prevalent prior to the use of antibiotics for treatment. In Nigeria, hospital incidence reports indicate that chronic suppurative Otitis media is the commonest. Complications that usually arise as a result of untreated Otitis media are meningitis, brain abscess, keratoma, otosclerosis, and hearing loss. The study aimed at providing information on the pattern of bacterial pathogens of acute Otitis media in LAUTECH Teaching hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria.

Methods: It was a cross-sectional study involving patients with acute Otitis media attending ENT clinic at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria. Ear swabs were collected from the patients after informed consent. The samples were inoculated on general and selective laboratory media. Bacterial pathogens were isolated and identified. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed on each of the bacterial isolates using modified Kirby Bauer disk diffusion.

Results: There were 115 isolates from 98 patients with acute Otitis media. Gram negative bacteria constituted 66.7% of the isolates. The most common organism was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (34.8%). Others were Staphylococcus aureus (30.4%), Proteus spp (15.7%), Klebsiella spp (11.3%), Escherichia coli (2.6%) and few Fungi (4.1%). Antibiotics sensitivity results of the isolates showed high resistance against most readily available antibiotics. The cumulative resistance of all the bacteria isolates to Augmentin was 89%, gentamicin 80%, ciprofloxacin 34% and ceftazidime 10%. About 88% of the Gram positive bacteria were resistant to penicillin G, amoxicillin, cotrimoxazole, and erythromycin. While 100% of the Gram negative bacteria were resistant to cotrimoxazole, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol. However, commonly isolated organisms were highly susceptible to few 3rd-generation cephalosporins especially ceftriaxone and ceftazidime.

Conclusion: Based on the result of this study, it is suggested that knowledge of antibiotic profile of etiological agents in Otitis media would be of great advantage in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with Otitis media.

Keywords: Otitis media, Bacterial agents, Antibiotic resistance

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Pattern of bacterial pathogens of acute Otitis media in a tertiary hospital, South Western Nigeria

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The etiology and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of urinary tract infections at a private Nigerian teaching hospital in South West Nigeria

C.J. Elikwu, E.O. Shobowale, O.Y. Oluyemi, D.O. Afolabi, D.A. Aderinto, K.I. Onyedibe, A.U. Solarin

 

Abstract

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTI’s) are among the commonest bacterial infectious disease in clinical practice with a wide range of etiologic agents. It frequently occurs in both the hospital and the community.

Aims/Objectives: To determine the etiology of UTI at BUTH and obtain data on their susceptibility and resistance patterns.

Methods: This was a prospective analysis of data on patients with UTI obtained from in and outpatients over a six month period. Samples had been obtained by clean catch mid-stream urine or suprapubic aspiration. The organisms had been
identified by biochemical methods with susceptibility and resistance testing performed. Data analysis was with EPI-INFO version 3.5.1

Results: There were a total of 200 urine samples that had positive growth. Prevalent organisms were Escherichia coli (48%) and Klebsiella spp (24%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (10%) and Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (6.5%). The risk factors for UTI were female gender (p = 0.00), Diabetes mellitus (p = 0.03) and genitourinary surgery (p = 0.04). Effective antibiotics in-vitro to Escherichia coli were Nitrofurantoin and Cefepime at 84.8% and 92.3% respectively; while Cotrimoxazole performed poorly (32.5% susceptibility).

Conclusion: Urinary tract infections are an important cause of morbidity in our environment and inaccuracies in diagnosis will prolong morbidity and may lead to costly and unsafe treatments.The prevalent pathogens in our environment are the Gram negative bacilli, Escherichia coli andKlebsiella pneumoneae. Nitrofurantoin retains efficacy to both urinary pathogens.

Keywords: Urinary Tract Infection, Catheterization, Escherichia coli, Risk factors, Nitrofurantoin

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The etiology and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of urinary tract infections at a private Nigerian teaching hospital in South West Nigeria

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Epidemiologic characteristics of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in ventilator-associated pneumonia in intensive care units

A.A. El Sharkawy, M.A. Mansour, H.M. Helmy, D.M. Abd El Azeem

 

Abstract

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a common pathogen that causes ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) in intensive care units (ICUs). Strain typing is a useful tool in tracking the spread of these infections. Primary objective was to study different strains causing VAP in Anesthesia ICUs. Secondary objective was to determine role of health-care workers (HCWs) and ICU environment in the transmission of these strains. Endotracheal aspirates of 60 VAP patients, surveillance samples from the HCWs (18 )and the ICU environment (193)were collected. Antibiogram typing and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR) were used for comparison of the isolates from VAP patients and surveillance samples. Antibiogram showed 5 antibiotic susceptibility patterns that were designated A1-A5. ERIC-PCR yielded 1 to 5 amplification bands. All the isolates were typable by ERIC-PCR. Eight ERIC patterns were obtained ERIC(I)-ERIC(VIII). ERIC-PCR typing method gave higher discriminatory index (D) (0.7557) than antibiogram (0.6035). There was sharing of certain ERIC patterns among patient and HCWs or environmental sources. In Conclusion: K.pneumoniae is the most dominant pathogen in anesthesia ICUs. Throats and hands of HCWs are possible sources of pathogen transmission to patients. Surfaces with hand contact of the medical staff are often contaminated and may serve as vectors for cross transmission.

Keywords: Ventilator-associated pneumonia, ICU environment, health-care workers, Klebsiella pneumoniae, antibiogram typing, ERIC-PCR

Epidemiologic characteristics of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in ventilator-associated pneumonia in intensive care units

 

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In vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activity of partially purified enterocin produced by Enterococcus faecalis and its application in wound healing

O.M. David, M.O. Alese, D.M. Komolafe, I.J. Adejare, O.O. Alese, A.E. Omonisi

 

Abstract

Background: The recent global upsurge in antibiotic resistance among bacteria associated with wounds has contributed to high treatment failures in wound management. Enterocin are produced by enterococci and has been reported to inhibit the growth of many bacteria including those associated with wound infections.

Objectives: In this study, antibacterial and physico-chemical properties of partially purified enterocin (PPE) from Enterococcus faecalis was determined. Also, the possible application of the enterocin in wound management was evaluated.

Materials and Methods: Eight different enterocin were tested and that with highest antibacterial (E3) was partially purified using standard methods. The molecular weight of the PPE was determined by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis after which the in vitro anti-Staphylococcus aureus potential of the PPE was determined.

Results: Enterocin (E3) was effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloaca, Listeria monocytogenes and Proteus vulgaris. The activity of the E3 was very prominent at pH of 4 and 8. The molecular size of the isolated enterocin was 5.5 KDa. The photomicrograph of the skin tissue of the skin treated with partially purified enterocin for day 7showed epidermis covered by atrophic stratified squamous epithelium. A synergistic interaction was noticed when Eusol was used with the enterocin.

Conclusions: From this study, enterocin from E. faecalis has a low molecular weight and inhibited bacteria isolates from wound and also aids physiological healing of wound.The antibacterial potency of this bacteriocin indicates that it is an alternative therapeutic agent that can be employed in wound care and management.

Keywords: Enterocin, Enterococcus faecalis, wounds, bacteriocin, Staphylococcus aureus, skin

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In vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activity of partially purified enterocin produced by Enterococcus faecalis and its application in wound healing

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INCIDENCE OF DERMATOPHYTE INFECTIONS AMONGST SOME OCCUPATIONAL AND SELECT GROUPS IN JOS

P.O. Nwadiaro

 

Abstract

Fifty-nine Agro farm workers, 265 inmates from Jos main prison, 60 hair weavers and 40 car washers were examined in Jos for dermatophyte infections. Dermatophyte isolates included Trichophyton and Microsporum species. The highest infection rate of 75% was recorded among the farm workers with toeweb infections due to T. mentagrophytes and M. canis. 25% of the other infections were from the groin region due to T. tonsurans and T. mentagrophytes. Fifty-nine percent of infection by T. mentagrophytes in prison inmates was restricted to the groin region. Other species of fungi isolated from the inmates were Trichosporon cutaneum and Aspergillus niger. Among the car washers, tinea manum, ringworm of the hand, and interdigital infections due to T.mentagrophytes were observed. There was no visible infection among either the female hair weavers or the female prison inmates.

Keywords: Dermatophytosis, T. mentagrophytes, T. tonsurans, M. canis, Tinea pedis, Tinea cruris.

(Af J Clinical & Exp Microbiology: 2003 4(2): 11-17)

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INHIBITION OF SWARMING BY UREA AND ITS DIAGNOSTIC IMPLICATIONS AMONG UROPATHOGENIC PROTEUS SPECIES FROM LAGOS, NIGERIA

B.A. Iwalokun, K.A. Akinsinde, N. Nkiruika

 

Abstract

The anti-swarming property of urea and effects on antibiotic susceptibility among 52 uropathogenic Proteus strains from Lagos, Nigeria were investigated. Urea caused a reduction in swarming and number of swarmed cells at 0.5% (n = 42, DOCZ = 15.5mm), 0.75% (n= 24, DOCZ = 10.7mm), 1% (n = 17, DOCZ = 3.4mm) and 1.25% (n = 8, DOCZ = 1.7mm).  Compared to DOCZ obtained at 0.5% urea, the further reduction in DOCZ at other urea concentrations was found to be significant (p < 0.05).  Urea at less than 0.75% allowed identification of E. coli, K. pneumoniae and S. saprophyticus in mixed cultures containing Proteus spp, while colonies of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were distinctly identified at 1% urea with swarming restrained at 1.25% urea.  At 1.25% urea, antibiotic susceptibility testing by agar diffusion method revealed significant increase and decrease in the number of Proteus strains that showed resistance to amoxicillin and nitrofurantoin. Compared with the control, significant increases in the MICs of gentamicin or nitrofurantoin and streptomycin were found at $ 0.5% and $ 0.75% urea respectively (p<0.05). The identification of extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBL) producing strains were unaffected by urea.  This study has demonstrated urea induced swarming inhibition of uropathogenic Proteus in vitro.  However, results suggest the use of urea with great caution in diagnostic practices for optimal clinical and public health benefits in Nigeria.

Keywords: Antibiotic susceptibility, anti-swarming, urea, uropathogenic proteus, Nigeria, DOCZ = Diameter of outermost colony zone mean value

(Af J Clinical & Exp Microbiology: 2003 4(2): 18-28)

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THE EFFECT OF SOME NIGERIAN LOCAL HERBS ON HELICOBACTER PYLORI

S. I. Smith, K.S. Oyedeji, B. Opere, B. A. Iwalokun, E. A. Omonigbehin

 

Abstract

Four Nigerian medicinal plants commonly used in the treatment of bacterial infections were tested for antimicrobial activity against twenty local strains of Helicobacter pylori recovered from patients with gastro-duodenal ulcers and gastritis. In vitro agar diffusion assay revealed anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of ethanolic extracts of C. papaya and M. lucida to 80% (16/20) of the isolates tested, while the ethanolic extracts of O. gratissimum and P. amarus inhibited the colonial growth of 35% (7/20) of these strains. The zones of inhibition ranged from 5 – 20 mm in diameter. Contrastingly, the aqueous extracts of these plants appeared to lack anti-Helicobacter pylori activity except in M. lucida and O. gratissimum where inhibition of a total of three isolates was observed. The present results suggest the presence of anti-Helicobacter pylori principles in ethanolic extracts of C. papaya and M. lucida and support their future use in the treatment of ulcers and gastritis in Nigeria.

(Af J Clinical & Exp Microbiology: 2003 4(2): 29-35)

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BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF SOBO DRINKS RETAILED WITHIN ILORIN METROPOLIS

A. O. Olowe, K.I.T. Eniola, A.O. Adeyeba, S. Awe

 

Abstract

Sobo drinks retailed within Ilorin metropolis were investigated for their bacteriological quality, in terms of the total bacterial count and types of bacterial species present. The sobo drinks were found to have an average pH of 3.2. The bacterial counts were generally high ranging from 5.0×104 to 24×104 CFU/ml. Six bacterial species; Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Klebsiella spp, Enterobacter spp, and Escherichia coli were isolated. Consideration of the distribution pattern showed that samples from Unilorin Main Campus and General Post Office contained all the isolates, while three of the isolates; Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus were common to all samples. Possible sources of the contaminants and their public health implications are discussed and suggestions offered on ways of ensuring safety of the sobo drinks.

(Af J Clinical & Exp Microbiology: 2003 4(2): 36-40)

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BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF CHRONIC OSTEOMYELITIS CASES IN ILE-IFE, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

A.K. Ako-Nai, I.C. Ikem, A. Aziba, A.A. Ajayi, O.A. Onipede

 

Abstract

The bacteriological examination of chronic osteomyelitis cases in Ile-Ife, revealed Proteus mirabilis as the predominant isolate encountered (23.1%). Staphylococci constituted 30.7% of the total bacterial isolates with Staphylococcus aureus accounting for only 10.2%. Other Gram-positive cocci cultured include, Staphylococcus spp (20.5%), coagulase negative staphylococci (CONS) (12.8%) and Streptococcus spp (1.2%). Gram-negative rods constituted 55.1% of the total isolates with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being 8.5%, Escherichia coli 5.1%, Citrobacter freundii and Salmonella spp 2.5% each. Antibiotic sensitivity test revealed all isolates to be multi-resistant to traditional antimicrobials, which is of epidemiologcal importance in treating cases of chronic osteomyelitis in this environment. The study suggests institution of aggressive therapeutic interventions to avert possible sequalae.

(Af J Clinical & Exp Microbiology: 2003 4(2): 41-51)