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Prevalence of sulfate reducing bacteria in oral cavity: a narrative review

U Gopalakrishnan, A.S. Felicita, L Mahendra, S Premkumar, R Madasamy

 

Abstract

Sulphate is used as terminal electron acceptor for the respiration of sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB) forming a specialized group of microbes. SRB have been known to cause microbiologically induced corrosion by forming metallic sulfides and oxides in the process of their dissimilatory respiration. Since oral cavity provides a conducive environment for corrosion, presence of SRB in oral cavity and their corrosive potential needs to be assessed. This article provides a narrative review of the available literature with the primary objective of evaluating the presence of SRB in oral cavity of patients.

Keywords: SRB; corrosion, oral cavity, patients

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Prevalence of sulfate reducing bacteria in oral cavity a narrative review

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Histopathological studies on kidney and liver of albino rat infected with toxigenic Aspergillus flavus after treatment with isolated Lactobacillus species from Kunu

O.O. Olonisakin, C.O. Ogidi, Y.A. Jeff-Agboola, B.J. Akinyele

 

Abstract

Background: Aflatoxin is a metabolic product of Aspergillus flavus that causes several injuries to vital organs in the body.

Methods: The liver and kidney tissue of healthy rats challenged with toxigenic A. flavus after treatment with Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus delbrueckii were examined.

Results: The weight of the liver (3.61 g) and kidney (11.33 g) of infected rats with toxigenic mould were significantly reduced (P<0.05) when compared to the group treated with Lactobacillus spp.; BD+AP+LP, BD+AP+LD and BD+ AP+LPD. The rats fed basal diet and Lactobacillusspp. have a normal histological structure. Necrotic lesions, thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and collapse of the glomerulus were observed in the liver and kidney of rats induced with A. flavus. The rats infected with Lactobacillus spp. regained their strength and activity after treatment but showed mild necrosis in the liver and thickening of glomerular basement in the kidney.

Conclusions: The use of Lactobacillus species suppressed the growth and eliminated the potential risk of toxigenic A. flavus in the infected rats. This showed that Lactobacillus spp. possess some therapeutic properties due to their ability to secret secondary metabolites. The bioactive compounds can be exploited and used in food products to inhibit the growth of food borne pathogens.

Keywords: Aflatoxins, Lactic Acid Bacteria, Bio-control, Fermented beverage

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Histopathological studies on kidney and liver of albino rat infected with toxigenic Aspergillus flavus after treatment with isolated Lactobacillus species from Kunu

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First report of enteropathogenic and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli with multiple antibiotic resistance indices from African catfish (Clarias glariepinus) in Nigeria

A Akande, K.I. Onyedibe

 

Abstract

Background: There are increasing reports of food safety issues associated with intensive production of fish which increase the chances of disease outbreaks from stressful growth conditions accompanying mass production and presence of bacterial pathogens.

Methodology: Two hundred gastrointestinal tract (GIT) samples from two hundred African Cat Fish (Clarias glariepinus) were assessed for the presence of enteric Escherichia coli species including E. coli 0157, Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) which are traditionally associated with infantile gastroenteritis. The antibiotic resistance profile and Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Index (MARI) for these isolates were determined. The serogrouping of the E. coli isolates was done using E. coli agglutinating sera (Oxoid) and E. coli 0157 latex reagent (Oxoid). Antibiotic susceptibility was determined according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines.

Results: A total of 35 (17.5%) E. coli isolates were recovered from the fish intestines among which 9 (25.7%) were EPEC and 2 (5.7%) were EIEC. No E. coli 0157 strain was recovered. Thirty-three (94.0%) isolates had a MARI greater than 0.2. Antibiotic resistance to cefoxitin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid were 77.1% and 74.3% respectively. All isolates were susceptible to meropenem and amikacin but all EPEC and EIEC isolates were AmpC (resistance to all penicillins, cephalosporins and beta lactamase inhibitors) positive.

Conclusion: The isolation of EPEC and EIEC which can cause fatal gastroenteritis coupled with high MARI among isolates in this study represents a public health concern. Strict monitoring of administration of antibiotics in aquaculture is recommended.

Keywords: EPEC; EIEC; Multiple antibiotic resistance; Aquaculture

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First report of enteropathogenic and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli with multiple antibiotic resistance indices from African catfish (Clarias glariepinus) in Nigeria

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An immunoinformatic approach to design a novel vaccine against the human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) by targeting M2-1 protein

F Momtaz, M.J. Foysal

 

Abstract

Background: Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is the leading cause of upper and lower respiratory infection in infants, adults and immunocompromised persons. The matrix protein, M2-1 of hRSV is a cofactor of viral RNA polymerase that plays a crucial role during replication. This programmed study was designed to scrutinize potential immunogens from the M2-1 protein characterized from four different continents.

Methods: Sequence data obtained from NCBI databases were analysed by using a series of web and software based bioinformatics tools to find out the best epitope against hRSV.

Results: The phylogenetic data revealed a homogenized clustering of M2-1 protein for the African, European, and Asian clades while proteins from North American collections found to have a significant evolutionary detachment compared to three other clusters. Using various web-based bioinformatics tools, the study identified four common B-cell epitopes present in all the M2-1 proteins from four different clusters with higher antigenicity and conservancy. Among the 17 M2-1 protein investigated for T-cell epitopes, “VLQNLDVGL” peptide from A2 super-type, and “QSACVAMSK” and “CLNGRRCHY” from A3 super-type showed the highest antigenicity at >0.80 conservancy cut-off value. After evaluation of all antigenic properties, only “CLNGRRCHY” peptide qualified as a potential vaccine candidate against hRSV. Molecular docking revealed strong and stable binding of the epitope to major histocompatibility complexes (MHC) molecules in terms of hydrogen bonding.

Conclusion: The designed epitope could be used as a possible vaccine candidate against hRSV.

Keywords: hRSV; M2-1 protein; phylogenetic cluster; BCL and CTL epitopes; molecular docking

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An immunoinformatic approach to design a novel vaccine against the human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) by targeting M2-1 protein

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Phenotypic methods versus PCR-RFLP for the identification of dermatophyte species isolated from patients with dermatophytosis in Egypt

N.M. Gohar, H.M. El-Batal, B.A. Elawady, N Samir

 

Abstract

Background: Dermatophytes are major causative agents of cutaneous fungal infections worldwide. Identification of dermatophyte species is based on macroscopic and microscopic morphology on different culture media. Molecular methods such as PCR-RFLP are rapid, reliable and precise identification methods. This local study aimed to identify the spectrum of dermatophyte species among the studied patients population using different phenotypic and genotypic methods.

Materials and methods: Hair, skin and nail specimens were collected from 135 patients with clinically suspected cases of dermatophytosis. All specimens were subjected to microscopic examination using KOH and culture on SDA and dermasel agar. Phenotypic identification was done by colony and microscopic morphology, and subculture on malt, PDA, lactrimel and urea agar plates. Molecular identification was done by PCR-RFLP using MvaI.

Results: Out of 135 patients included in the study, 78 (57.8%) were positive by culture for dermatophytes. Five different species were identified, the most commonly isolated species was M. canis (51.3%) followed by T. violaceum (42.3%). PCR-RFLP correctly identified the isolated dermatophyte species, producing unique restriction patterns.

Conclusion: Dermatophytosis is common in Egypt where humid hot climate and animal contact play important role in the spread of these fungi. The use of PCR-RFLP directly on clinical specimens rather than its use in the identification of dermatophytes from culture media is recommended.

Keywords: Dermatophytosis, Dermasel agar, SDA, Sporulation media, PCR-RFLP

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Phenotypic methods versus PCR-RFLP for the identification of dermatophyte species isolated from patients with dermatophytosis in Egypt

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Micronutrient deficiencies among pregnant women with Plasmodium falciparum infection in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria

F.O. Akinbo, L.O. Alabi, J.A. Aiyeyemi

 

Abstract

Background: Two important barriers to a successful pregnancy outcome are maternal under nutrition and malaria. This study was conducted to determine some micronutrient deficiencies among pregnant women infected with Plasmodium falciparum in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria

Material and methods: Two hundred and fifty four participants aged 18 to 42 years consisting of 154 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic of the Federal Medical Center, Owo, and 100 apparently healthy non-pregnant women as controls were randomly enrolled in this study. Blood specimen was collected and analyzed for the detection of P. falciparum using 10% Giemsa staining technique while micronutrients (calcium, copper, iron and zinc) were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS).

Results: Out of 154 pregnant women studied, 91 (59.1%) had micronutrient deficiency (MND) while 5 out of 100 (5.0%) non-pregnant control had micronutrient deficiency (p < 0.0001). Forty three (27.9%) of the 154 pregnant women and 3 (3.0%) of 100 non-pregnant control had P. falciparum infection (p < 0.0001). Forty three of the 91 (47.3%) pregnant women and 3 of the 5 (60%) non-pregnant women with MND had P. falciparum infection (p = 0.6681). All 43 pregnant women with MND but none of the 63 pregnant women without MND had P. falciparum infection (p < 0.0001). Similarly, all 3 non-pregnant women with P. falciparum infection had MND but none of the 95 non-pregnant women without MND had P. falciparum infection (p < 0.0001). Multiple micronutrient deficiencies of iron and calcium (65.3%), iron and zinc (16.1%) and iron and copper (18.6%) were observed among pregnant women but none among non-pregnant women. Factors significantly associated with P. falciparum infection among pregnant women with MND were age group 23-27 years (p = 0.0109), first trimester gestational age (p = 0.0234), primiparity (p = 0.0303) and wet season (p < 0.0173). There was no significant association between anaemia and prevalence of P. falciparuminfection in pregnant women with MND (p = 0.1327) but pregnant women with iron deficiency were more likely to be infected with P. falciparumthan those with other micronutrient deficiencies (p = 0.0013)

Conclusion: This study reported a higher prevalence rate of 27.9% for P. falciparum infection in pregnant women compared to 3% in non-pregnant women population, but a much higher rate of 47.3% among pregnant women with micronutrient deficiencies.

Keywords: Micronutrient deficiencies, Plasmodium falciparum, pregnant women, Owo

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Micronutrient deficiencies among pregnant women with Plasmodium falciparum infection in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria

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In vitro, acidic, non-proteinaceous antifungal activities of lactic acid bacteria isolated from salad vegetables against human pathogenic Candida albicans

T.A. Bamidele, B.A. Adeniyi, S.I. Smith

 

Abstract

Background: The antagonistic abilities of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) against clinical isolates of Candida albicans are not quite widely reported and such are even scarce in Nigeria. This study therefore investigated inhibitory potentials of LAB isolated from locally grown cabbage, cucumber and lettuce against four (4) clinical isolates of C. albicans.

Methods: The cell free supernatants (CFS) generated from LAB culture filtrate was evaluated for anti-candida activity using agar well diffusion method, and the CFS-LAB pH was measured and neutralized using standard methods. The proteinaceous inhibitory metabolites were assayed for using sodium dodecylsulphate polyacrilamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) technique. The LAB strains used were previously isolated and identified by 16S rRNA partial sequencing and their data submitted to GenBank for accessioning.

Results: The CFS of six (6) LAB strains showed varying degrees of anti-candida activity. Pediococcus pentosaceus BTA 51 from cucumber showed the widest inhibition zone of 14 mm while at neutral pH, it was 12 mm diameter. Weissella confusa BTA 20, BTA 40 isolated from cabbage and lettuce produced 10 mm and 12 mm zones of inhibition at acidic and neutral pH respectively. Lactobacillus plantarum BTA 07 from lettuce showed inhibition zone of 12 mm while L. fermentum BTA 47 and BTA 62 from cucumber showed zones of 14 mm each in acidic pH only. The SDS-PAGE did not detect any proteinaceous substances.

Conclusion: In conclusion, LAB isolated from cabbage, cucumber and lettuce produced organic acids, non proteinaceous metabolites at neutral pH, exhibiting invitro inhibitory abilities against clinical isolates of C. albicans.

Keywords: In vitro, Lactic acid bacteria, 16S rRNA, antifungal, SDS-PAGE, salad vegetables

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In vitro, acidic, non-proteinaceous antifungal activities of lactic acid bacteria isolated from salad vegetables against human pathogenic Candida albicans

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Prevalence of Hepatitis C virus and HIV among adults presenting for health screening in Lagos

P.O. Oshun, E Odeghe

 

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C virus is an important cause of chronic liver disease with 71 million people worldwide living with chronic HCV infection as at 2015. Nigeria has the second largest burden of HIV in Africa, with 3.2 million Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS in 2016. Most people infected with the hepatitis C virus are asymptomatic and often unaware of their infection. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for HCV and HIV infections among apparently healthy individuals in Lagos.

Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study in which the prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibodies and HIV was determined among apparently healthy individuals who presented for health screening at a private laboratory facility in Lagos from May 2014 to June 2016. The health records of those who met the inclusion criteria were systematically reviewed to extract demographic and clinical information including age, sex, history of blood transfusion, alcohol use, surgery and results of serological tests for antibodies to hepatitis C virus and HIV.

Results: Out of 1379 apparently healthy individuals included in the study, 60.1% were male. The prevalence rate of hepatitis C virus (HCV antibody) and HIV were 0.7% and 2% respectively. Hepatitis C virus infection was not significantly associated with history of blood transfusion, alcohol use, prior surgery and age. HIV infection was significantly associated with only prior history of surgery (OR 4.72, p=0.02).

Conclusion: In this study of apparently healthy Nigerians, the prevalence rates of HCV and HIV were low, no documented HCV-HIV co-infection and surgery was a risk factor for HIV infection. Screening of healthy individuals for HIV and HCV infection is very import Conclusion:ant to determine those who are infected and need to access treatment.

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Prevalence of Hepatitis C virus and HIV among adults presenting for health screening in Lagos

 

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Prevalence and pattern of infectious dermatoses referrals to clinical microbiologists in a tertiary hospital in Southern Nigeria

I.I. Osaigbovo

 

Abstract

Background: Infectious dermatoses are rife in low resource tropical countries. The consultative roles of clinical microbiologists in these countries are not portrayed in the literature. Specifically, their role in the management of infectious dermatoses has not been emphasized. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and pattern of infectious dermatoses referrals to an out-patient infectious disease clinic run by clinical microbiologists.

Method: A retrospective analysis of all outpatient referrals to the clinical microbiologists in a tertiary hospital in southern Nigeria from October 2016 to September 2018 was conducted. The infectious dermatoses referrals were further analysed for patient demographics and frequency of clinical diagnosis.

Results: A total of 545 consults were received, 82 (15.0%) of which were outpatient referrals. Infectious dermatoses accounted for 67 (81.7%) of the outpatient referrals. The male to female ratio was 0.9:1 and mean age was 39.7 ± 17.9 years. Paediatric referrals accounted for 10.4%. The commonest referral diagnoses were tinea corporis/capitis in 28 (41.8%), onchodermatitis in 15 (22.4%) and onychomycosis in 10 (14.9%). Leprosy was suspected in 5 cases (7.5%), lymphatic filariasis in 5 cases (7.5%), and pityriasis in 2 cases (3.0%). Referral diagnosis in 27 cases (38.8%) was a skin-related neglected tropical disease. Microbiological testing confirmed clinical suspicion in 31.3% of cases.

Conclusion: Infectious dermatoses referrals constitute a substantial proportion of referrals to clinical microbiologists in the study location. Clinical microbiologists must be adept in the diagnosis of mycotic and parasitic dermatoses. The trending global health interest in integrated management of skin NTDs should be exploited to advocate for more sensitive diagnostic testing for infectious dermatoses.

Keywords: Clinical, Microbiology, Infectious dermatoses, Consultation, Nigeria

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Prevalence and pattern of infectious dermatoses referrals to clinical microbiologists in a tertiary hospital in Southern Nigeria

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Non detection of mecA gene in methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates from pigs

C.N. Nwaogaraku, S.I. Smith, J.A. Badaki

 

Abstract

Background: Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have become a global health problem causing infections in both humans and livestock, ranging from skin and soft tissue to life threatening blood stream infections. The mecA gene is known to confer resistance to MRSA isolates. This study investigated the carriage of mecA gene by MRSA isolates from pigs.

Methods: One hundred non duplicate staphylococcal isolates recovered from blood samples of pigs in Bariga district of Lagos State at the Molecular Biology and Biotechnology unit of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research were used in the study. S. aureus was identified by cultural characteristics, and positive catalase, coagulase and deoxyribonuclease tests. Phenotypic methicillin resistance was determined by the modified Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method and mecA gene was detected by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay.

Results: Twenty-five S. aureus were identified, of which 11 (44%) were MRSA by phenotypic method. All the isolates were mecA negative on PCR.

Conclusion: The MRSA phenotype observed in the pig isolates in this study appears not to be the classical mecA mediated resistance. There may be alternative mechanisms of resistance in MRSA isolates in pigs.

Keywords: MRSA, phenotypic, mecA gene, PCR, pigs

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Non detection of mecA gene in methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates from pigs