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Morphological and molecular characterization of haloalkaliphilic fungal isolates from hot-spring shores of Lake Magadi, Kenya

*1,[1]Kiboi, N., 3Abonyo, C., 4Mwiti, B., 5Marera, D., 4Ngugi, M. P., and 6Were, T

1Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, South Eastern Kenya University, Kitui, Kenya

2Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya

3Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Alupe University, Busia, Kenya

4Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya

5Department of Human Anatomy, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya

6Department of Pathology, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya

*Correspondence to: nathankiboi@gmail.com; +254 718-145-100; ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000–0002–2417–6399

 

Abstract: 

 Background: The extensive saline-alkaline ecosystem is increasingly gaining recognition as a rich source of haloalkaliphilic fungal biota whose ecological roles remain less explored. Equally, hot water and saline releasing lakes are being appreciated as untapped natural sources of fungal extrolites bearing unique chemical bioactivities. Existing literature reveals scanty evidence on fungal biodiversity in East African Rift-valley soda lakes. This study sought to bio-prospect Lake Magadi in Kenya as a source of extremophilic fungal microbial diversity.    Continue reading “Morphological and molecular characterization of haloalkaliphilic fungal isolates from hot-spring shores of Lake Magadi, Kenya”

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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”