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Discovery of potential antiviral compounds against Dengue virus using virtual screening and physicochemical profiling from zinc database

1Ramdeen, S. J., 1Usoro, N., 1Giordano, K., 1Garza, P. E., 2Quadri, O., 3Esan, T. E.,  and *1Olanrewaju,A. A.

1Texas State University, Medical Laboratory Science Program San Marcos, TX USA

2Northern Illinois University, Chemistry and Biochemistry Analytical Lab, Dekalb, IL USA

3Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Chicago, IL USA *Correspondence to: dep112@txstate.edu; Phone: +1 571-228-0537

Abstract:

Background: Dengue, a mosquito-borne virus infection, reportedly affected over 7.6 million people in early 2024, subsequently leading to approximately 3000 deaths. Dengue is primarily spread by Aedes (A. aegypti and A. albopictus) mosquitoes. There is currently no clinically approved preventive vaccine against Dengue virus (DENV), and according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the only acceptable vaccine for DENV is Dengvaxia, which has efficacy and safety issues. This makes it unsuitable for use against DENV. Drug repurpose is an alternative approach for the discovery of novel therapeutics. Continue reading “Discovery of potential antiviral compounds against Dengue virus using virtual screening and physicochemical profiling from zinc database”

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Exploring lytic Salmonella phages as potential alternatives to antibiotics: Isolation, characterization, and stability assessment of Jerseyvirus Ijeoma and Apdecimavirus Ayanbimpe

*[1],[2]Olorundare, O. O., [3],4Nnadi, N. E., 1Nimzing, L., 1Ayanbimpe, G. M.

1Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Science, University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

2Department of Pest Management Technology, Federal College of Forestry, Jos Plateau State Nigeria

3Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Plateau State University, Bokkos, Plateau State, Nigeria

4Centre for Phage Biology and Therapeutics, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: olufunmilolaolorundare@gmail.com; Tel: +2348069697670

 

Abstract:

 Background: Typhoid fever, caused by antibiotic-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (Salmonella Typhi), is a significant public health issue, especially in Nigeria, necessitating exploration of alternative treatment strategies such as the use of bacteriophages. Bacteriophages are viruses that specifically infect and replicate within bacteria and play important roles in medicine. The objective of this study is to isolate and characterize two lytic phages against S. Typhi, assess their stability under various environmental conditions and determine their potentials as biocontrol agents and alternatives to antibiotics for treatment of S. Typhi infections. Continue reading “Exploring lytic Salmonella phages as potential alternatives to antibiotics: Isolation, characterization, and stability assessment of Jerseyvirus Ijeoma and Apdecimavirus Ayanbimpe”

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Rotavirus serotypes/genotypes distribution and their implications in children with diarrhoea admitted to the Charles de Gaulle University Paediatric Hospital, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

[1],[2]Tondé, I., [3],[4]Savadogo, H., 2,[5]Ky-Ba, A., 1Drabo, D. C., 6,7Tranchot-Diallo, J.,

1Tamboura, M., 1Kam, M., 1,2Sanou, M., 7,8Ouédraogo, A-S., 2,9Sanou, I., and 1,2Ouédraogo-Traoré, R.

1Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Pédiatrique Charles De Gaulle, Burkina Faso

2Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Burkina Faso

3Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Regional de Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso

4Université de Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso

5Centre Hospitalier Universitaire du District de Bogodogo, Burkina Faso

6Centre Muraz, Institut National de Santé Publique (INSP), Burkina Faso

7Université Nazi Boni, Burkina Faso

8Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sanou-Sourô, Burkina Faso

9Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Tengandogo, Burkina Faso *Correspondence to: issa.tonde@ujkz.bf

Abstract:

Background: Diarrhoeal diseases are a source of public health problems in low-income countries such as Burkina Faso, where the aetiology of rotavirus plays an important role. This led to the introduction of surveillance since the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine. The aim of this study is to take stock of rotavirus diarrhoea since the introduction of the vaccine.     Continue reading “Rotavirus serotypes/genotypes distribution and their implications in children with diarrhoea admitted to the Charles de Gaulle University Paediatric Hospital, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso”

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Comparative performance of Cobas 4800 and 5800 assays with Cobas 6800 assay for detecting/genotyping high-risk HPV in cervical samples: An interlaboratory evaluation in Maputo, Mozambique

*1,2Sineque, A.,  1Condo, T., 3Sebastião, J.,  3Nhambe, C., 4Manuel, M., 1Mabasso, A., 3Sidumo, Z., 5Ceffa, S., and 5,6Ciccacci, F.

1Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique

2Centre for Functional Ecology–One Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

3DREAM Program, Community of Saint’Egidio, Maputo, Mozambique

4Laboratory of Mavalane General Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique

5DREAM Program, Community of Saint’Egidio, Roma, Italy

6University of Rome Tor Vergata, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Rome, Italy

*Correspondence to: sineque.alberto@uem.ac.mz; Tel: +258 826 459 243; ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000–0003–2468–9925

 

Abstract:

 Background: High-risk (hr) human papillomaviruses (HPV) testing is immensely important in elucidating molecular epidemiology of HPV infections and has become an essential part of current clinical practice in the management of the precancerous lesions and cervical cancer risks. Evaluation of HPV testing systems suitable for large-scale organized cervical screening programs is required. Very little is known about the diagnostic performance of the Cobas assays in resource-limited settings, particularly in Mozambique. We evaluated the concordance of the Cobas 4800 and Cobas 5800 assays with the Cobas 6800 assay for detecting high-risk HPV genotypes in clinician-collected cervical samples. Continue reading “Comparative performance of Cobas 4800 and 5800 assays with Cobas 6800 assay for detecting/genotyping high-risk HPV in cervical samples: An interlaboratory evaluation in Maputo, Mozambique”

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Assessment of genetic diversity among environmental Cryptococcus species using RAPD analysis

*Coker, M. O., Thomas, B. T., Efuntoye, M. O., and Popoola, O. D.

Department of Microbiology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria.

*Correspondence to: olawunmimercy707@gmail.com; Mobile: +2349054006625;

ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000–0003–0937–7755

 

Abstract:

 Background: Cryptococcus species, including C. neoformans and C. gattii, are environmental yeasts of clinical importance and major agents of cryptococcosis. Environmental reservoir represents the primary source of human and animal infections therefore, characterization of genetic diversity is essential for epidemiological surveillance and understanding the pool of genotypes from which pathogenic strains may arise. Continue reading “Assessment of genetic diversity among environmental Cryptococcus species using RAPD analysis”

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Profile of multidrug-resistant bacteria in neonatal nosocomial infections at the Brazzaville University Hospital, Congo

*[1],[2]Ontsira Ngoyi, E. N., 1,[3]Mieret, T.,2Moundzele, L., 1,[4]Ngakengy, N.,1Niabia, O. E., and 1,4Ekouya, G.    

1Faculty of Health Sciences, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Congo  2Bacteriology-Virology Laboratory, Brazzaville University Hospital, Congo           3National Public Health Laboratory, Brazzaville, Congo                               4Neonatology Department, Brazzaville University Hospital, Congo                     *Correspondence to: esther_muller20023@yahoo.fr

Abstract:

Background: Antibiotic resistance represents a major threat in neonatology, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where local data remain limited. The present study aims to establish the profile of multidrug-resistant bacteria isolated from cases of neonatal nosocomial infections at the Brazzaville University Hospital, Congo.      Continue reading “Profile of multidrug-resistant bacteria in neonatal nosocomial infections at the Brazzaville University Hospital, Congo”

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Bacteriological profile of Staphylococcus aureus isolates at the Bogodogo University Hospital Center, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

[1],[2]*Condé, M. S., [3],[4]Ky/Ba, A., 3,5Tondé, I., 4Savadogo, S. M., 4Ouattara, A., 4Yourgbarré, J., 4Ouédraogo, Y., 6Nagalo, Y. Y. A. A., 3Sanou, I., and 6,7Ouédraogo,A.

1Department of Biomedical Analysis Laboratory, Ignace Deen University Hospital, Conakry, Guinea

2Faculty of Health Sciences, Gamal Abdel Nasser University, Conakry, Guinea

3Laboratory of Bacteriology-Virology, UFR SDS, Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

4Department of Biomedical Analysis Laboratory, Bogodogo University Hospital, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

5Department of Biomedical Analysis Laboratory, Charles de Gaulle Pediatric University Hospital, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

6Laboratory of Emerging and Re-emerging Pathogens (LaPathER), Nazi BONI University, Bobo-Dioulasso 01 PO 676, Burkina Faso

7Bacteriology and Virology Service, Laboratory Department, Sourô Sanou University Hospital,  Bobo-Dioulasso 01 PO 676, Burkina Faso *Correspondence to: mamadisaran93@gmail.com; Tel: (226) 64645543

Abstract:

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a common major human pathogen involved in a wide variety of infections. The objective of this study is to investigate the bacteriological profile of S. aureus at the Bogodogo University

Hospital Center, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.     Continue reading “Bacteriological profile of Staphylococcus aureus isolates at the Bogodogo University Hospital Center, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso”

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Prevalence of New Delhi Metallo-β-lactamase gene and antibiotic susceptibility of clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from selected hospitals in Calabar, Nigeria

*[1],3Ukam, I. I., 3Umoh, N. O., 1Iyam, S. O., 2Nwibari, B. M. W.,  1Ugwu, J. C., 3Ben, S. A., and 3Ogba, O. M.

1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, PMB 1115 Calabar, Nigeria

2Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, PMB 1115 Calabar, Nigeria

3Department of Bacteriology, Virology and Mycology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Calabar, PMB 1115, Calabar, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: ukamjohn8@gmail.com; igborukam@unical.edu.ng; Tel: +2349074254995/ +2348032327041; ORCiD: 0009-0005-7645-5508

Abstract:

Background: The global spread of extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and carbapenemase-producing strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, is considered a major public health threat to humans. Antimicrobial resistance mediated by New Delhi Metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) enzyme has become a major threat to treatment outcome. This study is aimed at investigating the carriage rate of blaNDM gene among multidrug resistant (MDR) clinical K. pneumoniae isolates from four selected health facilities in Calabar, Nigeria. Continue reading “Prevalence of New Delhi Metallo-β-lactamase gene and antibiotic susceptibility of clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from selected hospitals in Calabar, Nigeria”

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Prevalence of extended spectrum β-lactamase genes among multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from clinical specimens in Calabar, Nigeria

*1Ukam, I. I., 1Iyam, S. O., 1Ugbadu, J. I., 2Unoh, F. B., 1Ukeye, A. A., 1Okoro B. C., 1Akpeke, V. U., and 3Umoh, N. O.

1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, PMB 1115 Calabar, Nigeria

2Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, PMB 1115 Calabar, Nigeria

3Department of Bacteriology, Virology and Mycology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Calabar, PMB 1115, Calabar, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: ukamjohn8@gmail.com & igborukam@unical.edu.ng; Mobile: +2349074254995/ +2348032327041; ORCiD ID: 0009-0005-7645-5508

Abstract:

Background: The global spread of the extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESβL) and carbapenemases producing strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae constitutes a public health threat to both humans and animals. This study investigated the prevalence of ESβLs genes among multidrug resistant (MDR) K. pneumoniae isolates from clinical specimens of patients attending selected hospitals in Calabar, Nigeria. Continue reading “Prevalence of extended spectrum β-lactamase genes among multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from clinical specimens in Calabar, Nigeria”

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Bacterial isolates from toilet seats in a tertiary institution and their susceptibility to antibiotics and selected toilet cleaning agents marketed in Nigeria

*Osungunna, M. O., Rotimi-Owolabi, O. S., Akinwumi, F. O., and Onifade, D. I.

Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: mowole@oauife.edu.ng; Phone: 2348051542596

Abstract:

Background: Infections associated with the use of contaminated public toilets and the control of such infections are a major challenge especially with the high prevalence of substandard toilet cleaning agents in the Nigerian market. The study aimed to determine bacterial isolates contaminating public toilet seats and their susceptibility to commonly used antibiotics, and to assess in vitro antimicrobial activity of selected toilet cleaning agents commercially available in the Nigerian market. Continue reading “Bacterial isolates from toilet seats in a tertiary institution and their susceptibility to antibiotics and selected toilet cleaning agents marketed in Nigeria”