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The role of 16S rRNA sequencing in bridging phenotypic– genotypic gaps in Salmonella identification: Evidence from a Nigerian endemic zone

*1Attah, C. J., 2Egah, D. Z., and 3Lar, P. M.

1Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria                                

2Department of Medical Microbiology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

3Department of Microbiology, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: marysolspecialist2@gmail.com; attah.caleb@yahoo.com; +234 8069231690;

ORCID: 0000-0002-3261-1127

Abstract:

Background: Accurate laboratory identification of Salmonella species is essential for effective diagnosis, anti- microbial stewardship, and surveillance of enteric fever. Conventional culture and biochemical methods remain the primary diagnostic approach in many laboratories in resource-limited countries but are prone to misidentification because several members of the family Enterobacteriaceae exhibit similar phenotypic characteristics. This study evaluated the role of 16S rRNA gene sequencing in validating phenotypic identification of Salmonella isolates obtained from patients with suspected enteric fever in Nigeria. Continue reading “The role of 16S rRNA sequencing in bridging phenotypic– genotypic gaps in Salmonella identification: Evidence from a Nigerian endemic zone”

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Evaluation of self-collected oral swab sample for early detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by Xpert MTB assay in Karu, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

*[1],[2],[3]Eliya, T. T., 1,[4]Ugwu, C., 3Jacob, P., 1Asugu, S., 5Anzaku, A. A., and 1,4,6Bimba, J.

1Zankli Research Centre, Bingham University, Karu, Km 26 Abuja-Keffi Expressway, Karu, Nigeria

2Biological Sciences Department, Bingham University, Karu, Km 26 Abuja-Keffi Expressway, Karu, Nigeria

3Stephakim Life Foundation, No. E7 Debaron Street, Nyanya Phase 4, Abuja, Nigeria

4Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom

5Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria. Plot 62, Emeritus Umaru Shehu Cadastral Zane COO, Abuja FCT, Nigeria

6Community Medicine, Bingham University, Karu, Km 26 Abuja-Keffi Expressway, Karu, Nigeria   *Correspondence to: iliya.taryuta@binghamuni.edu.ng

Abstract:

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with an estimated 1.25 million people dying from TB in 2023. Most current diagnostic tests for TB rely on sputum sampling from symptomatic individuals. Sputum collection procedure involves expectoration of potentially infectious aerosols, which pose safety risks to health care workers; hence, an easier, safer, non-invasive, non-aerosol, and more effective alternative approach is warranted. This study evaluated the effectiveness and diagnostic yield of self-collected oral swab (SCOS) against sputum in detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) by Xpert MTB/RIF assay. Continue reading “Evaluation of self-collected oral swab sample for early detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by Xpert MTB assay in Karu, Nasarawa State, Nigeria”

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Detection of Dengue IgM and IgG among apparently healthy and sick individuals attending selected health facilities in rural and suburban areas of Osun State, Nigeria

Oyinloye, A. A., and *Adesina, O. A.

Department of Microbiology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: adesinaf@oauife.edu.ng; Tel: 08034135898

 

Abstract:

Background: Dengue fever, one of the viral infections that shares clinical features with malaria, is a reason for common misdiagnosis and under-reporting in resource-limited places. This cross sectional study was designed to determine the prevalence of Dengue virus (DENV) specific IgM and IgG antibodies among apparently healthy and sick individuals attending health facilites in selected rural and sub-urban areas in Osun State. Continue reading “Detection of Dengue IgM and IgG among apparently healthy and sick individuals attending selected health facilities in rural and suburban areas of Osun State, Nigeria”

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Prevalence and risk factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections among adults in rural Itasy region of Madagascar

*[1],[2]Zafindraibe, N. J., ¹Razanantoanina, L. M., [3]Raharisoa, A. A., [4]Ranaivosoa, K. H. M., ¹Rakotovao, A. L., and ¹,2Razanakolona, L. R. S.

 

¹Faculty of Medicine, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar

2Microbiology Laboratory, University Hospital of Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona, Antananarivo, Madagascar

3Biology Laboratory, Referral Hospital Center of Miarinarivo, Itasy, Madagascar

4Biochemistry Laboratory, University Hospital of Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona, Antananarivo, Madagascar *Correspondence to: juliemail_21@yahoo.fr; njzafindraibe@gmail.com; Tel: +261340157421

 

Abstract:

 

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are a major public health burden in rural Madagascar, but adult data are scarce. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of IPI and determine associated factors among adults attending a referral hospital in the Itasy region of Madagascar. Continue reading “Prevalence and risk factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections among adults in rural Itasy region of Madagascar”

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Phenotypic and ace-1–mediated insecticide resistance in Aedes mosquitoes in Enugu North Senatorial Zone, Nigeria

1Nnachi, O. C., *2Nwigwe, J. O., 3Odikamnoro, O. O., 3Eze, G. C., 4Ajah-Ekwe, N., and 2Nwokporo, N. R.

 

1Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka

2Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, and International Institute of Infectious

Disease, Biosafety, and Biorisk Research, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences,  P.M.B. 211, Uburu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

3Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Science, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

4Department of Biochemistry, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: nwigwejo@dufuhs.edu.ng; Tel: +234 8124319184

 

Abstract:

 

Background: Aedes mosquitoes are major vectors of important viral diseases such as Dengue Fever, Yellow Fever, Chikungunya, and Zika Virus Disease, which continue to pose serious public health challenges in many tropical regions largely due to the increasing resistance of mosquito vectors to commonly used insecticides. This study aimed to determine the insecticidal resistance status of Aedes mosquitoes in four surveyed communities within the Enugu North Senatorial Zone.                                                                                                                       Continue reading “Phenotypic and ace-1–mediated insecticide resistance in Aedes mosquitoes in Enugu North Senatorial Zone, Nigeria”

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Prevalence of dermatophytoses among school children in a rural setting in Biase Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria

*1Ukam, I. I., 1Ukeye, A. A., 1Akpanke, J., and 2Abia-Bassey, L.

 

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

 2Department 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: Infections of the skin, nails and hair cause by dermatophytes species are common in both developing and developed countries, posing serious health challenge especially, among children of primary school age. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence and distribution of dermatophyte species among infected school children in Biase, Cross River State, Nigeria. Continue reading “Prevalence of dermatophytoses among school children in a rural setting in Biase Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria”

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Multidrug and colistin resistance in Enterobacter species isolated from water, human, and animal faecal samples in selected rural communities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

*1Adenugba, I. T., 2Umoh, J. U., 2Bassey, M., 2Uyanga, F. Z., and 1Ntekpere, E. I.

 

*1Department of Biological Sciences, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Ikot Ekpene, Nigeria

2Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Akwa Ibom State University, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: adenugba.imaobong@akwaibompoly.edu.ng; Phone: +234 (0) 8121902332

 

Abstract:

 

Background: Infection caused by antibiotic resistant Enterobacter spp. is a growing public health challenge as this significantly contributes to disease burden and high mortality in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to determine multidrug and colistin resistance patterns of Enterobacter isolates from water, human and animal samples in six rural communities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Continue reading “Multidrug and colistin resistance in Enterobacter species isolated from water, human, and animal faecal samples in selected rural communities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria”

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Isolation and identification of heavy metal-tolerant bacteria from e-waste-contaminated soils and their potential for bioleaching of waste printed circuit boards

*[1]Soliu, A. A., 1Bajepade, T. T., and [2]Alade, B. M.

 

1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pure and Applied Science, Kwara State University, Malete, Kwara State, Nigeria

2Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Institute of Applied Sciences, Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: Soliuabdulgafar018@gmail.com; ORCID: 0009–0009–3417–3325

Abstract:

Background: Informal handling and disposal of electronic waste can release heavy metals into soil and select for metal-tolerant microorganisms. This study aimed to isolate and identify heavy metal-tolerant bacteria from soils around two informal e-waste handling sites in Ilorin, Nigeria, assess changes in dissolved metal concentrations during 21 days of sequential enrichment with waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs), and evaluate the isolates as potential candidates for future bioleaching studies. Continue reading “Isolation and identification of heavy metal-tolerant bacteria from e-waste-contaminated soils and their potential for bioleaching of waste printed circuit boards”

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Exploring in-silico antimicrobial potential of Cymbopogon citratus phytochemicals in the treatment of drug-resistant Escherichia coli using molecular docking and ADMET screening

Adewole, P. D., *Orija, F. O., and Bamigboye, K. P.

Medical Laboratory Science, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria

*Correspondence to:  orija.funmbi@bowen.edu.ng; 08136046292; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009–0002–9397–9467

Abstract:  

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a serious global health threat, particularly by to multidrugresistant Escherichia coli, which reduces the efficacy of conventional antibiotics. Medicinal plants such as Cymbopogon citratus have gained attention as potential alternative antimicrobial sources. This study evaluated the in-silico antimicrobial potential of C. citratus phytochemicals against drug-resistant E. coli.              Continue reading “Exploring in-silico antimicrobial potential of Cymbopogon citratus phytochemicals in the treatment of drug-resistant Escherichia coli using molecular docking and ADMET screening”

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Exploring the antimicrobial potential of Azadirachta indica (Neem) phytoconstituents against drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: A molecular docking and ADMET screening study

Adewole, P. D., *Oluwafemi, I. B., and Bamigboye, K. P.  

 Medical Laboratory Science Programme, College of Health Sciences, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Ilesa, Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: oluwafemi.inioluwa@bowen.edu.ng; 07026731414; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009–0006–8086–1637

 

Abstract:

 

Background: The emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii remains at the top of the health care concern around the world which thereby emphasizes the need to discover novel antimicrobials from medicinal plants, such as Azadirachta indica (neem) in treatment of infections caused by MDR A. baumannii. The current insilico study was aimed to evaluate inhibitory potential of Neem derived phytoconstituents against essential proteins of A. baumannii and their evaluation of pharmacokinetic characteristics.                 Continue reading “Exploring the antimicrobial potential of Azadirachta indica (Neem) phytoconstituents against drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: A molecular docking and ADMET screening study”