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Antimicrobial activity of moringa on ear, nose and throat associated fungi, and vancomycin resistant cocci isolated at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

M.D. Mukhtar, S.A. Orah, Y Mohammed

 

Abstract

This study was aimed at evaluating the antimicrobial activity of Moringa on ear, nose and throat associated fungi and vancomycin resistant cocci. The plant material was extracted with methanol and petroleum ethe and screened for phytochemical contents. The microbial isolates were obtained from females and males patients (both adults and children) attending ear, nose and throat clinic at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. Coccal bacteria and fungi were isolated accordingly. The cocci were screened for vancomycin resistance. The antimicrobial assay was carried out using gradient double (12.5-100mg/mL) assay. The MIC, MBC/MFC and Brine shrimp toxicity test were also conducted. Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus were isolated. Up to 21.4% of S. aureus were vancomycin resistant, 20% of S. pneumoniae isolated were vancomycin resistant and 16.7% S. pyogenes were vancomycin resistant. The plant extracts showed zones of inhibition of 08mm-20mm at concentrations ranging from 12.5-100mg/mL. The most susceptible organism to both extracts was C. albicans and the least susceptible was S. aureus. The MIC of the methanol extracts ranged from 0.78 to 50mg/mL but MBC/MFC ranged from 6.25 to 200mg/mL. The MIC of the petroleum ether was at 50 to 200mg/mL and the MBC/MFC was from 200 to 800mg/mL. The brine shrimp lethality assay showed LC50 value of 93.48μg/mL for Moringa methanol extract while the LC50 value for Moringa petroleum ether extract was 3.691μg/mL. Moringa methanol extract (100mg/mL), showed appreciable activity against the fungal isolates and vancomycin resistant cocci associated with Ear, Nose and Throat symptoms while Moringa petroleum ether extract showed activity only on the fungal isolate C. albicans. The study demonstrated that Moringa methanol extracts was more active than Moringa petroleum ether extracts. The search for novel cytotoxic ingredient in Moringa should be encouraged.

Keywords: Antimicrobial, Moringa, Ear, Nose, Throat, Fungi, Vancomycin, Resistant, Cocci

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Antimicrobial susceptibility of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae causing urinary tract infections in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

 

 

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A review of the virulence factors of pathogenic fungi

C. Iyalla

 

Abstract

Fungal infections are becoming more prevalent especially with increase in immunodeficiency disorders, immunosuppression following transplantation, cancers and cancer treatment. They are ubiquitous and cause infections which may be trivial or more deep seated and severe infections associated with mortality. The ability of some fungal species to cause disease is due to various virulence factors which help with fungal survival and persistence in the host resulting in tissue damage and disease. This review discusses these virulence factors. These factors include an ability to adhere to hosts’ tissues, production of enzymes that cause tissue damage and direct interference with host defences. Pathogenic fungi produce catalases and Mannitol which protect against reactive oxygen species (ROS). Some fungi notably, dimorphic fungi and C. albicans have the ability to switch from one form to another. Thermotolerance, at least to 370C, is critical for survival in mammalian host and contributes to dissemination. Melanin is produced by a number of pathogenic fungi, and protects against harsh conditions such as UV radiation, increased temperature and ROS. The ability to obtain Iron (Fe) from the storage or transport forms in the host is also a virulence factor and calcineurin acts as a sensor for pathogenic fungi.

Keywords: Fungi, virulence, pathogenic, infections, dimorphism, thermotolerance

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A review of the virulence factors of pathogenic fungi

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Gut fermentation syndrome

SA Fayemiwo, B Adegboro

 

Abstract

Fungi have not been recognized to cause such notable syndromes until very recently. It has been documented among few individuals who became intoxicated after consuming carbohydrates, which became fermented in the gastrointestinal tract. These claims of intoxication without drinking alcohol, and the findings on endogenous alcohol fermentation are now called Gut Fermentation Syndrome. This review will concentrate on understanding the aetiology, clinical manifestations, laboratory diagnostic options and treatment of the syndrome.

Keywords: Gut Fermentation Syndrome, Fungi, Yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae

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Gut fermentation syndrome

 

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Species of fungi associated with skin diseases of different age groups in plateau state, Nigeria

AO Ogaraku, CIC Ogbonna, VC Nwokedi

 

Abstract

A survey was carried out on the species of fungi associated with skin diseases of thirty subjects of different age groups in Plateau State, Nigeria. The age groups included 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40 and 41-50 years, accounting for 27%, 38%, 23%, 8% and 4% of total number of individuals with fungal infections respectively. The skin diseases involved included ringworms, dermatitis, burns, impetigo and boils. The fungal isolates included Microsporium canis, M. audouinii, M. ferrugineum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. megninii and Aspergillus niger, with frequencies of occurrence in the skin lesions being 80%, 60%, 40%, 60%, 60% and 20% respectively. The implications of the results are discussed.

Keywords: fungi, skin disease, age groups, Plateau State

African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology Vol. 6 (3) 2005: 188-191