Volume 36, Issue 2 (December)

1

Research Article

Microbiology Education in Light of COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges and Opportunities in Nigeria: A Review

Oladunjoye, I.^*, Tajudeen, Y. A, Akinsuyi, O. S, Alaka, H. O., Atta, H.I.

Nigeria has a population of over 200 million people of which 1% of the population are enrolled in universities. Microbiology is a course with a high enrolment rate among undergraduates. The field is a vital discipline focusing on the study of microorganisms and their role in health, industry, environment, agriculture, climate change and other relevant sector and it has a potential of revolutionisi...

Jun, 2022 pp. 6206-6213

2

Research Article

Microbiological and Nutritional Compositions of Garri Produced using Traditional Fermentation and Instant Mechanical Methods with and without added Palm Oil

Obi, C. N.^*, Eze, P. C, Ukoha, P. C.

Garri is a granular pre-gelatinized cassava starch with slightly fermented flavour and slightly sour taste made from grated, fermented fresh cassava tubers. It serves as staple food in many parts of Nigeria. This work studied the effect of fermentation and palm oil on the nutritional compositions of garri produced by traditional fermentation Method (TFM) and Instant Mechanical Method (IMM). Cassav...

Jun, 2022 pp. 6214-6228

3

Research Article

Antimicrobial Drug Resistance in Strains of Salmonella Isolated from Pig Effluents in Abakaliki, Nigeria

Ejikeugwu, C^*, Onele, S, Okonkwo, E, Onu, E, Afiukwa, N, Nwakaeze, E., Udu, Ibiam, O., Iroha, C.,, Edeh, C., Iroha, I.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a current health menace that strikes at the core of infectious disease control, and has potential to affect every aspect of healthcare systems, as well as impact the food chain in terms of the evolution and transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria of public health risk. This study investigated antimicrobial drug resistance in strains of Salmonella spp. isolat...

Jun, 2022 pp. 6229-6235

4

Research Article

Proximate and Sensory Properties of Yoghurts Produced with Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Diary and Non-Diary Sources

Obi, C. N.^*, Oshiama, U. E., Onwuegbuchlam, C.

Yoghurt is one of the famous fermented milk preparations. It is the most widely available fermented milk in Western World where its popularity derives more from its flavor versatility. Lactic Acid Bacteria isolated from fermented cow and human Breast milk using MRS agar medium were used to produce yoghurt samples. LAB from commercially prepared yoghurt purchased from the market were used to produc...

Dec, 2022 pp. 6236-6245

5

Research Article

SHORT COMMUNICATION Mycological Quality of Packaged Ginger Spiced Peanut Cake (Kuli kuli) Sold in Umuahia Metropolis, Abia State, Nigeria

Osaro-Matthew, R. C^*, Itaman, V. O.

Kulikuli (peanut cake) is a known street snacks prone to fungal infestation due to poor production, handling and storage measures. The study aimed at evaluating the fungal quality of packaged and ginger spiced kulikuli consumed in Umuahia, metropolis, Abia State. Twenty four samples of kulikuli were sourced randomly from markets and supermarkets in Umuahia. Standard methods were adopted to assay t...

Dec, 2022 pp. 6246-6250

6

Research Article

Sensory Assessment of Fermented Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) with Selected Spices

Abdullah, F. O^*, Akharaiyi, F. C, Ehis-Eriakha, C. B

The sensory and organoleptic quality of fermented catfish (Clarias gariepinus) was studied after a fermentation period of three (3) days. Four whole fresh catfishes were fermented using roasted ground rice, sugar and salt, and distributed into four separate jars with spice treatments: FG (15 g ginger), FT (15g turmeric), FP (15 g pepper) and control (FC) (0 g). They were then covered airtight and ...

Dec, 2022 pp. 6251-6257

7

Research Article

Quality of Meat and Sausage from Broiler Chickens Fed Dietary White and Cayenne Pepper Powders Subjected to Refrigeration Storage

Adegoke, A. V^*, Sanwo, K. A., Ekunseitan, D. A, Adeyemo A. A, Ayoola, A. A, Odutayo, O. J.

Oxidative and microbial spoilage affect the nutritional quality of poultry products. White pepper (WP) and cayenne pepper (CP) powders possess antioxidative and antimicrobial properties, therefore, prompting an investigation into the activity of dietary peppers on proximate, oxidative and microbial profile of broiler chicken meat and sausage subjected to refrigeration storage. At the expiration of...

Dec, 2022 pp. 6258-6273

8

Research Article

Determination of Phytochemical and Antibacterial Properties of the Leaf and Seed Extracts of Senna occidentalis (L.)

Ishaya, S. G^*, Umaru, F. F, Samuel, K. B., Mafe, A. N, Angyu, A. E, Babylon, P, Khan, N, Hammanjoda, H.

Senna occidentalis is widely used by herbalists in northern Nigeria for the treatment of microbial diseases. This study determined the phytochemical constituents and antibacterial activities of aqueous extracts of the leaf and seed of S. occidentalis against some selected clinical pathogens. The Leaf and seed were reduced to powder and extracted by maceration using sterile distilled water. Extract...

Dec, 2022 pp. 6274-6283

9

Research Article

Survey for Fungal Agents Associated with Clinical Mastitis in Red Sokoto Does at the Sokoto Livestock Market, Nigeria and their Antifungal Susceptibility Pattern

Adelowo, M.^*, Aliyu, R. M, Sanusi, M

The study was conducted to determine the occurrence of fungal agents associated with clinical mastitis (CM) in Red Sokoto does (RSD) at the Sokoto livestock market and their antifungal susceptibility pattern. A total of 71 RSD was identified and examined for mastitis. Milk samples were collected for fungal isolation, identification and antifungal susceptibility testing. Thirty-one (43.66%) of the ...

Dec, 2022 pp. 6284-6291

10

Research Article

In vitro Assessment of the Antimicrobial Activity of Honey and Some Standard Antibiotics on Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis Isolated from Wounds

Okonkwo, E. C^*, Nwosu, E. E, Onwa, N. C, Onuoha, S. C, Idioha, J. C, Agah,V, Ogbu, K. I.

This study assessed and compared the antimicrobial activity of honey to that of some commonly used antibiotics in Ebonyi State, against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis isolated from wounds. Fifty two (52) wound samples, were collected from patients at General Hospital Uburu, Ebonyi State. Wound samples were collected using sterile swab sticks. The bacteria speci...

Dec, 2022 pp. 6292-6299

11

Research Article

Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Indices of Shigella flexneri and Salmonella enterica Associated with Diarrhoea in Children (0-5 Years) From Selected Hospitals in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria

Alhaji, A.I.^*, Mulade, G. L, Ajibade, G. A, Haroun, A. A, Benjamin, O.I

Diarrhoea diseases remain the second leading cause of death among children under five years globally. Nearly one in every five child deaths are due to diarrhoea, further compounded by antimicrobial resistance. As a result, better understanding of childhood diarrhoea occurrence can perhaps help reduce associated morbidity and mortality rates. This study was conducted to determine the multiple antib...

Dec, 2022 pp. 6300-6309

12

Research Article

Phytochemical Profile and Cytotoxicity of Adansonia digitata and Borerria verticillata Root Extracts

Rufa’i, M.S^*, Usman, A.D., Shamsuddeen, U.

Adansonia digitata and Borerria verticillata are medicinal plants used to treat different types of diseases. The aim of this study was to extract and screen the roots of both plants for phytochemical constituents, to access their cytotoxicity using Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay and to determine the functional groups present in them by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) technique. The me...

Dec, 2022 pp. 6310-6316

13

Research Article

Prevalence of Geohelminths among Primary School Pupils in Unwana and Akpoha Communities of Afikpo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Nworie, O^*, Okeke A. Frank, Ilang, D.C., Chukwu K.S., Ozor, A.U, IgbokweEkwerike, C.

The study assessed the prevalence and risk factors affecting the transmission of soil transmitted helminthiasis among school age children in Unwana and Akpoha commuties of Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The study involved stool examination for infective stages of soil transmitted helminth using zinc sulphate flotation technique. Ascaris lumbricoide, Trichura trichuris and Ancy...

Dec, 2022 pp. 6317-6322

14

Research Article

Antibiogram and Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) Profile of E. coli Species Isolated from Houseflies in Abakaliki Metropolis, Nigeria

Afiukwa, F.N^*, Akpati, O.J, Ejikeugwu, C, Elom, E.E, Iroha, I., Afiukwa, C.A, Nwuzo, A. C, Ogah, O, Agah, V. M, Nweze N.P.

This study determined the antibiogram and extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production potentials of E. coli species isolated from houseflies from hospital, restaurant and fruit market environments in Abakaliki metropolis. A total of 150 samples (50 from each sample site) were analyzed using Standard Microbiological Methods. Antibiotic susceptibility profile of the isolates was determined us...

Dec, 2022 pp. 6323-6329

15

Research Article

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B among Pregnant Mothers Attending Bichi General Hospital Kano State, Nigeria

Usman, J. N^*, Mohammed, Y, Akande, A. O, Babayo, A, Idris, A. M, Hassan, M. S, Safiyanu, M. B, Rogo, L. D., Umar, A. A

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) continues to be is a potentially life-threatening infectious disease transmitted from mother to child. The study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), among pregnant mothers attending antenatal clinics (ANC) at a General Hospital in Bichi LGA, Kano State, Nigeria. A total of 125 pregnant women were screened for hepatitis B surface ...

Dec, 2022 pp. 6329-6334

16

Research Article

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): A Review on the Origin, Evolution and Emerging Variants

Omosalewa, O. A^*

In 2019 the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first reported in Wuhan, China, and afterwards spread worldwide. The disease was confirmed to be a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In most cases the human coronaviruses have their origin from animal which are called their natural hosts. The natural hosts of the following Coronaviruses, HCoV-229E, SARS CoV,...

Dec, 2022 pp. 6335-6343

17

Research Article

Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Producing Bacteria from Hospital Laboratory Equipment in Madonna Catholic Hospital, Abia State, Nigeria

Nwankwo, I.U^*, Edward K.C, Udensi, C.G, Favour, U., Ihediwa, F.U

Extended-spectrum Beta-lactamases (ESBLs) producing bacteria have been identified as a major cause of hospital-acquired infections that can have serious clinical consequences, including multiple drug resistance. This study aimed to screen hospital laboratory equipment for extended-spectrum betalactamase-producing bacteria. A total of sixty (60) samples were collected by swabbing various surfaces o...

Dec, 2022 pp. 6344-6354

18

Research Article

Public Health Risk Assessment of Bio-aerosols Associated with Soot Pollution in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Asime, O^*, Idris, U. H, Barka, J, Jamilu, G., Kwata, V. J, Hayford, F

An assessment of outdoor bio-aerosols and particulate exposure was carried out to study and determine the association of the particulates and the organic matter. This was carried out at Trans Amadi industrial area of Port Harcourt where most outdoor sources of atmospheric particles are emitted, due to industrial activities. Seven locations were established for sampling which consist of Azuabie Mar...

Dec, 2022 pp. 6355-6367

19

Research Article

Nutritional Properties of Yoghurt Prepared Using Exopolysaccharide Producing Lactobacillus spp. Isolated from Nono

Kabir, A^*

Yoghurt is a widely accepted and consumed fermented dairy product, rich in protein, vitamins and essential minerals. There could be variation in nutritional properties of yoghurt, which could be due to variation in milk properties, or type of starter culture used. Three (3) high yielding EPS Lactobacillus spp. from a previous study were used for yoghurt production. The produced yoghurt samples wer...

Dec, 2022 pp. 6368-6376

20

Research Article

Occurrence and Emergence of New-Delhi Metallo Beta-lactamase-1 Positive Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Urine samples in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Okeke, A. F^*, Chikwendu, C. L, Nworie, O, Isirue A.M. C, Amadi, E.S

This study was intended to find the extent of occurrence and prevalence of carbapenem resistance Pseudomonas aeruginosa from urine samples from both clinical and non-clinical settings in Ebonyi state. A cross sectional study was carried out from April-December 2021 in Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Microbiology Laboratory Ebonyi State amongst individuals using a pre-tested, selfadministered quest...

Dec, 2022 pp. 6377-6384

21

Research Article

Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Important Fish Pathogens from River Niger and Two Other Major Rivers in Anambra State, Nigeria

Oko, A. O^*, Agwu, S. C, Sethi, S. K., Ali, F. U, Ebenyi, L. N, Ominyi, M. C.

This study was designed to isolate and characterize pathogenic bacteria from fish samples from Niger, Otuocha and Amansea rivers using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing approaches. Thirty-two fishes (16 tilapia and 16 catfish) were sampled from the three rivers. The intestines (one gram each) of all the fish samples were screened for the presence of pathogenic microbes of green coloni...

Dec, 2022 pp. 6385-6394

22

Research Article

Extended Spectrum Beta- Lactamase (ESBL) Resistant Genes in Escherichia coli from women with Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Ali, M^*, Adiekwuo, R. C, Anthony, A.U, Agabi, Y. A, Robinson, J.W, Zakari, H

Complications in UTIs have increased among women due to the increased ability of E coli to produce ESBL, which makes treatment difficult due to multidrug resistance. This research was undertaken to detect ESBL genes in E .coli from women with UTI. Bacteria were isolated from urine samples using Eosin Methylene Blue Agar (EMB) and identified using biochemical tests. Antimicrobial resistance was det...

Dec, 2022 pp. 6395-6203

23

Research Article

Effect of Pleurotus ostreatus on the Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon and Heavy Metal Concentrations of Lubricating Oil-Amended Soil

Maduwuba, M. C.^*, Ibiene, A. A.

Background: The need to develop an ecologically friendly and efficient approach of removing contaminants from polluted soil has been a major area of interest to save the environment. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Pleurotus ostreatus on the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and heavy metal concentrations of lubricating oil-amended soil. The white-rot fungus pre-grown on ...

Dec, 2022 pp. 6404-6414

24

Research Article

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis and Immunological Status of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infected Pregnant Women in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria

Yusuf, M.^*, Yahaya, S

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infected pregnant women are susceptible to a variety of infections including toxoplasmosis with high potential of the parasite to cause severe complications. This study was aimed at determining the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among HIV infected pregnant women in Kano-Nigeria. The study was conducted at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH). A cross sectional st...

Dec, 2022 pp. 6415-6423