Biosurfactants are organic, surface-active compounds that contain hydrophobic and hydrophilic moieties produced by microorganisms. Their production depends on the type of nutrients, microorganisms and culture conditions. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of carbon and nitrogen sources on biosurfactant production by bacteria. Actinomyces viscosus ATCC 15987, Streptomyces carpaticus N29, Alcaligenes faecalis IISR-EPN BC 08 and Alcaligenes faecalis BPS II were isolated from hydrocarbon-contaminated soil and screened for biosurfactant production on Kim’s medium. The effects of 3% carbon source and 0.1% nitrogen source on biosurfactant production by the isolates were investigated using one variable at a time method. The activity of the biosurfactants were determined by emulsification index measurement on hydrophobic substrates. The carbon and nitrogen sources of choice for biosurfactant production by the investigated bacteria were: starch/sucrose (emulsification index (E24) range = 51.61% to 69.69%) and ammonium sulphate (E24 range = 43.75% to 62.85%) respectively. Very high emulsification index was observed for Actinomyces viscosus ATCC 15987 (65.71%), Streptomyces carpaticus N29 (77.50%) and Alcaligenes faecalis BPS II (63.16%), using starch and (NH4)2SO4) as carbon and nitrogen sources respectively. Alcaligenes faecalis IISR-EPN BC 08 utilized sucrose and ammonium sulphate as carbon and nitrogen of choice respectively to produce biosurfactant with emulsification index of 70.00%. Palm oil was highly emulsified by Actinomyces viscosus ATCC 15987 (81.25%), Streptomyces carpaticus N29 (82.00%), Alcaligenes faecalis IISR-EPN BC 08 (79.17%), and Alcaligenes faecalis BPS II (80.00%), while Streptomyces carpaticus N29 achieved the highest activity (90.48%) with engine oil. This study shows that starch/sucrose and ammonium sulphate improved biosurfactant production by the bacteria. The emulsification of the hydrophobic substrates suggests their use in hydrocarbon bioremediation and as emulsifiers in food industries.
This study assessed the ecological characteristics of two abandoned farmlands within Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, and evaluated the effectiveness of cow dung manure in restoring soil fertility and enhancing the early growth of Solanum melongena (eggplant) and Solanum lycopersicum (tomato). The study was conducted at two sites within the Nnamdi Azikiwe University campus. An ecological survey was carried out using standard quadrat sampling techniques (20 quadrats of 25 m² per site) to assess floristic composition, species diversity, and phytosociological attributes. Soil samples were collected and analysed for physico-chemical properties, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, organic matter, organic carbon, pH, and particle size distribution. A pot experiment employing a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) was conducted to evaluate the effects of cow dung manure on germination percentage and early seedling growth parameters. A total of 535 and 587 individual plants were recorded in Site 1 and Site 2, comprising 21 species in 10 families and 18 species in 9 families, respectively. Vegetation in both sites was dominated by herbaceous species, particularly members of Poaceae and Asteraceae, indicating disturbed ecosystems undergoing secondary succession. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index values of 2.56 (Site 1) and 2.47 (Site 2) indicated moderate species diversity with low evenness. The Sørensen similarity index of 31.03% revealed low floristic similarity between sites, suggesting pronounced spatial heterogeneity. Soil analysis showed that Site 1 had higher nitrogen (5.41 ± 0.72%) and organic matter (2.67 ± 0.67%), while Site 2 exhibited higher phosphorus (7.85 ± 1.10 mg/g) and organic carbon (9.44 ± 0.73 µg/g). Both sites were classified as sandy loam with slightly alkaline pH conditions. Organic manure application significantly (p < 0.05) improved germination percentage, seedling height, leaf number, and root length of both test crops across both sites. Germination rates increased from 65.4% to 89.6% in S. melongena and from 68.2% to 91.3% in S. lycopersicum under organic manure treatment at Site A. The findings show that although abandoned farmlands in this landscape support moderately diverse vegetation, they are dominated by opportunistic species, reflecting nutrient limitations and disturbance pressures. The findings also demonstrate that cow dung manure is an effective, low-cost soil amendment for restoring soil fertility and supporting the establishment of vegetable crops on such lands.
The use of organic fertilizer plays significant roles on the reclamation of nutrient depleted soil, sustainable production of crops and realization of food security. This study evaluated some animal-based organic wastes and their effects on morphometric traits and nutritional compositions of Amaranthus hybridus, using standard procedures. Physical property of soil of the study site revealed that the soil is majorly sandy soil (82.8%). The nutritional compositions of poultry droppings (PDs) were significantly higher (p<0.05) compared with normal soil and cow dung. Tallest plant height (59.00 cm) was recorded in the vegetable treated with 10 g PDs, leaf length (15.67 cm) and leaf width (8.00 cm) in the vegetable grown under 10 g CD, and number of leaves (35.66) and number of branches (16.60) in the vegetable grown under 5 g PDs (p < 0.05). Dry matter (25.65 mg/100g) and fat (1.32 mg/100g) were substantially higher in the vegetable grown under 10g CD (p < 0.05). However, 10 g PDs + NPK produced higher ash (2.23 mg/100g), crude fibre (5.72 mg/100g), crude protein (4.80 mg/100g) and carbohydrate (11.96 mg/100g) in the vegetable (p < 0.05). Furthermore, sodium (6.52 mg/100g), calcium (13.09 mg/100g) magnesium (15.63 mg/100g) and phosphorus (28.57 mg/100g) were also higher in the vegetable treated with 5 g of CD + NPK (p < 0.05). In conclusion, although the three nutrient sources influenced the growth of Amaranthus, however, 10 g CD and 5 g PDs significantly improved the growth and nutritional compositions of the vegetable, therefore the use of the animal-based fertilizers should be encouraged.
Pesticides remain integral to modern agriculture for crop protection but their persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic nature poses growing ecological and public health concerns. This study evaluate pesticide residue concentrations and associated human health risks from consuming two commonly harvested wild fish species (Tilapia zilli and Clarias gariepinus) inhabiting Argungu River. A total of 216 specimens (108 per species) were sampled between February and July, 2024 using traditional fishing methods employed by local fishermen. Samples were processed using the QuEChERS extraction method followed by analysis of sixteen pesticides through Gas Chromatographic (GC). C. gariepinus exhibited the highest overall pesticide residue of 1.684 µg/kg, with dominant contributions of 0.052, 0.053 and 0.176 µg/kg recorded in DDT, DDE and Alderin respectively. In T. zilli, the concentrations of 0.007, 0.047, 0.152, 0.326 and 0.083 were found highest in heptachlor, DDD, alpha-HCH, beta-HCH and dieldrin, respectively. Moreover, the concentrations of many pesticides analyzed in this study were found above the WHO/FAO permissible limit. However, one-way ANOVA revealed no statistically significant variation (p > 0.05) between species. Human health risk assessment revealed that Target Hazard Quotient (THQ ≤ 1) and Carcinogenic Risk (CR ≤ 1 × 10-4) for adults and children were below the critical thresholds, suggesting minimal health risks at current exposure levels. Despite the low risk estimates, the detection of pesticides in T. zilli and C. gariepinus inhabiting Argungu River revealed the deposition of pesticides due the increasing pesticides application, which highlights the need for continuous monitoring. Strengthened regulation of pesticide use, river quality surveillance, and improved pest management strategies are essential to protect public health and promote the sustainability of Argungu River.
An experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of methanolic extracts of selected botanicals against the larvae of Spodoptera frugiperda under laboratory, screen-house, and field conditions. Treatments comprised methanolic extracts of Khaya senegalensis, Hyptis suaveolens, Capsicum frutescens and Azadirachta indica, including their binary mixtures in a 50:50 ratio, each applied at concentrations of 2.5 %, 5.0 % and 10.0 % (w/v). Emamectin benzoate (5% WDG) served as the positive control, while water + 0.1 % tween 80 acted as the negative control. Results revealed significant variations among treatments across all parameters. The combination of H. suaveolens + A. indica exhibited the highest larval mortality: feeding toxicity (72.53±1.44%) and contact toxicity (50.18±5.39%), greatest antifeedant effect (74.76±3.66%), and lowest leaf damage incidence (1.34±0.21%, and 1.77±0.08%) and severity (1.31±0.03%, and 1.29±0.03%) under screen house and field conditions respectively, with consequent increase in maize dry matter weight (3.85±0.52 t ha-1) and overall grain yield (8.12±0.15 tha-1) comparable to Emamectin benzoate. The findings demonstrate the bio-efficacy of H. suaveolens + A. indica mixtures as potential alternatives to synthetic insecticides in the management of fall armyworm (FAW) infestation on maize.
Biodiversity assessment, particularly plant species richness and diversity, is essential for understanding ecosystem stability and resilience, yet many tropical forest studies underrepresent total plant diversity by focusing mainly on canopy species. This limitation is especially evident in secondary and institutional forests, where understory vegetation plays a critical but often overlooked ecological role. This study assessed plant species richness, diversity, and vegetation structure in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Conservation Forest, Awka, Nigeria, using an integrated approach that captured both woody and understory vegetation. A stratified ecological survey design was employed. The Point-Centered Quarter Method (PCQM) was used to sample trees and shrubs, while 1 m² quadrats assessed understory vegetation, including herbs, grasses, climbers, and creepers. Eighteen systematically distributed sampling points were established along a central transect, and 72 quadrats were analyzed. Species diversity was quantified using the Shannon–Wiener index (H′), Simpson’s dominance index (D), and evenness (E). The study recorded high species richness across vegetation layers, confirming the forest’s status as a biologically diverse secondary ecosystem. Shannon–Wiener diversity values were high for woody (H′ = 3.672) and understory vegetation (H′ = 3.089). Evenness values were also high (E = 0.949 and 0.849), indicating balanced species distribution. However, low Simpson’s dominance values (D = 0.033 and 0.064) revealed dominance by a few species, particularly disturbance-tolerant taxa such as Chromolaena odorata and Alchornea cordifolia. Vegetation structure analysis showed a heterogeneous, multi-layered forest with active regeneration and an intermediate successional stage. These findings demonstrate that integrating understory vegetation improves biodiversity assessment and provides baseline ecological data for long-term monitoring and conservation.
Sida acuta is widely used in traditional medicine for managing various ailments; however, the safety profile of its solvent fractions requires scientific evaluation to support its pharmacological and therapeutic relevance. This study investigated the comparative acute toxicity and dose-dependent mortality response of n-hexane, petroleum ether, ethanol and aqueous fractions of Sida acuta extracted in this order and sequence of fractionation starting from the highly non-polar to the polar fractions using Lorke’s method. A total of 52 male rats were used across the four solvent-fraction treatment groups. The fractions were administered orally by gavage using an intubation cannula, and the animals were observed continuously during the first few hours after administration and periodically for 24 h for behavioural changes and mortality. Mortality data were used to determine the median lethal dose (LD₅₀), while dose-dependent mortality response was assessed from deaths recorded across increasing dose levels. The LD₅₀ values were 2154 mg/kg body weight for the n-hexane and ethanol fractions, 3808 mg/kg body weight for the petroleum ether fraction, and > 5000 mg/kg body weight for aqueous fraction. These findings show fraction-specific acute toxicity, with the aqueous fraction exhibiting the highest safety margin.
Biogas is a renewable energy produced from anaerobic digestion of organic materials. The evaluation of biogas production from the co-digestion of cassava peels and selected animal wastes (cow dung, chicken droppings and goat droppings) from Awka North and South Local Government Areas, Anambra State, Nigeria was studied. Laboratory scale bio-digesters (one-litre conical flasks) were used for the anaerobic digestion of wastes at 27oC with a retention time of 30 days. Each digester was covered with a stopper to make it airtight. The ratio of cassava : animal wastes mix used for anaerobic digestion were: 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1. Each 200 g waste mixture was then combined with 600 mL of water to form a slurry. The biogas produced were trapped in inverted measuring glass cylinder and in polyvinylchloride ball. The volume of the gas trapped in glass cylinder was evaluated using displacement method, while components of the trapped gas in polyvinylchloride ball was analyzed using Gas Chromatographic method. The pH of the slurries was taken before and after each anaerobic digestion using pH meter. The slurry from the anaerobic digester was analyzed for methanogenic bacteria at the end of the digestion using 16S rRNA sequencing method. The cumulative biogas yield from the co-digestion of cassava peels and cow dung (CCD) with different combination ratios (1:1, 2:1 and 3:1) revealed that ratio (3:1) had the largest (880 cm3) biogas volume, while ratio (1:1) had the least volume (87 cm3) of biogas. Co-digestion of cassava peels and goat droppings (CGD) produced the highest volume (1,277 cm3) of biogas with combination ratio (2:1) and the least volume (899 cm3) with combination ratio (3:1). The highest volume (1,447 cm3) of biogas production from the co-digestion of cassava peels and chicken droppings (CCH) was obtained from combination ratio (2:1) and the least volume (838 cm3) of biogas from the combination ratio (3:1). The pH of all the slurries decreased significantly after the anaerobic digestion of the wastes (p< 0.05). The co-digestion of cassava peels and animal wastes with combination ratio (1:1) showed that CCD had the highest methane (CH4) concentration (69.95%), while CGD (61.92%) had the least CH4 concentration (p> 0.05). Optimised combination ratio 2:1 had co-digestion of cassava peels and animal wastes (cow dung and chicken droppings) produce highest CH4 concentration (79.38%). Bacterial species belonging to five phyla; Proteobacteria, Spirochaetota, Bacillota, Bacteroidota and Firmicutes, were involved in the anaerobic digestion. Co-digestion of cassava peels with chicken droppings gave the highest biogas yield. Addition of cow dung to cassava peels-chicken droppings mixture improved the percentage methane concentration.
Diarrhea is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by excessive fluid secretion and disruption of normal bowel movements. In African folk medicine, the leaf of Psidium guajava Linn. (Family: Myrtaceae) is used traditionally to manage, control, and/or treat diarrhea. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the effects of the ethanol extract of guava leaves on castor oil-induced diarrhea in rats. Three models of determination of antidiarrheal properties were adopted and determined. The first model involved the determination of antidiarrheal activities of the castor oil-induced diarrhea model; results showed that Psidium guajava leaf extract (PGLE) of 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg groups dose-dependently and significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited all the diarrheal parameters tested, such as onset of diarrhea, total number of stools, number of wet stools, and weight of wet stools measured. The second model is Castor oil-induced gastrointestinal motility, in which increased doses of the extract reduced the distance travelled by charcoal meal in 300 and 600 mg/kg Psidium guajava, respectively, but it was not as effective as 5 mg/kg Loperamide. In the third model: castor oil-induced enteropooling. Results showed the effect of the ethanol leaf extract of P. guajava on intestinal fluid content demonstrated a significant dose-dependent reduction in both mean weight and mean volume of the small intestinal content at 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg, respectively. These findings suggest that the ethanol extract of P. guajava leaves may possess significant anti-diarrheal activity, as evidenced by its ability to reduce intestinal fluid accumulation, improve stool consistency, and ameliorate intestinal motility in castor oil-induced diarrhea rats.
Freshwater pollution by heavy metals has become a critical global environmental concern with significant implications on ecosystem integrity and public health. Argungu River is a historical freshwater ecosystem with valuable socioeconomic and cultural significance in northwestern Nigeria, hosting the famous annual fishing festival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of selected heavy metal in five wild fish species and assess the associated human health risks. A maximum of 375 individual fishes were obtained from the fish anglers of the river at fishing hotspot. The samples were oven dried at 65˚C, and analyzed for the presence of heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AA6300). Mean heavy metal concentrations differed significantly at p < 0.05, among species. C. gariepinus recorded the highest Fe (8.045mg·kg⁻1) and Cd (0.750mg·kg⁻1), while H. bebe had the lowest Fe (2.490mg·kg⁻1) and Cd (0.180mg·kg⁻1) concentration. Cd concentrations in C. gariepinus and T. zilli exceeded the FAO/WHO permissible limit of 0.05mg·kg⁻1. Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) values were consistently higher in children than adult, indicating greater exposure risk per body weight. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) value for Cd surpassed the safe limit (THQ ≤ 1) in C. gariepinus and T. zilli, signaling potential non-carcinogenic risks. Furthermore, Cancer Risk (CR) values for Cd exceeded the acceptable limit of 1 × 10-4 in H. brevis, T. zilli and C. gariepinus for both demographics, with the highest values (3.72 × 10-4 ) in C. gariepinus. Cr CR value also exceeded the threshold in children consuming C. gariepinus, while Pb CR values remained below 0.5mg·kg⁻1. Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk assessments confirm that children face higher exposure risk from consuming wild fish inhabiting Argungu River with Cd and Cr presenting the major toxicity. Regular monitoring and pollution control measures are urgently needed to protect the ecosystem and public health.
This study evaluated the proximate and sensory qualities of biscuits produced from composite flours of wheat, soybean, and fermented rice bran. The research aimed to enhance the nutritional profile of biscuits by utilizing locally available and underutilized ingredients while reducing reliance on 100% wheat flour. Eight different biscuit formulations were prepared by varying the ratios of wheat (40 – 100), soybean (0 – 20), and fermented rice bran (0 – 40) flours using mixture design (Extreme Vertices). Proximate analysis revealed that the sample with the highest inclusion of soybean and rice bran (40% wheat, 40% soybean, 20% fermented rice bran) significantly (p<0.05) recorded highest protein (22.87%), fat (10.14%), ash (4.65%), and fiber (4.76%) contents, while the 100% wheat sample (WFS3) recorded the highest carbohydrate content (71.25%). Sensory evaluation showed that biscuits made entirely from wheat and those with higher wheat content were more preferred in terms of (scores): appearance (6.30 – 8.30), taste (7.30 – 8.70), flavour (7.20 – 8.80), and overall acceptability (7.20 – 8.60). However, biscuits with soybean and fermented rice bran also performed reasonably well with an overall acceptability (6.60 – 8.60), texture (7.30 – 8.70) and mouth feel (6.00 – 8.30). The findings suggest that incorporating soybean and fermented rice bran into biscuit production can significantly improve nutritional value while maintaining acceptable sensory qualities.
Mango (Mangifera indica L.) production in Nigeria is severely constrained by fruit fly infestation, particularly Bactrocera dorsalis, which causes substantial yield and quality losses. This study evaluated the effectiveness of fruit-based attractants and methyl eugenol (ME) for mass trapping of mango fruit fly (B. dorsalis) in mango orchards of Kaduna State. The experiment was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six treatments and three replications. Bucket traps baited with the attractants were installed in mango orchards and trapped flies were collected weekly, identified and quantified. Data obtained from this study were subjected to the analysis of variance. Methyl eugenol consistently recorded the highest trap catches throughout the study period (5.0±1.9 to 12.2±0.9) in both locations, confirming its high efficiency as a lure for B. dorsalis. Among the fruit-based attractants, mango bait produced the highest (4.8±1.9 to 12.8±1.2) captures, followed by orange (6.0±1.4 to 6.5±0.7) and pineapple (5.0±0.3 to 5.8±1.1), while banana (4.0±1.5 to 4.3±0.9) and water (1.2±0.4 to 1.5±0.4) recorded the lowest catches. Although fruit-based attractants were less effective than ME, they attracted fruit flies and showed moderate trapping potential, ranging from 4.0±1.5 to 12.8±1.2 catches. Unlike the fruit attractants used, Trap catches across the weeks did not differ consistently between locations, indicating similar fruit fly population dynamics in the two areas. The study demonstrates that ME is the most effective attractant for mass trapping of B. dorsalisin mango orchards. However, locally available fruit-based attractants, particularly mango, orange and pineapple, can complement ME in integrated fruit fly management programs.
Chronic periodontitis is an inflammatory condition that persists with high levels of oxidative stress and uncontrolled inflammatory reactions, which lead to the destruction of periodontal tissue and changes in systemic biomarkers. This study aimed to investigate the association between chronic periodontitis and each of the oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers. The present study was designed as an observational comparative case- control study conducted between 20 April and 30 December 2025 and included 100 participants: 50 patients (Cases) with clinically confirmed chronic periodontitis and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers were measured and compared between the two groups to evaluate their associations with chronic periodontitis. Periodontal status was assessed using probing depth, clinical attachment loss, and bleeding on probing. Venous blood samples were collected for serum analysis of oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, GPx) and inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, TNF-α, IL-6) using spectrophotometric methods and ELISA. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to minimize confounding factors. Periodontitis patients showed significantly higher oxidative stress, evidenced by elevated MDA (5.6 µmol/L) and reduced antioxidant enzymes SOD (1.82 U/mL and GPx (42.5 U/L). Inflammatory biomarkers (CRP (6.8 2.1 mg/L), TNF-α (18.6 mg/L), and IL-6 (14.9 mg/L) were markedly increased, indicating systemic inflammation. Clinically, probing depth (5.4 ± 1.2 %) and bleeding on probing (78.2 ± 11.3 %) were significantly worse in periodontitis, reflecting active periodontal destruction and heightened inflammatory burden. In conclusion, chronic periodontitis is associated with elevated oxidative stress and systemic inflammation due to persistent bacterial stimulation that enhances ROS production and cytokine release.
Dogs offer good sentinel surveillance for human disease infections, such as Toxocara canis infection. The involvement of domestic dogs as hosts of T. canis had been observed, subsequently resulting in higher health concerns due to the closeness between domestic dogs and their owners. This study assessed the prevalence of T. canis and its molecular identification in domestic dogs in Ado Ekiti, Local Government Areas (LGA) Ekiti State. Fifty (50) fecal samples were randomly taken from domestic dogs and were examined using Sheather’s sugar flotation technique. Samples that were positive were pooled together for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing. Overall, a T. canis prevalence of 46.0% was detected, which was further validated by utilising Nem18S to amplify an internal portion of the 18S gene. This is the first study that adopted the use of molecular technique to characterize T. canis in domestic dogs in Ekiti State. This study underscores the role of domestic dogs in environmental contamination and the need for domestic dog owners to maintain good hygiene. There is a need to use a One Health approach in establishing successful control programmes for T. canis and other dog-borne infections in the state.
The study investigated Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection among women of reproductive age in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional epidemiological survey design was adopted, recruiting 382 women (230 pregnant and 152 non-pregnant). Participants provided high vaginal swabs and blood samples for TV and HIV testing respectively, alongside demographic information obtained via structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS version 23.0. Overall, 21 (5.5%) women were HIV positive, 48 (12.6%) were positive for TV, and 11 (2.9%) were positive for both. HIV prevalence was highest in the 21–30 years age group (7.0%), while TV prevalence was highest among women under 20 years (19.7%). Prevalence of HIV and TV coinfection was 2.9% across the communities studied. Both infections were more prevalent in urban communities (8.6%) than rural communities (2.0%). Coinfection was highest among women with primary education (6.4%). HIV prevalence differed significantly by religious group (p = 0.035), and TV prevalence was significantly associated with marital status (p = 0.010). Differences by trimester and gravidity were not significant (p > 0.05). The study recommends intensified sexual health education and improved socioeconomic conditions to reduce HIV and TV burden among women of reproductive age in the study area.
Barbershops inherently pose significant public health risks through the use of sharp instruments and direct skin contact. This study assessed the knowledge of disease transmission among barbers, evaluated disinfection practices, and determined the level of fungal contamination of barbing tools in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study employing stratified random sampling was conducted among 30 professional barbers across three strata of Awka metropolis. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to assess awareness and hygiene practices, while 120 swab samples were collected from clippers, combs, brushes and scissors before and after disinfection for mycological analysis using standard mycological procedures. Results showed that although 53.3% of barbers were aware that diseases could be transmitted through barbering tools, only 23.3% disinfected tools after each customer. Hygiene practices were inconsistent; while 46.7% barbers disinfect clippers before and after use, 53.3% cleaned accessories only once daily. All sampled tools (100%) were contaminated with fungi before disinfection while 42.5% remained contaminated after disinfection, despite the use of petrol, methylated spirit, heat, and combined heat-chemical method. The reduction in contamination after disinfection was statistically significant (McNemar's test, p < 0.001). Aspergillus niger (44.0%) was the predominant isolate, followed by Penicillium spp. (23.9%) and Candida albicans (19.3%). Brushes exhibited the highest post-disinfection contamination rate (60.0%), while clippers showed the lowest (30.0%). Highest number of fungal isolates (42.5%) was recorded within Ifite stratum, while Amaenyi stratum was least at 26.6%. No significant association was observed between fungal species and tool type (p = 0.802), nor between prevalence across study strata (p = 0.907). The study concludes that despite moderate awareness, a critical knowledge-practice gap exists among barbers in Awka, and highlights the persistence of fungal contamination despite routine disinfection practices.
Over the years, humans have relied on traditional medicine to meet their health needs. In the past, researches into medicinal plants led to the isolation of compounds: quinine and artemisinin, still used in modern medicine for malaria treatment. This study therefore investigated the phytochemical constituents of eight medicinal plants (Nauclea latifolia, Dialium guineense, Alstonia boonei, Newbouldia laevis, Dennettia tripetala, Picralima nitida, Combretum molle, and Crateva adansonii) still used in malaria treatment in Nigeria. The phytochemical constituents were determined using qualitative analysis through standard colour-based and precipitation assays, while quantitative contents were determined using gravimetric methods, colorimetric assays and solvent-partitioning techniques as required. Preliminary screening of the plants showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenolics and saponins in all the extracts. Dennettia tripetala and Picralima nitida contained all the phytochemicals screened. The quantitative analysis revealed the highest concentration of flavonoids (20.0±0.00 mg/g) in Crativa adansonii, though there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the mean values for Crativa adansonii, Dennettia tripetalia, Picralima nitida and Combretum mole. The highest concentrations of alkaloids (212.0±1.62 mg/g) and tannins (88.20±0.90 mg/g) were found in Combretum molle. Picralima nitida gave the highest concentration of saponins (32.50±0.33 mg/g) while the phenolic content (35.40±0.20 mg/g) was highest in Dialium guineense. These results justify the therapeutic action of these plants in traditional medicine for the treatment of malaria and suggest their potential as antimalarial agents which could be isolated for the chemotherapy of human malaria.
Essential oils from Cymbopogon citratus are volatile plant-derived extracts that are widely used in alternative medicine. They are rich in bioactive compounds and possess notable antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, making them effective against microorganisms, including those resistant to antibiotics. Traditional studies have demonstrated their efficacy against bacteria and fungi, which supports their use in treating conditions such as fever, digestive disorders, and toothaches. This study therefore investigated the antibacterial impacts of C. citratus (DC.) essential oil on antibiotic resistant bacteria from wound samples. Bacterial isolates were obtained from wound samples that were having water discharge with whitish coloration (infected wounds). These samples were collected at the University of Medical Science Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo using standard procedures. The essential oils were extracted using steam distillation, and their bioactive constituents were analyzed using a Varian Gas Chromatography (GC–MS) system coupled with a Mass Spectrometer (MS) 3000 fitted with an Agilent MS capillary column. Subsequently, the antibacterial activity of the extracts was evaluated using agar well diffusion method. GC–MS analysis identified ten bioactive compounds in the essential oil, among which 1-(P-bromophenyl)-4-nitro-1,3-butadiene is recognized for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. This compound showed antibacterial efficacy against antibiotic-resistant strains, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. The mean inhibition zone diameter recorded ranged from 13.03±0.04mm to 22.09±0.31mm. The findings indicated that wounds may harbor bacteria resistant to antibiotics, and essential oils derived from Cymbopogon citratus demonstrated effectiveness against these resistant bacterial strains.
This study investigated the comparative effects of different combinations of cassava peel and poultry manure as bio-enhancers on the growth of Capsicum chinense. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The treatments comprising: T₁ (control), T₂ (cassava peel), T₃ (poultry manure), T₄ (50% cassava peel + 50% poultry manure), T₅ (75% cassava peel + 25% poultry manure), and T₆ (25% cassava peel + 75% poultry manure), were assessed for their influence on plant morphological at 2 and 4 weeks after planting (WAP), alongside soil nutrient parameters. The morphological trait result revealed that at 4 weeks, the highest plant height was recorded in T₃ (9.3 ± 0.5 cm) and T₄ (8.0 ± 0.01 cm), while T₂ showed the lowest values (1.340±0.75; 2.36±0.5) for 2weeks and 4 weeks. Leaf was highest at T₂ (22.36 ± 0.25) and T₃ (19 ± 0.5), whereas the control produced significantly fewer leaves (6.0±0.007). Stem girth increased substantially in T₃ (9.4 ± 0.1 mm) and T₆ (9.0 ± 0.001 mm), outperforming the control (7.0 ± 0.065 mm). Similarly, leaf area was maximized in T₄ (56.06 ± 1.03 cm²) and T₆ (49.0 ± 0.09 cm²), compared with the control (28 ± 0.5 cm²). A strong positive correlation was observed between nitrogen and phosphorus (r = 0.785, p = 0.064) and between potassium and sodium (r = 0.907, p = 0.0125), indicating complementary nutrient interactions in the soil. Multivariate analyses supported these results. Cluster analysis grouped T₄, T₆, and T₃ (4 WAP) as morphologically similar and superior, while PCA separated T₃, T₄, and T₅ from the control, confirming treatment differentiation. The findings suggest that the synergistic use of cassava peel and poultry manure can improve soil fertility and promote vigorous growth of Capsicum chinense, providing a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative.
Antibiotics resistant organisms involved in wound infection play an important role in delaying wound healing. This study aimed to determine antibiotics resistant patterns of bacteria from patients with wound infections in Alex Ekwueme University Teaching Hospital, Abakiliki. One hundred and two wound swabs collected from 95 patients between December, 2024 and February, 2025 were cultured on MacConkey agar, Blood agar, Nutrient agar and Mannitol salt Agar and isolates identified. Demographic data were obtained using structured questionnaires. Susceptibility of isolates to antibiotics was determined by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Seventy six (74.51%) of the wound swabs yielded positive growth with 93 bacteria isolates: 30 (32.3%) Klebsiella spp., 10 (10.7%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 10 (10.7%) Proteus mirabilis, 5 (5.4%) Escherichia coli, 36 (38.7%) Staphylococcus aureus and 2 (2.2%) Streptococcus spp (p < 0.05). Fifty nine (77.63%) specimens recorded single microbial infections while seventeen (22.37%) had poly-microbial infections constituted with two species (p < 0.05). Infection was more prevalent among 31-40 years age group (74.2%), males (68.4%), widows (100%) and the retired (70%). No significant association was recorded with any of the variables. High resistance by all the gram-negative organisms was observed with Erythromycin (60 – 93.3%), Cefixime (60 – 90%), Gentamycin (50 – 93.3%) and Imipenem (50 – 60%); and by all the gram-positive organisms with Gentamycin (50 – 63.9%), Cefixime (50 – 83.3%), Cefotaxime (50 – 77.8%) and Levofloxacin (50%). This study shows the need for urgent targeted antimicrobial resistant intervention in Southeast, Nigeria.
