Background Ficus sycomorus has been explored for its bioactivities against various microbial agents. However, most published literature on Ficus sycomorus stem bark has not been able to go beyond crude extraction and characterizations. This study addresses this gap by fractionating and characterizing the crude extract and comparing the activities of the crude extract and the fraction.Objective This study investigated the phytochemical composition, chemical profiling, and antimicrobial potential of Ficus sycomorus stem bark extract and its fractions.Methods The stem bark of Ficus sycomorus was collected, dried, pulverized, Soxhlet extracted using methanol, fractionated using column and thin layer chromatography, and tested against MDR Shigella sp. GC-MS was conducted on the crude extract and a fraction.Results Qualitative phytochemical screening and GC-MS analysis revealed arrays of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, various fatty acids (such as lauric, stearic, and tridecanoic acids), azole and pyridine derivatives, organosilicon compounds, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Anthraquinones not detectable in the crude extract were present in the bioactive fraction. Nine major compounds, including amiphenazole, dodecanoic acid (ethyl ester), pyridine 3,5-diethoxy-1-oxide, octadecanoic acid, tridecanoic acid, oleoyl-L-alpha-lysophosphatidic acid, benzo[h]quinoline 2,4-dimethyl, and ethyl[(4-methyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydro-2-pyrimidinyl) sulfanyl] acetate in the crude extract and five (5) compounds, including dodecanoic acid (lauric acid) ethyl ester, exadecenoic acid (ethyl palmitate), organosilicon (trimethyl[4-(2-methyl-4-oxo-2-pentyl) phenoxy] silane), and naphthalene derivatives in the active fraction, were identified using GC-MS. Their antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Shigella species was tested. The pooled fractions (F1-F4) exhibited superior activities with lower MIC and MBC (25/50, 25/100, 50/100, 50/100 mg/mL) values compared to the crude extract (50/200 mg/mL).Conclusion Despite such limitations as quantitation of phytochemicals, limited data and reliance on GC-MS, these findings underscore the promise of Ficus sycomorus, especially its fraction as a potential candidate for novel antimicrobial development against Shigellosis and add to arsenal of phytocompounds for alternative therapeutics.

Background Ficus sycomorus has been explored for its bioactivities against various microbial agents. However, most published literature on Ficus sycomorus stem bark has not been able to go beyond crude extraction and characterizations. This study addresses this gap by fractionating and characterizing the crude extract and comparing the activities of the crude extract and the fraction. Objective This study investigated the phytochemical composition, chemical profiling, and antimicrobial potential of Ficus sycomorus stem bark extract and its fractions. Methods The stem bark of Ficus sycomorus was collected, dried, pulverized, Soxhlet extracted using methanol, fractionated using column and thin layer chromatography, and tested against MDR Shigella sp. GC-MS was conducted on the crude extract and a fraction. Results Qualitative phytochemical screening and GC-MS analysis revealed arrays of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, various fatty acids (such as lauric, stearic, and tridecanoic acids), azole and pyridine derivatives, organosilicon compounds, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Anthraquinones not detectable in the crude extract were present in the bioactive fraction. Nine major compounds, including amiphenazole, dodecanoic acid (ethyl ester), pyridine 3,5-diethoxy-1-oxide, octadecanoic acid, tridecanoic acid, oleoyl-L-α-lysophosphatidic acid, benzo[h]quinoline 2,4-dimethyl, and ethyl[(4-methyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydro-2-pyrimidinyl) sulfanyl] acetate in the crude extract and five (5) compounds, including dodecanoic acid (lauric acid) ethyl ester, exadecenoic acid (ethyl palmitate), organosilicon (trimethyl[4-(2-methyl-4-oxo-2-pentyl) phenoxy] silane), and naphthalene derivatives in the active fraction, were identified using GC-MS. Their antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Shigella species was tested. The pooled fractions (F1-F4) exhibited superior activities with lower MIC and MBC (25/50, 25/100, 50/100, 50/100 mg/mL) values compared to the crude extract (50/200 mg/mL). Conclusion Despite such limitations as quantitation of phytochemicals, limited data and reliance on GC-MS, these findings underscore the promise of Ficus sycomorus, especially its fraction as a potential candidate for novel antimicrobial development against Shigellosis and add to arsenal of phytocompounds for alternative therapeutics.

Objectives of the research: The objectives of this research were to investigate the occurrence of Cytomegalovirus, determine the prevalence rate and in relation to certain demographic and risk factors, clinical variables, and outcomes among an antenatal cohort of women in the Bauchi metropolis, Nigeria. Patients and methods: Ethical approval was obtained from the relevant ethical committees for blood sample collection. Approximately 3 ml of blood was obtained from 300 women using separate 5 ml syringes and Ethylenediamintetraacetic acid (EDTA)-coated bottles. The human ABO blood group and Rhesus factor for each subject were determined using blood group antisera while their plasma screened for CMV IgM by enzyme-linked Imunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The CMV IgM was detected in 118 subjects, for a prevalence of 39.33 %. This was greater among subjects aged 21-30 years (24 %), of secondary education (17 %), business (18.33 %), and without awareness (38.66 %). Additionally, of blood group, O+ (18 %), genotype AA (34 %), gravidity of two or more (29.33 %), and parity of two or more (29.33 %). Moreover, women without a history of blood transfusion (35.66 %) or surgery (39.56 %), with a history of CS (45.16 %), and two sexual partners (40 %) were more positive for the virus. Similarly, onetime miscarriages (40.62 %) and a history of late childhood (80 %) were positive. The diabetic patient (100 %) and women without knowledge of their health status (40.53 %) had the highest prevalence of clinical history. Conclusions: This study detected CMV with a prevalence of 39.33 % among the antenatal population within the Bauchi metropolis. This is considered high and of public health concern.

Nigeria’s high age-standardized AMR related mortality rate could lead to a 5-7% loss in GDP by 2050. This highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts to develop effective tools to tackle the growing threat of AMR and address the rapid adaptation of Shigella spp. to changing environments. This study aims to isolate and characterize Shigella species, determine their resistance profile and phylogeny as an essential guide to informing effective treatment measures in northeast Nigeria. Diarrhoeagenic stools samples were collected and cultured on selective media. Colonic phenotypic identification was done using classical microbiology, biochemical testing and molecular methods. The generated partial sequences aligned and phylogenetic tree constructed. Out of 324 diarrhoeagenic samples collected, 30 (9%) Shigella species confirmed include Shigella boydii (13), Shigella flexneri (15) and Shigella Sonnei (2). The high resistance was against Cefuroxime (100%), Ampicillin (80%), Amoxicillin-Clavulanic Acid (78%) while high susceptibility observed were against Amikacin (93%), Chloramphenicol (90%) and Azithromycin (85%). All five MDR phenotypes, one of which showed XDR potential and high MAR indices (0.2-0.9) including Shigella boydii and Shigella flexneri showed 16S rRNA amplicon around 720bp with sequences clustered within reference strains from China, Iran and U.S.A. Shigella strains in this study favours Amikacin, Chloramphenicol and Azithromycin as possible empirical treatment option and call for compulsory AST before shigellosis treatment due high MAR indices for the MDR Shigella species and XDR Shigella flexneri high risk. The guidelines recommend molecular diagnostics, genotypic high-risk strains tracking to help clinicians tailor therapy and limit outbreaks of MDR Shigella spp. There is need for coordinated national strategy to drive intentional collaboration with research institutions to meet the targets for AMR research in Nigeria. These findings underscore the urgent need for WGS-enhanced surveillance and regional antibiotic stewardship for better genomic information.

RESEARCH PURPOSE:The purpose of this research was to detect Cytomegalovirus (CMV) virulence genes and identify their strains among a cohort of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics within Bauchi metropolis, Nigeria. The absence of CMV control measures in antenatal care in the study area and many communities around the globe, as well as the unavailability of vaccines, pose a significant threat to maternal and fetal health. MATERIALS AND METHODS:The study was cross-sectional and retrospective among a cohort of pregnant women receiving antenatal care in primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare facilities within Bauchi Metropolis, Nigeria. Plasma samples from 118 women who were positive for CMV IgM from ELISA were used for molecular analysis via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The DNA of each sample was extracted via the Qiagen Extraction Protocol (DNeasy Blood and Tissue Kit, Quick Start protocol, 2016) and used for amplification of 6 target genes, namely, UL 55, UL73, UL74, UL75, UL100, and UL115 respectively. RESULTS:Three genes, UL55, which codes for gB(27); UL115, which codes for gL(15); and UL73, which codes for gN(10), were detected among 52 women. The gB strain had the highest occurrence among the women, whereas the gN strain had the lowest. CONCLUSION:The CMV gB, gL, and gN strains are endemic to the Bauchi metropolis. The gB strain with the highest occurrence rate was likely more infectious than the other strains were, whereas the gL strain confirmed previous reports linking it with a common strain during pregnancy. Therefore, the gB and gL strains are likely threats to maternal and fetal health.

Aim of the Study: The aim of this study is to determine biomarker and genetic variation among hepatitis B virus positive patients in Bauchi metropolis, Nigeria. Study Design: This is a cross-sectional and laboratory-based study. Place and Duration of the Study: The study involved patients attending two tertiary hospitals and one primary health care centre in Bauchi metropolis, from January 2024 to July 2024. Methodology: A total of 200 samples were collected via vein from random participants, structured questionnaire and consent forms were issued to each participant for signing and data collection. The sample were screened for Hepatitis B surface antigen using one step rapid diagnostic test, the positive samples were further investigated for other hepatitis B virus biomarkers using Hepatitis B combo cassette.DNA of the positive samples were extracted and amplified using nested multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the product was run on Gel electrophoresis and the DNA bands were visualized using Gel documentation system. Results: The overall prevalence rate of Hepatitis B virus infection according to this study was 9% (18), the rate is higher in males 55.6% (10) than females 44.4%(08) within the age range 21-30 (33.3%), followed by 27.2% and 5.6% for 41-50 and 51-60 years ranges. The risk factors analysis showed those that have infected family members have the highest prevalence 42.3% (11) followed by those that have the history of barbing tools sharing 38.4(10) and lowest was observed among vaccinated participants (3.8%). Among the other biomarkers detected, HBcAb has the highest rate 72.3% (13) of occurrence followed by 66.7% (12), 55% (10) and 5.5% (01) for HBeAb, HBsAb and HBeAg respectively. Genotype A frequency of appearance was the highest among the genotypes detected with prevalence rate 38.5%(05) followed by 30.8% (04) for both genotype E and B, while genotype C and D were not detected in this study. Mixed and Mono infections account for 50% (04) and 37.5% (03) respectively. The combinations of the mixed infection were ABE (25%), BE (12.5%), and AE (12.5%). Statistically, the biomarkers, genotypes and risk factors have no significant difference within their parameters. Conclusion: The overall prevalence portrayed in this research was 9% mostly among male participants within the age range 21-30, the infection is less common among vaccinated participants.

Background: The prevalence of bacterial infections in children is increasing by the day, this gives a cause for concern regarding the high rate of bloodstream infection (BSI) and associated mortality in developing countries. Physical signs and symptoms may be useful but have limited specificity which would be addressed with bacteriologic blood culture. This study was aimed at determining the etiologic agents of bacteremia and the prevalence in pediatric patients aged 0-5years. Methods: Two hundred and sixty- two (262) blood samples were analyzed from children aged 0-5years, attending hospitals within Bauchi metropolis with features suggestive of septicemia. Samples were collected under aseptic conditions and automated blood culture was done on BacT/ALERT 3D Biomerieux, Germany. Positive blood culture was sub-cultured on blood agar and MacConkey agar and identified on Vitek2 (bioMѐrieux, France) automated system after gram staining. Changes in pathogen distribution according to age and gender were determined by the chi-square test and statistical significance confirmed if a two-tailed p-value was not more than 0.01. Results: Bacteria was isolated in 119 (45.4) of samples with highest rate among neonates 54(45.3). Staphylococcus aureus 21 (17.6) was the most predominant organism isolated across all age groups with a higher occurrence in patients<1year old. A chi-square test of independence for culture positivity and age/gender at p<.01 was not significant Conclusion: In this study both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria are implicated in pediatric bloodstream infections. Staphylococcus aureus was the most predominant organism followed by members of the Enterobacterales (Enterobacter spp, Klebsiella spp and Escherichia coli).

Background: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a common pathogenic inflammatory, distressing and occasionally life-threatening condition that affects people of all ages and genders, with difficulty in treatment due to the high rate of antibiotic resistance. Escherichia coli is the primary cause of UTIs in humans both in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Diabetic patients are more prone to urinary tract infection due to their immunocompromised system and hyperglycemia level compared to non- diabetic patients. Antibiotics are becoming less and less effective, therefore there is an urgent need to curtail this problem in order to have good administration of antibiotics to patients for effective treatment. Aim: To determine the multidrug resistance profile of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) isolated from diabetic patients in some hospitals of Bauchi metropolis, Nigeria Methods: A total of 288 study participants were enrolled in the study, (194 diabetic and 94 non- diabetic patients). Clean catch mid-stream urine samples were collected from all the participants in sterile containers. Each urine sample was streaked onto CLED (cysteine lactose electrolyte deficient) agar, incubated at 370C for 24hours and the isolates were identified using standard methods. Data obtained were analyzed statistically. Results: A total of 64 UPEC were isolated from diabetic patients and 35 UPEC was isolated from non-diabetic patients. The age group of 31-40 had high frequency of occurrence in both the study participants, 18(28.1) in DM and 9(25.7) in NDM patients. While age group of 10-20 had 5(7.8) in DM and 2(5.7) in NDM patients and ≥ 71 years 2(3.1) in DM and 1(2.9) in NDM patients had the least. There was no significant difference between age group and the number of isolates as p> 0.05. Highest frequency of UPEC was found within the female 36(56.3) in DM and 20(57.1) in NDM patients than their male counterparts 28(43.8) in DM and 1(2.9). Type2 patients have high frequency of isolates compared to the Type 1 patients in Both the study participants. In the present study, 52 UPEC isolates from diabetic patients and 27 UPEC isolates from non-diabetic patients were resistant to 1 drug in 3 or more antimicrobial agents classes (multidrug resistance). The highest resistance was observed against ampicillin and piperacillin-tazobactams, while the least resistance was in imipenem. Conclusion: The study established that UPEC infection was more prevalent in diabetic than non-diabetic patients, and also more prevalent in the middle age group, female gender and Type2 diabetic patients. A high rate of multidrug resistance was observed in both the study participants, and this signals a tremendous problem in prescription of antibiotics to patients. The emergence of multi resistant strains of UPEC has added to the need for urgent development of more control measures and policies on the use of antibiotics.

Background: Raoultella species, are gram-negative bacteria of Enterobacteriaceae family, originally classified under Klebsiella, were reclassified in 2001 as a distinct genus. Members have emerged as notable pathogens, mostly in hospitalized and immunocompromised patients. Though once considered opportunistic, Raoultella spp. are now linked to various infections, including bacteremia, urinary tract infections, and neonatal sepsis, with antibiotic-resistant strains posing significant challenges in clinical settings. The true prevalence of Raoultella infections may be underreported due to diagnostic challenges, making early identification crucial for improved management in high-risk populations, particularly pediatrics. Raoultella species, emerging pathogens are increasingly linked to pediatric and neonatal infections in clinical settings. Aim: isolation and accurate identification of Raoultella species from pediatric clinical samples to address challenges in identification and genetic characterization. Study Design: This is a prospective, cross-sectional study involving pediatrics aged 0-5 years. Place and Duration of Study: Pioneering study in Bauchi, North-East Nigeria, from August 2021 to January 2022. Methodology: Samples from 262 pediatric patients with septicemia symptoms were processed at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH). The VITEK 2 Compact system was used for initial identification, while PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene confirmed Raoultella species. The genomic DNA of identified isolates underwent sequence and bioinformatics analysis. Results: The phylogenetic tree constructed using the 16S rRNA sequences of the isolates and reference strains visually represent the genetic relationships. The high homology observed in the sequence alignment is reflected in the phylogenetic clustering, with isolates RoP_2 (PQ213811), RoP_3 (PQ213812), and RoP_4 (PQ213813) grouping closely with known Raoultella planticola strains. This close genetic relationship further supports the species identification suggested by the gel electrophoresis and homology data. However, RoP_1 (PQ213810), identified as Proteus mirabilis through BLAST analysis of its 16S rRNA sequence, shows slightly lower homology with Raoultella planticola reference strains. In the phylogenetic tree, RoP_1 is positioned slightly apart from the other isolates, indicating some genetic variability. This discrepancy suggests that while RoP_1 shares characteristics with Raoultella, the distinct genetic makeup warrants further investigation to confirm its identification as R. planticola or otherwise. Conclusion: The phylogenetic analysis supports the identification of isolates RoP_2, RoP_3, and RoP_4 as Raoultella planticola, showing close genetic relationships. However, RoP_1 exhibits genetic variability, clustering separately and aligning more closely with Proteus mirabilis, suggesting the need for further investigation to confirm its species identification.

Diabetic wounds are significantly more susceptible to wound infection by bacteria as well as external contamination than non-diabetic wounds. This study characterized and determined the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of commonly encountered bacteria from wound infection in diabetic patients attending Specialist Hospital, Bauchi, involving 120 diabetic and 120 non-diabetic patients from February to May, 2023. Socio demographic data was collected using structured questionnaire, and sterile swab stick was used in sample collection the subjects and immediately processed for characterization of bacterial isolates according to the standard district microbiological laboratory techniques while Kirby Bauer disk diffusion technique was adopted for susceptibility testing of the isolates. Among diabetic and non-diabetic cases, majority of patients were in the age group 51-60 and the least were in the age group 11-20. The predominant organism isolated was Staphylococcus aureus (41.7%) in both diabetic and non-diabetic wounds. In diabetic wounds, the predominant Gramnegative bacteria were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20.8%) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.5%) and Escherichia coli (3.3%) and in non-diabetic wounds, the predominant organism was K. pneumoniae (21.7%) followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.5%) and E. coli (13.3%). A total of five (5) antibiotics from Gram negative and five (5) from Gram positive disks, which represent the most commonly prescribed antibiotics for treatment of wound infections in the study area, were used in the study. In this study Levofloxacin (71.25%), Chloramphenicol (81.25%) and Gentamicin (69.6%) were effective for S. aureus from all patients, Erythromycin (52.65%) has intermediate effect. From the other hand, Gentamicin (73.7%), Streptomycin (72.4%) and Ampicillin (80.7%) were effective for P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae and E. coli. Treatment of wound infections has to be made based on the culture and susceptibility test results for the choice of appropriate antibiotics with maximum efficacy.

Background: Typhoid fever is one of the most common infectious diseases in developing countries including Nigeria. Globally, typhoid fever is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in many regions of the world. People most at risk for serious complications due to Salmonella infections include older adults, pregnant women, infants, children, and people who have compromised immune systems. Design and Duration: The study involves the collection of blood and stool specimens across all ages and gender between ages 0-70 years who present with fever and diarrhoea among other symptoms of typhoid in selected hospitals within Bauchi from January 2019 to August 2020. Aim: The aim of this research is to phenotypically characterize virulence factors in Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella typhi serovars isolated from clinical specimens in selected hospitals within Bauchi. Materials and Methods: A total of 518 blood and stool specimens were collected from selected health facilities within Bauchi metropolis to determine the presence of Salmonellae pathogens. Phenotypic identification of Salmonella typhi was performed using standard microbiological procedures, virulence factors were investigated and the Kirby Bauer Disk Diffusion method was used for the determination of the antimicrobial susceptibility and Multidrug Resistant pattern of the isolates. Results and Discussion: Highest number of specimens collected was among patients with fever. Age groups 31-40 and 0-10 had the highest frequencies of occurrence respectively while age group 61-70 had the least. There was no significant difference between the age group and the number of isolates as p>0. 05. Highest frequency of S. typhi was found within the Female gender while Males recorded the lowest. The stool had the highest number of positive samples 31(21.6%) and blood had the least 17(4. 5%). Flagella was present in 18(37.5%) of 48 virulence isolates and was the most prevalent. Haemolysin was the least prevalent 4(8.3%) in all the isolates in our study. In the present study, 37(77.0%) of S. typhi isolates were resistant to 2 or more antimicrobial agents (Multidrug resistance). The highest resistance was observed in Oxacillin 46(95.8%). The isolates were sensitive to Ciprofloxacin 31(64.5%), Colistin Sulphate 29(60.4%), and Ceftriaxone 28(58.3%). All isolates 48(100%) were Multidrug-resistant and sensitive to Ciprofloxacin, Colistin Sulphate, Ceftriaxone, and Amikacin. Conclusion: This study established that Salmonella typhi was more prevalent in the middle age group, female out-patient with most cases of fever, diarrhoea, and sometimes both. Most of the Salmonella typhi recovered from this study were more from stool than blood. Of all of the isolates in this study 48(9.2%) produced two or more virulent factors, with flagella as the commonest across all the MDR isolates; which is indicative of a significant relationship between virulence factors and multidrug resistance. The emergence of multidrug-resistant strains of Salmonella has added to the urgent need for the development of more effective control measures.

Background: Despite control measures to curtailed salmonella fruit contamination over the years, pathogenic disease outbreaks caused by the ingestion of Salmonella contaminated fresh-cut-fruits pose a significant problem to human health by the consumption of fresh and minimally processed fruits. This study aimed to enumerate and determine the prevalence of Salmonella species isolated in ready-to-eat fruits vended in Bukuru Market Jos South, Plateau state. Methodology: A total of seventy-eight ready-to-eat vended fruit samples were purchased and cultured for the enumeration of bacterial isolates according to National Food Safety Standard for Microbiological Examination. Pulp pH value of each fruit was obtained by immersing litmus paper into the pulp and results recorded. Results: Of the 78 fruits specimen, 22 (28.2%) were Salmonella positive. The prevalence rates of salmonella isolated were found to be higher (22.7%) in both coconut and avocado followed by watermelon (18.2%) and sweetmelon (13.6%) as compared with other fruits in the study area. Lower rates of 4.5% were found in banana, pawpaw, and dates with a rise in apple with 9.1% respectively. Conclusion: The study showed a high p<0.05 (7.811) prevalence of pathogenic Salmonella species isolated in ready-to-eat fruits in the study area revealing that the spread of salmonella is not independent of fruits thereby suggestive of contamination made available by fruit vendors in this part of the world. Thus, epidemiological traceability and significant measures must be taken to check the safety of these vended products before consumption.

Background: Multi-drug resistance is on increase in clinical Salmonella typhi serovars and it is being aided by Integron that carry cassettes of resistance genes.The genetic characterization of antimicrobial resistance genes as well as their location and diversity is important in identifying factors involved in resistance, understanding the diversity of MDR strains, identifying genetic linkages among markers, understanding potential transfer mechanisms, and developing efficient detection methods Design and Duration:This study was carried out on clinical isolates of Salmonella typhi isolated from selected hospitals within Bauchi Metropolis between January 2019 and February 2020.The study involves the collection of blood and stool specimens across all ages and gender between ages 0-70 years who present with fever and diarrhoea among other symptoms of typhoid in selected hospitals within Bauchi. Aim:The aim of this research is to evaluate the molecular profile of class 1 Integron among multidrug-resistant Salmonella typhi from clinical specimens in selected health facilities within Bauchi metropolis. Materials and Methods:Biodata was obtained and Phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the isolates were determined using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method and screened for Multidrug resistance.Class 1 Integron and antibiotic resistance genes were detected using polymerase chain reaction and agarose gel electrophoresis. Results:In this study, 37(77.0%) of S. typhi isolates were resistant to 2 or more antimicrobial agents (Multidrug resistance).Highest resistance was observed in Oxacillin 46(95.8%),Imipenem 44(91.6%),Novobiocin 41(85.4%),Erythromycin 40(83.3%),and Ampicillin 39(81.2%).The isolates were sensitive to Ciprofloxacin 31(64.5%),Colistin Sulphate 29(60.4%),and Ceftriaxone 28(58.3%).All isolates 48(100%) were Multidrug-resistant and sensitive to Ciprofloxacin, Colistin Sulphate, Ceftriaxone, and Amikacin.Class 1 integron gene was present in all isolates subjected to molecular analysis.All four resistant genes Tem-1, Sul-1, Gyr-A, and Cat-1, were detected in selected Multidrug-resistant isolates for this study.Class 1 Integron genes were detected in all the six (6) isolates used for molecular study which is indicative of their high frequency in Salmonella typhi strains.The presence of Class 1 integron is highly associated with MDR profile. Conclusion:In this study, prevalence of class 1 integron among multidrug-resistant Salmonella typhi serovars was high.This shows that class 1 integron may likely be responsible for the dissemination of antibiotic resistance.Cephalosporin and fluoroquinolones remain drugs of choice in treating typhoid fever.

Background: Wound infection comprises numerous different organisms that have the ability to surface colonization of wounds. Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the pathogenic bacteria associated with wound infections. Aim: This study isolated and identified multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa from infected wounds and determine the antibacterial activity of Lawsonia inermis leaf extracts against it. Design: This is a Clinical and laboratory-based study involving patients with defined cases of wound infections. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in the Microbiology (Bacteriology) laboratory of Specialist Hospital, Bauchi, Nigeria, from February to November 2021. Methods: Twenty-eight (28) Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were recovered from 179 wound swabs using standard laboratory procedures and were screened for multidrug-resistant patterns according to the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Antibacterial efficacy of the aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic leaf extracts of Lawsonia inermis was tested against the multidrug-resistant isolates using agar well diffusion techniques. The zone of inhibition was measured and the differences between means were statistically analyzed (p<0.05). Results: A total of twenty-eight (28) multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa were confirmed, showing resistance to Amoxicillin (64.3%), Ceftazidime (85.71%), and Cefotaxime (78.57%) but sensitivity to Imipenem (95.5%). The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, steroids, and tannins among others. MDR P. aeruginosa was inhibited at varied concentrations of the extracts with the diameter mean zone of inhibition increasing as the concentration increased. The Methanol extracts showed the highest antibacterial activity against MDR P. aeruginosa with a mean zone of inhibition of 9.500±0.288mm at 400mg/ml. Conclusion: These results indicated that Lawsonia inermis leaf extracts possess antibacterial activities on Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa which could be a good source for the production of plant-based antibacterial drugs., although somewhat less than the synthetic standard drugs (Imipenem) having a mean of 13.83±0.288mm.

Background: For many years, antimicrobial chemotherapeutic approach have been challenged by drugs resistant bacteria such as Salmonella associated with gastrointestinal infections. To overcome these effects, several attempts by herbalists and traditional healers were in progress, using some plants parts to treat Typhoid fever in Nigeria. Aim: The aim of this work was to determine the antibacterial activity of Senna siamea leaves and Tamarindus indica fruit pulp against multidrug resistant Salmonella typhi. Methods: A total of 168 samples of stool and blood from patients with suspected cases of typhoid fever were collected and only three (3) Salmonella typhi isolates were recovered (from the 168 samples) by conventional microbiological techniques. The isolates were screened for multidrug resistant properties according to Kirby -Bauer disc diffusion method. Water and ethanol were used to extract phytochemical components from powdered leaves of Senna siamea and Tamarindus indica fruit pulp via percolation method. The extracts were tested for the antibacterial activity against the clinical isolates of Salmonella typhi. Results: All the isolates (100%) were resistant to Ampicillin, Amoxicillin, while two (66.7%) to Erythromycin and Tetracycline and sensitive (100%) to Streptomycin, Gentamycin, Nalidixic acid Ciprofloxacin, Cotrimoxazole, Augmentin and Chloramphenicol, The phytochemical screening o of both plants extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, carbohydrates and cardiac glycosides. The result shows that aqueous and ethanolic extracts of combined Tamarind and Senna siamea were more active (2.50µg/ml) against Salmonella typhi when compared to individual extracts. Conclusion: This study shows that aqueous and ethanol extracts of both plants exhibited activity on S. Typhi, hence, possess antimicrobial potentials that it can be used in treatment of typhoid.

Bioethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass as an alternative fuel source has received considerable attention from researchers worldwide. Bioethanol was produced from watermelon peels by fermentation in the current work, using Aspergillus niger and Saccharomyces cerevisiae co-cultures isolated from soil and local beverage ( kunun zaki ), respectively. The isolates were characterised both macroscopically and microscopically. While starch hydrolysis test was carried out for the mould isolates, thermotolerance, glucose and ethanol tolerance tests were used to identify the yeast isolates. According to standard procedures described by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), Proximate analyses were carried out on the watermelon peels. The ethanol yield was determined using the specific gravity method. Isolate BGD of the moulds had the highest (40 mm) zone of clearance on starch agar. The identified yeasts showed the best growth at a maximum of 35 °C while tolerating up to 50% wt/v and 18% v/v of glucose and ethanol, respectively. The yeasts also fermented all the different sugars tested but lactose. The proximate composition of the substrate revealed low protein (3.5%) and ash contents (7.38%) but a remarkably high carbohydrate content of 79.22%. At optimal fermentation conditions (30 °C, pH 6.0, 4% g/L substrate, 200rpm and five (5) days fermentation period), the maximum ethanol yield produced by the co-culture of Aspergillus niger and Saccharomyces cerevisiae was 57 g/L. However, only 13.5 g/L and eight g/L were produced by individual cultures of A. niger and S. cerevisae, respectively. The bioethanol produced has a specific gravity of 0.994, miscible in water with a pleasant smell. This colourless liquid boils at a temperature of 78 °C with a pH of 3.02 and ignites at room temperature. It was concluded that watermelon peels are a suitable substrate for bioethanol production and was used successfully to produce an ethanol yield of 57 g/L by co-culture of A. niger and S. cerevisiae .

Food safety is a significant concern of every sector of the food industry. Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 with biofilm-forming potential in commercial food premises is a possible danger to consumers’ health, especially in societies where most of the population depend on it for their daily meals. Preservation of fresh food quality being of utmost importance, new innovative means of inhibiting pathogenic microorganisms in foods are being evaluated to be effective at destroying microorganisms and preserving the physical and organoleptic properties. This study aimed to inhibit biofilm formation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 by food additives; sodium citrate, sodium nitrite and cinnamaldehyde. The isolate obtained was subjected to Gram’s staining and various biochemical identifications and later confirmed by the latex agglutination test. The Escherichia coli O157:H7 was further subjected to a biofilm formation potential test on Congo red media. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted to obtain the susceptibility/resistance pattern of the isolate to the food additives. The MIC, MBC and time-kill kinetics effect was determined following CLSI 2017 guideline. The highest growth inhibition zone of 31 mm was exhibited by cinnamaldehyde, followed by sodium nitrite with 26 mm and sodium citrate with 13 mm. The MIC was determined to be 2.5 mg/ml for sodium citrate, 0.25 mg/ml for sodium nitrite and 0.125 µl/ml for cinnamaldehyde. Sodium citrate was found to be bacteriostatic between 6-8 hrs with 72.9 % reduction, sodium nitrite and cinnamaldehyde exhibit both bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects between 2-24 hrs with percentage inhibition of 65-90 % and 63-100 %, respectively. This study showed that sodium citrate, sodium nitrite and cinnamaldehyde exerted strong antimicrobial properties indicating their potential as suitable preservatives.

This study was conducted to assess the microbial changes during the fermentation of Baobab (Adansoniadigitata)fruit pulp yoghurt. The Baobab fruit pulp yoghurt was prepared in the Laboratory using the conventional method. Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus were used as starter cultures while a control was produced without the starter cultures. de Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) agar was used to culture lactic acid bacteria. The microbialload, succession and percentage occurrences were determined using standard methods. The total aerobic bacterial count wasfound to be within the range of 1.9x103 - 1.4x105 cfu/ml. The Lactic acid bacteria and fungal count ranges were 4.5 x 103 - 7.5 x 103 cfu/ml and 8.0 x 101 – 2.8 x 104 cfu/ml respectively. At the end of fermentation time, there was significant difference between the test and control Baobab yoghurt at P<0.05. Lactic acid bacteria recorded the highest count of 6.2 x 104 and 7.5 x 103 cfu/ml in the test and control respectively. Bacillus species , Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus,Streptococcus thermophilus and Micrococcus species were the bacteria isolated while the fungal isolates were Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Hansenula species. Lacbacillusbulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Bacillus species and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were the only microorganisms found at the end of fermentation time. The study obtained low microbial count and isolated less number and type of microorganisms from Baobab fruit pulp yoghurt because of the antimicrobial effect of baobab pulp and pasteurization treatment.Based on the results of this study, Baobab fruit pulp yoghurt can be said to be of good microbiologicalquality for human consumption. The industrial use of Baobab fruit pulp in the production of yoghurt is recommended.