The human parasitic fluke, Schistosoma haematobium hybridizes with the livestock parasite S. bovis in the laboratory, but the frequency of hybridization in nature is unclear. Here, we analyze 34.6 million single nucleotide variants in 162 samples from 18 African countries, revealing a sharp genetic discontinuity between northern and southern S. haematobium. We find no evidence for recent hybridization. Instead the data reveal admixture events that occurred 257-879 generations ago in northern S. haematobium populations. Fifteen introgressed S. bovis genes are approaching fixation in northern S. haematobium with four genes potentially driving adaptation. Further, we identify 19 regions that are resistant to introgression; these are enriched on the sex chromosomes. These results (i) suggest strong barriers to gene flow between these species, (ii) indicate that hybridization may be less common than currently envisaged, but (iii) reveal profound genomic consequences of rare interspecific hybridization between schistosomes of medical and veterinary importance.

Escherichia coli causing urinary tract infections (UTIs) remains the most common bacterial infection diagnosed among outpatients as well as hospitalized patients. This study aimed to detect the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing E. coli habouring aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolone-resistant genes in UTI patients. A total of 372 clean-catch midstream urine samples of patients with UTI attending Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Nigeria (AE-FUTHA) was collected. The collected urine samples were processed using standard microbiology and molecular methods to isolate and identify E. coli. Detection of ESBL-producing E. coli was performed using the double-disk synergy test. The ESBL-producing E. coli were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing following the standard Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. PCR-specific primers were used to screen for the ESBL, aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolone-resistant genes. Out of the 372 urine samples collected, 84 (22.58

Background: To gain better understanding about the impact of antibiotic selection pressure on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Nigeria, it is important to conduct and review from time to time the susceptibility profile of clinically important bacteria including Escherichia coli. This study investigated the susceptibility and multidrug resistance profile of E. coli isolates from urine samples of patients who received outpatient’s medical services in Abakaliki. Methods: A total of 50 non-duplicate clinical isolates of E. coli from the microbiology laboratory section of a tertiary hospital in Abakaliki, Nigeria was recruited for this study. Susceptibility studies were determined using amoxicillin (20 µg), ceftazidime (30 µg), ciprofloxacin (5 µg), gentamicin (10 µg), nitrofurantoin (300 µg) and erythromycin acid (15 µg) by the modified Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. All susceptibility studies were carried out as per the guidelines of the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI). Multidrug resistance was evaluated by the multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI) calculation. Results: The E. coli isolates showed reduced susceptibility to gentamicin (75%), ciprofloxacin (85%), nitrofurantoin (95%), amoxicillin (100%), erythromycin (100%) and ceftazidime (95%). A total of 12 E. coli isolates were multidrug resistant to clinically important antibiotics in the classes: cephalosporins, macrolides, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, penicillins and nitrofurantoin. Conclusion: We report a high rate of antibiotic resistance of outpatients E. coli isolates which concurrently showed multidrug resistance to important antibiotic classes. These findings have clinical significance and provide a benchmark for future studies on the susceptibility pattern of clinical isolates in Nigeria. This preliminary study reiterates the need to reinvigorate antibiotic stewardship in our local hospitals so as to preserve the clinical efficacy of available antibiotics since it takes years for a new antibiotic to be developed.

Concerted efforts are needed to mitigate the development and transmission of bacterial resistance in the general environment. Metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) is a carbapenemase that allows bacteria to resist the antimicrobial onslaught of carbapenems (e.g., imipenem [IPM]). We investigated the prevalence of MBL-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa in poultry farms. Samples from poultry birds (n = 65) were studied for the isolation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute criteria. The modified Hodge test was used to phenotypically detect MBL. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to confirm MBL production in the test isolates. To confirm the presence of plasmids in the isolates, a plasmid curing experiment was conducted. High levels of reduced susceptibility to cefotaxime (77.8%), IPM (69.4%), gentamicin (63.9%), amikacin (58.3%), fosfomycin (55.5%), ciprofloxacin (66.7%), tetracycline (75%), ertapenem (55.5%), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (66.7%), and cefoxitin (52.8%) were recorded in the P. aeruginosa isolates. A total of 23 isolates of P. aeruginosa produced MBL. The presence of MBL genes in these P. aeruginosa isolates (n = 23) was confirmed by PCR, which detected blaIMP-1 (47.8%) and blaIMP-2 (26.1%). The isolates were multidrug resistant (50%) and carried plasmids, indicating horizontal transmission of resistance genes. Genes for bacterial resistance can be transmitted through mobile genetic elements. Therefore, sustainable interventions are needed to mitigate antibiotic use in poultry practices in Nigeria to curb the development of MBL-producing bacteria arising from selective (antibiotic) pressures in such an environment. These interventions can help to detect and stop infections caused by resistant bacteria before they become clinical cases in our hospitals.

ABSTRACT Background and Aim(s) This study retrospectively assessed the prevalence of TB and HIV/AIDS co-infection among patients that attended the Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) centers in Anambra State, Southeast, Nigeria, between 2013 and 2017. Methods The study adopted a descriptive and retrospective epidemiological survey design. A total of 1443 case files of patients aged 15 to 60 who were treated in DOTS centers selected from Anambra State’s 21 Local Government Areas between 2013 and 2017 were investigated. The uniform data form, a standardized instrument used in Anambra State’s health facilities for data collection, was used to collect data from case files of all those identified as co-infected with TB and HIV/AIDS. Results The mean prevalence rate of TB and HIV/AIDS co-infection in the state during the five-year period (2013–2017) was 20%. The highest annual prevalence of TB and HIV/AIDS co-infection was recorded in 2014 (23.84%). The state’s prevalence of TB and HIV/AIDS co-infection increased dramatically from 13.17% in 2013 to 23.84% in 2014, followed by a slight downward trend to 22.80% in 2015, 20.17% in 2016, and 20.03% in 2017. In terms of gender, age, marital status, and occupation, females (59.5%), those aged 15 to 25 years (30.7%), married people (43.9%), and traders/business owners (50.7%), respectively, had the highest rates of tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS co-infection during the study period. Conclusion The findings of this study show that young people, females, married people, and traders/business owners appear to be the most vulnerable groups affected by TB and HIV/AIDS co-infection, accounting for the majority of the disease burden in the state. To address the high prevalence of TB and HIV/AIDS co-infection in the Anambra State, novel intervention and control programs should be developed and implemented, and existing intervention frameworks should be strengthened.

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a public health menace that needs urgent efforts to mitigate and forestall their transmission in the general environment. Plasmid-mediated metallo beta-lactamase (MBL) gives bacteria an exceptional ability to transmit resistance genes. This study investigated plasmid-mediated resistance in MBL P. aeruginosa isolates from poultry food chain settings. Cloacal swab samples (n=120) were bacteriologically analyzed for the isolation of P. aeruginosa isolates. Susceptibility studies were performed by the CLSI guideline using selected antibiotics. MBL was phenotypically detected using modified Hodges test, and confirmed using PCR technique. Plasmid curing studies detected the presence of plasmids in the isolates. P. aeruginosa isolates (n=48) showed high levels of reduced susceptibility to cefoxitin (93.8%), imipenem (81.3%), gentamicin (85.4%), amikacin (85.4%), nitrofurantoin (83.3%), ofloxacin (72.9%) and cefotaxime (77.1%). MBL was phenotypically detected in 7 (14%) isolates of P. aeruginosa. The presence of blaIMP-1 and blaIMP-2 MBL genes in P. aeruginosa (n=5) isolates was confirmed by PCR. The PCR did not detect blaVIM-1 and blaVIM-2 MBL genes. The P. aeruginosa isolates were multidrug resistant, with about 50% of the isolates showing multidrug resistance (MDR) to the antibiotics. The genes for MDR in the P. aeruginosa isolates were borne on plasmids, indicating a high possibility of community transmission of MBL resistance genes. Finally, the P. aeruginosa isolates from poultry food chain milieus are multidrug resistant, produce MBL, and harbour their resistance genes on plasmids. Since many antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria are associated with mobile genetic elements (MGEs) like plasmids, it is important to step up actions to mitigate incessant use of antibiotics in poultry and other agricultural practices in Nigeria in order to diminish the evolution and spread of plasmid-mediated resistance which is capable of initiating community acquired infections that may prove difficult to treat in our hospitals with the available antibiotics.

Background and Objective: Colistin is a last-line antibacterial agent used in clinical medicine.In this study, the dissemination of bacteria harbouring mcr-1 colistin resistance genes in a hospital setting was investigated.Materials and Methods: A total of 500 clinical samples from urine, wound, High Vaginal Swab (HVS), sputum and stool were bacteriologically investigated for the isolation and identification of Gram-negative bacteria including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using standard microbiology techniques.The isolated bacteria were further screened for colistin resistance phenotypes and the detection of the colistin resistance gene, mcr-1 gene using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique.Results: Colistin resistance was phenotypically detected in E. coli isolates from urine (8.2%), wound (4.8%), HVS (4.6%), stool (2.6%), sputum (1%), K. pneumoniae from urine (2.8%), HVS (3.6%), stool (2.2%), sputum (3.8%), and P. aeruginosa from urine (2%), wound (3.8%), stool (1%), sputum (1.6%).Among the colistin-resistant isolates of E. coli, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa, only 1 (0.6%) E. coli isolate and 2 (3.2) isolates of P. aeruginosa harboured the mcr-1 gene.None of the colistin-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates was confirmed by PCR to carry the mcr-1 gene that mediates bacterial resistance to colistin.Conclusion: The growing prevalence of colistin resistance in bacteria warrants urgent steps to preserve the therapeutic efficacy of this antibacterial agent.This study points to the likely spreading of bacteria harbouring the mcr-1 gene in hospitals.The resistance of bacterial pathogens to colistin and other antibacterial agents could jeopardize antibiotic therapy if left unchecked.

Background and Objective: Early and routine detection of HPV which is responsible for most cervical cancers in women infected with HIV could not only improve their prognosis but can help in reducing the mortality and morbidity associated with such populations.The HPV infections are caused by a variety of HPV types including HPV-16.This study investigated the prevalence of HPV-16 in HIV-infected women in Abakaliki, Nigeria.Materials and Methods: Whole blood samples (aliquots of 10 mL) were aseptically collected from HIV-positive women (n = 100) who attended a tertiary hospital in Abakaliki, Nigeria for antiretroviral therapy and counselling.Also, 60 HIV-negative women were included as a control group.All samples were investigated by ELISA and PCR for the detection of HPV-16.Results: A high prevalence of HPV antibodies (HPV IgG) in the HIV-1 positive women was reported.It was observed that there was a significant association of HPV-16 infection with age and sexual activity among the HIV-1 infected women.The prevalence of high risk HPV-16 (8.8%) in the patientʼs blood samples was reported in HIV-positive women.Conclusion: Given the prevalence of HPV-16 and HPV antibodies reported in this study, it could be concluded that HIV-1 infection could increase the susceptibility of women to HPV-16 infection, particularly among those already living with the immunodeficiency disease (HIV-1).

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms fail to respond to the therapeutic onslaught of antibiotics.Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and AmpC enzymes are important AMR mechanisms that erode the efficacy of important antibiotics.Here, we report on the detection and susceptibility of ESBL-and AmpC-producing bacteria from livestock and poultry environments.Bacteriological and molecular biology tools were used for the isolation and characterization of bacteria.Combined disk diffusion methods and PCR were used to screen and confirm ESBL and AmpC production.ESBL was phenotypically detected in E. coli, Klebsiella species, and P. aeruginosa for samples from poultry at the rate of 4%, 1%, and 2% while samples from livestock milieus had ESBL-positive bacteria at the rate of 5%, 2%, 4% for E. coli, Klebsiella species and P. aeruginosa respectively.AmpC was phenotypically detected in E. coli (3%), Klebsiella species (2%), and P. aeruginosa isolates (1%) for samples from poultry milieus.For samples from livestock milieus, AmpC was phenotypically detected in E. coli (7%), Klebsiella species (3%), and P. aeruginosa (6%).The ESBL-and AmpC-positive bacteria showed significant levels of reduced susceptibility to the carbapenems and cephalosporins.PCR detected CTX-M-15 genes (20%) and FOX-1 genes (25%) which mediated ESBL and AmpC resistance in bacteria.These findings have led to the identification of key functional genes that cause bacterial resistance in southeast Nigeria, and focus attention on the importance of surveillance and monitoring to mitigate the transmission of AMR in the environment, as antibiotic therapy could be affected.

•This study applied CLSI guidelines to evaluate antibiotic resistance by bacteria.•Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from water treatment plant.•SAS analysis revealed a significant statistical difference across units in the plant.•MARI values were beyond expected limits across the different units of the plant.•Bacteria plasmid contributed to multiple antibiotic resistance of the test isolates.

Background and Objectives: This study investigated the incidence and antibiotic susceptibility profile of extended spec- trum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing uropathogenic Escherichia coli recovered from HIV/AIDS patients in Awka metropolis, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 363 urine samples were bacteriologically analyzed for the isolation of E. coli isolates which were further characterized using standard microbiology techniques. The isolated uropathogenic E. coli was tested for susceptibility to a range of clinically important antibiotics using the modified disk diffusion technique. All E. coli isolates were phenotypically screened for ESBL production using the combined disk technique, and strains which were positive were further confirmed for the presence of ESBL genes using PCR technique. Results: A total 160 (44.1%) non-duplicate isolates were bacteriologically confirmed to be uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC). The E. coli isolates showed reduced susceptibility to important antibiotics including ceftazidime (76.88%), cefuroxime (77.5%), cefixime (61.88%), amoxicillin-clavulanic (32.5%) and ciprofloxacin (34.38%). Twenty-seven of the UPEC iso- lates were phenotypically confirmed to be ESBL producers. PCR test confirmed some important genes mediating ESBL production in Gram negative bacteria including bla TEM (5.0%) and bla CTX-M-15 (6.9%) genes. Conclusion: We report a high prevalence of ESBL producers among HIV/AIDS patients in Awka, Nigeria. This result is important as antibiotic resistance (ABR) particularly those mediated by multidrug resistant bacteria as reported in this current study could complicate treatment outcome, worsen the individual’s health, and even increase cost of treatment and hospital- ization. It is therefore important to lookout for ESBL positive UPEC amongst HIV/AIDS patients in Nigeria.

Extremophilic fungi have received considerable attention recently as new promising sources of biologically active compounds with potential pharmaceutical applications. This study investigated the secondary metabolites of a marine-derived Penicillium ochrochloron isolated from underwater sea sand collected from the North Sea in St. Peter-Ording, Germany. Standard techniques were used for fungal isolation, taxonomic identification, fermentation, extraction, and isolation of fungal secondary metabolites. Chromatographic separation and spectroscopic analyses of the fungal secondary metabolites yielded eight compounds: talumarin A (1), aspergillumarin A (2), andrastin A (3), clavatol (4), 3-acetylphenol (5), methyl 2,5-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-oxo-3-phenyl-2-furanpropanoate (6), emodin (7) and 2-chloroemodin (8). After co-cultivation with Bacillus subtilis, the fungus was induced to express (-)-striatisporolide A (9). Compound 1 was evaluated for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, Mycobacterium smegmatis, and M. tuberculosis, as well as cytotoxicity against THP-1 cells. The compound, however, was not cytotoxic to THP-1 cells and had no antibacterial activity against the microorganisms tested. The compounds isolated from P. ochrochloron in this study are well-known compounds with a wide range of beneficial biological properties that can be explored for pharmaceutical, agricultural, or industrial applications. This study highlights the bioprospecting potential of marine fungi and confirms co-cultivation as a useful strategy for the discovery of new natural products.

Schistosomiasis control efforts in Nigeria received a boost in 2016 when Merck Group made the largest single donation of praziquantel to an African country. We examined urine samples from 2,023 school age children from 15 locations in 10 states and an Internally Displaced Person's (IDP) camp in Nigeria. We recorded an overall Schistosoma haematobium prevalence of 10.4% in the 10 states that ranged between 6 - 37%, while prevalence in the IDP camp was 2.9%. The highest infection prevalence (37%) recorded was from the population in Wasai Dam area in Minjibir (Kano State), while five locations had no positive urine samples. We observed heavy intensity of infection (≥ 50 eggs/10 ml urine) in 87.9% of infected samples and co-occurrence of the eggs of S. haematobium and S. mansoni in urine for two participants. The overall prevalence we recorded is slightly above the national average (9.5%) reported in 2015. Our findings indicate that despite the ongoing administration of praziquantel in Nigeria, urogenital schistosomiasis is still prevalent with heavy intensity of infection. Large-scale epidemiological monitoring is required to monitor the efficacy of schistosomiasis control in Nigeria.

Background Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) including Escherichia coli , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Klebsiella pneumoniae represent the most relevant reservoir of resistance genes such as metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) and AmpC genes that give them the undue advantage to resist antimicrobial onslaught. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of MBL ( bla IMP-1 , bla IMP-2 , bla VIM-1 , bla VIM-2 ) and AmpC ( bla FOX , bla DHA , bla CMY , bla ACC ) resistance genes in aforementioned GNB collected from abattoir and poultry sources in Nigeria. Results In total, 370 isolates were collected from abattoir tables ( n = 130), anal region of cows ( n = 120), and the cloacae of poultry birds ( n = 120). The test isolates showed high rate of resistance to cephalosporins and carbapenems. The MBLs were phenotypically detected in 22 E. coli , 22 P. aeruginosa , and 18 K. pneumoniae isolates using combined disc test (CDT). However, only 11 E. coli , 24 P. aeruginosa , and 18 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were phenotypically confirmed to be AmpC producers using cefoxitin-cloxacillin double disk synergy test (CC-DDST). MBL encoding genes (particularly the bla IMP-1 genes and bla IMP-2 genes) were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 12 (54.6%) E. coli , 15 (83.3%) K. pneumoniae , and 16 (72.7%) P. aeruginosa isolates. AmpC genes (particularly the bla CMY genes and bla FOX genes) were found in a total of 5 (29.4%) E. coli isolates, 5 (27.8%) isolates of K. pneumoniae , and 10 (41.7%) isolates of P. aeruginosa . Conclusions Our study showed the circulation of MBL and AmpC genes in GNB from abattoir and poultry origin in Nigeria. Adoption of regular control policies is necessary to reduce the spread of these species as soon as possible, especially in poultry and slaughterhouses.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is now considered a sexually transmitted disease with particular types being highly oncogenic in nature. High-risk HPV virus infection is a cause of nearly all cases of cervical cancer amongst women. This study determined the seroprevalence of HPV type-16 and type-18 among HIV positive. Blood samples were processed using ELISA test kit and PCR technique. ELISA detected HPV antibodies in 1036(4.4%) of the samples out of which 14(13.6%) and 19(18.4%) were positive for HPV type-18 and type 18 using PCR. People in the age group 51-60 years had an HPV prevalence of 41(77.41%) while those with secondary education had a prevalence of 51(81.0%). Those who did not state the number of sexual partners they had was 92(76.7%). High levels of HPV antibodies were also found among civil servants (n = 52, 50.5%), traders (n = 29, 76.3%) and widows (n = 49, 72.1%). HPV infection was highest among individuals between 41-50 years with HPV type-16 being 9(34.6%) while HPV type-18 was 11(42.3%). HPV infection (type-16) was also recorded in rural dwellers (n = 11, 14.7%) and traders (n = 7, 24.1%). However, type -18 HPV infection among rural dwellers and traders was 22.7% (n = 17) and 37.9% n = 11) respectively. HPV type-16 (n = 11, 12%) and HPV type-18 (n = 16, 17.4%) was also recorded for those that did not state the number of sexual partners they had. Our results show the presence of HPV type-16 and type18 infection among the HIV-1 positive individuals. The results show that HPV is a co-infection in HIV-1 positive individuals. We conclude that some of the major risk factors associated with HPV infection among HIV-1 positive individuals are age and occupational status. There is need to include HPV screening as one of the vital tests during HIV-1 screening since early detection of HPV helps in reducing female mortality due to cervical cancer.

: This study was conducted to investigate the bacteriological safety levels of food handlers in Wudil Local Government Area (LGA) of Kano State, Nigeria. A total of 200 hand-swab samples were collected from different male [100 (50%)] and female [100 (50%)] food handlers/peddlers in the study area. From these samples, 200 non-duplicate bacterial isolates consisting of strains of Salmonella typhi [60 (30%)], Salmonella choleraesuis [52 (26%)], Proteus mirabilis [10 (5%)], Morganella morganii [10 (5%)], Pseudomonas aeruginosa [10 (5%)], Escherichia coli [18 (9%)] and Staphylococcus aureus [40 (20%)] were isolated. A significant proportion (33.3%) of the food handlers sampled was children within the age range of 8-12 years. In addition, only 33.5% of the food handlers had basic level of primary education and a majority (96.5%) of the food handlers displayed poor levels of personal hygiene, especially with regards to safe food handling. S. typhi , S. cholaeresius and S. aureus were found to be the common bacterial species that colonized the hands of food handlers/peddlers in Wudil LGA, Kano State. This highlights a lack of food safety and the resulting risk of spreading foodborne diseases in the area. In addition, low literacy levels and lack of safe food handling practices contribute to the prevalence of these pathogens among the food handlers. It is important for food handlers to obtain training on safe food practices, undergo periodic health checks and practice proper hand hygiene.

In Nigeria, several investigations have been done about the prevalence of the AmpC enzyme in clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacteria; however, little information is available on the occurrence rate of this important enzyme in abattoir specimens that play a major role in the environmental pollution in Nigeria. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of FOX AmpC-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from abattoir samples by both phenotypic method and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In this study, 360 abattoir samples were analyzed for the isolation of P. aeruginosa strains. Antibiogram was carried out using the disk diffusion technique. The production of AmpC enzymes was phenotypically screened and confirmed using the cefoxitin--cloxacillin double-disk synergy test (CC-DDST). Finally, gene responsible for FOX AmpC enzyme production was investigated using PCR. A total of 147 (40.8%) isolates of P. aeruginosa was recovered from the abattoir samples. Ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin with 45.6 and 19% of susceptibility rates were the most and the less effective antibiotics, respectively. A total of 24 (16.3%) P. aeruginosa isolates were confirmed to phenotypically produce AmpC enzyme. However, the PCR result showed that only three (12.5%) of P. aeruginosa isolates harbored the FOX AmpC gene suggesting the attendance of other AmpC resistance genes. This study reported the first occurrence of P. aeruginosa isolates harboring the FOX AmpC gene in abattoir samples from south-eastern Nigeria. This incident requires the adoption of new policies and measures to prevent the further spread of strains carrying the AmpC gene.

Background: The carbapenems are often the last line of treatment for a variety of bacterial infections including those caused by multidrug resistant organisms. Metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) are carbapenemases produced by Gram negative bacteria which mediate the resistance to the carbapenems such as imipenem. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae from abattoir samples that harboured bla(IMP-1) and bla(VIM-1) MBL genes by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique.Materials and methods: A total of 120 anal swabs of cow from a local abattoir of Ebonyi state, Nigeria were bacteriologically analyzed for the isolation of Klebsiella pneumoniae. MBL production was detected using the modified Hodges test while antimicrobial susceptibility was performed by the disk diffusion technique. The prevalence of bla(IMP-1) and bla(VIM-1) genes was confirmed using multiplex PCR technique.Results: A total of 59 isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae were recovered from the anal swab samples. These isolates were highly resistant to cefotaxime (91.5%). The isolates also showed reduced susceptibility to the carbapenems including ertapenem (62.7%), meropenem (66.1%) and imipenem (78%). MBL was phenotypically detected in a total of 11 (18.6%) isolates that were carbapenem-resistant. The bla(IMP-1) gene was detected in 9 (15.3%) isolates of Klebsiella pneumonia by multiplex PCR. Meanwhile, the bla(VIM-1) gene was not detected in any isolates.Conclusion: These notable findings have an important implication for the dissemination of bla(IMP-1) gene amongst Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates since these bacteria are highly prevalent in food-producing animals and could be zoonotically transmitted to humans through the food chain.

Background: Poultry production is a key interface for the spread of novel zoonotic and antibiotic-resistant foodborne pathogens. Salmonella spp. and S. aureus isolates from 2 poultry production were tested for resistance to clinical antibiotics. Methods: One hundred 100 anal swab samples were aseptically collected from 2 small scale poultry farms located within Agulu, during the period of February 2016 to May 2016. The swab sticks were carefully transferred into the buffered peptone water and incubated at 37°C for 24hours and pre-enriched in sterile nutrient broth at 37°C for 24hours. After which, the culture was streaked on selective media Salmonella-shigella Agar and Mannitol Salt Agar using a sterile wire loop and further incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. S. aureus and Salmonella isolates were identified using standard microbiological identification techniques. The isolates were evaluated for antibiotic susceptibility, and for the expression of extended spectrum β-lactamase as well as vancomycin sensitivity. Results: One hundred bacterial isolates (44 S. aureus and 56 Salmonella spp.) were bacteriologically obtained from the poultry samples. Resistance pattern of the isolates to antibiotics was in the order of ceftazidime>cefuroxime>cloxacillin>augmentin®>ceftriaxone>erythromycin>gentamicin>ofloxacin for S. aureus while the Salmonella spp. had augmentin®>cefuroxime~ofloxacin>gentamicin>ceftazidime>ceftriaxone. Only 5.3% (3/56) Salmonella spp. was ESBL producers while 27.3% S. aureus were Vancomycin resistant. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that the poultry farm and poultry products could be a source of multiple antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella and S. aureus and may constitute a public health concern considering the circulation and consumption of livestock and their products, especially chickens and eggs.

Endophytic fungi associated with Nigerian plants have recently generated significant interest in drug discovery programmes due to their immense potential to contribute to the discovery of new bioactive compounds. This study was carried out to investigate the secondary metabolites of endophytic Colletotrichum gloeosporioidesisolated from leaves of Carica papaya. The plants were collected from Agulu, Anambra State, Nigeria. Endophytic fungal isolation; identification by DNA amplification and sequencing of the fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region; fungal fermentation; and extraction of secondary metabolites were carried out using standard methods. The crude extract was tested for antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. Also, the extract was subjected to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis to identify its constituents. In the bioassay, C. gloeosporioidesextract only exhibited antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae. The extract showed moderate antioxidant activity in the 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay with an inhibition of 28.2% at a concentration of 500 µg/mL. At a concentration of 100 µg/mL, the fungal extract showed moderate cytotoxic activity against cisplatin-sensitive ovarian cancer cell line 2780 (sens) and cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cell line 2780 (CisR) with growth inhibitions of 35.42 and 15.7% respectively. HPLC analysis of the extract revealed the presence of 3 bioactive compounds Aureonitol, protocathechuic acid, and Glucobrassicin in the crude extract of C. gloeosporioides. The findings of this study revealed the potentials possessed by C. papaya as source of entophytes that express biological active compounds. These endophytes hold key of possibilities to the discovery of novel molecules for pharmaceutical, agricultural and applications.