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.

This study investigated the microbial dynamics, diversity, and succession patterns of yoghurt enriched with baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruit pulp during a 15-hour fermentation period. Baobab pulp was incorporated at 10% (w/v) into pasteurized milk, and fermentation was carried out at 45°C. Microbial analyses included serial dilution, cultural characterization, biochemical tests, and molecular identification using 16S and 18S rRNA sequencing. Results showed a progressive and significant (p < 0.05) increase in microbial populations over time. Total bacterial counts rose from 1.2 × 10² CFU/mL at 0 hours to 6.00 × 10⁵ CFU/mL at 15 hours, while Lactobacillus populations increased from 0 to 5.62 × 10⁵ CFU/mL. Fungal counts also increased significantly from 0 to 1.32 × 10⁴ CFU/mL across the fermentation period. The predominant beneficial bacteria identified were Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Leuconostoc sp., confirming active lactic acid fermentation. Fungal isolates included Aspergillus niger, Mucor sp., Botrytis cinerea, and Penicillium maximae. The detection of Staphylococcus aureus suggests possible contamination, emphasizing the need for strict hygiene during processing. Overall, the findings demonstrate that baobab-enriched yoghurt supports robust fermentative microbial activity and contains diverse microbial communities, while highlighting the importance of aseptic production conditions to ensure product safety and quality.

Malaria remains a serious public health concern in many nations, including Nigeria. The present study is a hospital based cross-sectional study and was aimed at determining the prevalence of malaria among patients in selected health centres in Otukpo, Benue State. Two hundred (200) samples were examined. Three millilitres (3mL) of venous blood was collected aseptically from each respondent and dispensed into an EDTA bottle. smears of the blood were made on grease-free clean slides and stained subsequently. The smears were examined under the microscope using X40 and X100 objective lenses for morphological features of Plasmodium spp. Statistical analysis was done using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 26. Person’s chi-square was used to determine association between variables at 95% confidence level. A p value less than or equal to 0.05 (p≤0.05) was considered to be indicative of a statistically significant relationship. Findings of the present study revealed a prevalence of 76.5% (n=153, N=200) for malaria parasites in the studied area. The prevalence of malaria parasite revealed a statistically significant difference with respect to location; St. Veronica’s clinic had the highest isolation rate (91.2%, n=31, p<0.05). The prevalence of malaria parasite (77.5%, n=69; p>0.05) showed female preponderance over male subjects. Patients >59 years (old adults) had the highest prevalence of malaria (100%, n=2; p>0.05). There is no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of malaria parasite with respect to gender and age. The high prevalence of malaria parasite in the study calls for concern.

Bacteria make expolysaccharides (EPS) in two basic forms; as firmly attached capsular-EPS and loosely attached slime-EPS. Hence, the objective of this paper was to investigate the optimization of exopolysaccharide (EPS) production by bacteria strains isolated from brewery wastewater sludge collected from a Brewery Company in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria using random mutagenesis. Bacterial isolates from brewery wastewater sludge samples were screened for EPS production using standard microbiological method. Six (6) best EPS-producing bacterial isolates were selected, identified molecularly as Bacillus altitudinis, Bacillus velezensis, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Heyndrickxia oleronia, and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, and used for optimization of EPS production after exposure to UV-irradiation and ethidium bromide (EtBr). In all the isolates, UV-irradiation caused the production of significantly (P<0.05) higher EPS yield than EtBr. However, both treatments induced the formation of mutant strains with higher EPS yields than the wild strains. The quantity of EPS produced varied among the mutant strains and ranged from 0.46±0.02 g/100ml in EtBr-mutant strain EPBS.6 to 0.86±0.01 g/100ml in UV-mutant strain EPBS.1, indicating 15.1% to 26.5% yield increase compared to the wild strains with EPS yields of 0.40±0.02 g/100ml to 0.68±0.01 g/100ml. Previous studies have reported Bacillus altitudinis, Bacillus velezensis, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus as EPS-producers, but little or no known report was on ground regarding EPS producing capacity of Heyndrickxia oleronia, sufficing that it might be a novel EPS-producing bacteria strain. Based on these results, we therefore conclude that the bacteria strains obtained have the potential to produce EPS and the production can be improved through random mutagenesis with UV-irradiation and EtBr. We recommend brewery wastewater sludge as a rich source of novel EPS-producing bacteria and suggest further study on the mechanism of mutagenesis on EPS production by bacteria.

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 of the Study: Degradation of wastes especially fruit waste is important because these wastes accumulate in the environment. The fruit wastes can be used to biosynthesize pectinase enzyme at a cheaper rate due its numerous industrial applications. The ability of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to degrade these wastes to produce pectinase enzyme was exploited. Aim: The aim of this study is to isolate and characterize Saccharomyces cerevisiae and study the optimal conditions needed for pectinase production on the orange peel with maize cobs and study the effectiveness of the enzymes produced in the extraction of orange juice. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Microbiology Laboratory of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria, between August to September 2021. Methodology: Soil samples from the orange seller stand was collected, serial dilution method was used to reduce the solution to a more usable concentration, and the samples were streaked on Yeast Peptone Dextrose Agar (YPDA). The plates were incubated for 3 to 9 days at 28+- oC. The isolated yeast was identified based on the morphological and biochemical test, the isolates were inoculated on the prepared fermentation media under different optimal conditions. The crude enzyme were extracted, and the extracts were tested for pectinase activity using the dinitrosalicylic reagent (DNS) method for the presence of reducing sugar. The resulting pectinase was determined to effectively extract juice from orange mash. Results: Saccharomyces cerevisiae showed relatively pectinase hydrolysis using orange peels and maize cobs as substrate by solid-state fermentation under predetermined optimum fermentation conditions. Optimization for the pectinase production was done by altering the conditions for the production medium. Pectinase activity of (2.81 + 2.31 ug/ml) was observed at 72hr of incubation at 35oC. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that orange peel and maize cob can be successfully used to induce the production of pectinase using Saccharomyces cerevisiae under solid-state fermentation.

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.

Aim: The study was aimed at determining the mycoflora and aflatoxin producing fungi in some storage cereals sold at Darki market, Wudil Local Government Area, Kano State. Nigeria. Study Design: A total of thirty samples (ten samples containing 250g each of maize, millet and wheat) were obtained from storage facilities of traders in different location of Darki, market. Place and Duration of Study: Storage facilities of Darki market, Wudil, Kano State, between May 2021 and July 2021. Methodology: Samples were subjected to serial dilution, enumeration of fungal load using pour plate method, inoculation and isolation of fungi using direct plating method, extraction and detection of aflatoxin using thin layer chromatography and molecular analysis using PCR. Result: Total fungal (mold) count on Potato Dextrose Agar recorded the highest count of 6.5103 in wheat sample 4 (WH4) while the least count of 2.2102 was recorded in wheat sample 6 (WH6). The fungal isolates obtained from this study were Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium spp, Mucor spp, and Rhizopus spp. The percentage of occurrence of fungi isolated from the cereal samples was highest in Aspergillus niger (34.43%) and the least (11.48%) was recorded in Mucor spp. Extraction and detection methods revealed a blue fluorescence on the TLC plates indicating the presence of aflatoxin B in the samples. The standard calculated range of Retention factor value was between 0.58 and 0.75. After DNA extraction, the fragment size obtained by PCR reactions with primer pairs ITS1/ITS4 showed 600bp for most of the isolates. All the Aspergillus spp, Fusarium spp. and Rhizopus spp showed positivity for the molecular markers ITS1/ITS4 by having positive bands. Only Mucor spp showed negative results for ITS1/ITS4 primers and showed no band. Conclusion: This study shows that most of the cereals were contaminated with either one or more molds but within the satisfactory and marginal limits. However, aflatoxin contamination is a threatening issue Hence aflatoxins contamination of crops at harvest conditions should be controlled to some extent by the implementation of good agricultural practices and good storage practices.

Background: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a common pathogenic inflammatory, distressing, and occasionally life-threatening condition that affects people of all ages and gender, mostly propelled by the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Cloves are used as spices in food and flavouring agent in drinks it is also used traditionally as a treatment for urinary infections. Aim: This study was carried out to evaluate the antimicrobial potentials of Clove extracts on multidrug-resistant (MDR) Uropathogenic bacteria. Design: This is a Clinical and laboratory-based study of patient with cases of UTI Place and Duration of study: This study was conducted in the Microbiology laboratory of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, Nigeria, from January to December, 2021. Methodology: Two hundred and fourty five (245) clean catch midstream urine samples were collected from patients with suspected cases of urinary tract infection attending GOPD ATBU TH. Bacteria were isolated using standard techniques and antibiotic resistant pattern was tested by Kirby Bauer Disk Diffusion method. Bioactive components of clove was extracted using diethyl ether, ethanolic and water as solvents. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts was also carried out. Results: Out of the samples analysed, 168 (68.6%) showed significant bacteriuria. UTI was more prevalent in women within the active age group 21-30. The isolates resistant to seven and above commonly used antibiotics are selected from each specie to test for efficacy. The extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, sterols and Triterpenes. In vitro antimicrobial activity of diethyl ether, ethanolic and aqueous extract of cloves at different concentration of: 200mg/ml, 100mg/ml, 50mg/ml, 25mg/ml, 12.5mg/ml and 6.25mg/ml were tested against multidrug resistant isolates. S. aureus and Klebsiella spp are the most sensitive to all clove extracts while E. coli and P. aeruginosa are less sensitive. All Three extracts showed a broad spectrum of activities at higher concentrations (200mg/ml) while no or less activity at the lower concentration of the extracts. Diethyl ether extract exerts higher activity than ethanolic and aqueous extract as revealed by the mean diameter of zone of inhibitions, MIC and, MBC values. The MIC values of the extracts were lower than their MBC values suggesting that the extracts inhibited the growth of MDR isolates while being bactericidal at higher concentrations. Conclusion: Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli are among the commonest uropathogens clinically encountered in this area and most of the species are resistant to commonly administered antibiotics. Clove extracts had great antimicrobial potential against these bacteria, therefore it can be used in the treatment of UTIs. However, it is necessary to determine its toxicity, pharmacokinetic properties and side effects.

Background of Study: Rumen microorganisms are involved in the fermentation of substrates contained in the diet of the animals. Research on the isolation and identification of cellulase enzyme-producing bacteria is still widespread. Biodegradation by cellulolytic bacteria found in rumen can be used as a source of cellulolytic bacteria which will function to degrade fibrous feed material so as to increase quality of nutrition and digestibility of ingredients at a cheaper price than the use of commercial cellulase production. Aim: To isolate and characterize bacteria from animals’ rumen for their ability to hydrolyze cellulose. Place and Duration of Study: Conducted at the Microbiology Laboratory of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Bauchi state, Nigeria, between April to July, 2021. Methods: Rumen of cows and goats was sliced and randomly swabbed with a swab stick. They were then inoculated on Nutrient and MacConkey agar media. The plates were then incubated aerobically and anaerobically for 24 hours at 37oC. The resulting colonies that developed after the incubation period was purified and maintained on agar slants for further characterization. Pure isolates were then sub-cultured on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) plates and then incubated aerobically and anaerobically for seven days to test their ability to hydrolyze cellulose which was indicated by the appearance of clear zones around the colonies of the organisms. Secreted cellulase by the bacteria was further observed by colouring of the medium using Congo-red 0.3%. Results: A total of 95 bacterial species isolated and characterized from rumen of cow and goat to test their ability to hydrolyze cellulose out of which 52 hydrolyzed celluloses after growing them on cellulose as seen by zone of clearance around the isolates. The isolates include Bacillus subtilis (28.8%), Bacillus licheniformis (27.0%), Yersinia enterocolitica (9.6%), Micrococcus sp. (5.8%), Salmonella sp. (11.5%), Pseudomonas sp. (3.8%) and Streptococcus sp. (13.5%). Conclusion: This study demonstrates the potentiality of local strains of bacteria isolated from ruminants to hydrolyze cellulose. Proofs based on zone of clearance in cellulose led to the conclusion that the rumen of ruminants contains various microorganisms that can breakdown cellulose.

Background of Study: Plant waste such as rice husk and groundnut shell are generated in large amounts, these waste presents a tremendous pollution to the environment. Worldwide, these wastes are often simply dumped into landfills and oceans or used as animal feeds. The recovery of food processing wastes as renewable energy sources represents a sustainable option for the substitution of fossil energy in order to minimize environmental damages and to meet energy demands of the growing population. Aim: To produce bioethanol from rice husk and groundnut shell using local strains of Zymomonas mobilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Place and Duration of Study: Conducted at the Microbiology Laboratory of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Bauchi state, Nigeria, between April to June, 2021. Methods: Groundnut shell and Rice husk were collected from local milling center. The wastes were powdered, sieved and used as carbon source. Proximate composition of the subsrate was done and the total carbohydrate was determined by difference. The sum of the percentage moisture, ash, crude lipid, crude protein and crude fibre was subtracted from 100. Zymomonas mobilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were isolated from rotten sweet oranges and locally fermented beverage (‘kunun-zaki’) respectively by growing them on Malt Yeast Peptone Glucose Agar (MYPGA) after which they were further screened for their ability to tolerate ethanol and they serve as organisms for fermentation. The enzyme α- amylase was used for hydrolysis. The fermented substrates were distilled at 78oC and the distillate was collected as bioethanol in a conical flask. UV-VIS spectrophotometer was used to determine the absorbance of each concentration (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8cm3) of reducing sugar content of the hydrolysates and the bioethanol produced by developing a standard curve at a wavelength of 491nm and 588nm respectively. The concentration of reducing sugar and bioethanol was determined using a reference line from the Standard curve. Results: Proximate analysis done shows that rice husk have 70.09% carbohydrates while groundnut shell has 65.09% carbohydrates. Groundnut shell yielded the highest reducing sugar of 5.096%. Rice husk yielded the lowest quantity of reducing sugar with a total yield of 2.962%. Maximum concentration of bioethanol of 0.971% was produced from the combination of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Zymomonas mobilis from groundnut shell. The lowest concentration of 0.121% of bioethanol was produced when Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used on rice husk hydrolysates. The synergistic relationship of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Zymomonas mobilis yielded the maximum bioethanol when compared with the yield obtained when the organisms were used singly. Zymomonas mobilis produced highest bioethanol content when the organisms are used single. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the potentiality of local strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Zymomonas mobilis isolated from rotten sweet orange and locally fermented beverage (‘kunun-zaki’) to produce bioethanol by fermenting the rice husk and groundnut shell hydrolysates.

Photorhabdus bacteria are symbiotically associated with the infective juveniles of entomopathogenic nematodes of the genus Heterorhabditis. These bacteria after infecting a susceptible host, produces a host of lethal toxins that killthe insect hosts within 24 to 72 hours. Consequently they have emerged and are trending as excellent biological control agents against insect pests of agricultural crops. Therefore, this study aim to isolate, identify and test the pathogenicity of Photorhabdus bacteria isolated from Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, entomopathogenic nematode from Kashere, Gombe State, Nigeria. To this end phenotypic and biochemical tests were conducted. The tests conducted showed that the isolate exhibited characteristics similar to those of Photorhabdus bacteria that have been identified. Last instar larvae of G. mellonella exposed to different concentrations of the bacterial isolate showed some level of susceptibility of the larvae to the bacterial isolate confirming its biological control potential.

Accurate identification of bacterial pathogens from clinical specimens and Multidrug Resistant (MDR) characterization is a key to empirical therapy. Twelve (12) bacteria isolates from blood, urine and faecal samples were selected based on the ability to grow on Luria Bertani (LB) agar medium containing 100μg/ml ampicillin, identified by 16S rDNA PCR and sequencing. Identified isolates tagged; U01, U02, U03, U04, S08, U10 and U11 were from urine specimens, S05, S06, S07 and S12 from stool, while B09 was from blood. The isolates were screened for MDR pattern according to Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Conventional biochemical tests revealed that all the isolates are Escherichia coli. The 16S gene sequencing results confirmed that, ten (10) isolates had high similar sequence alignment with identified E. coli strains, while two are Enterobacter cloacae and P. aeruginosa. The antimicrobial susceptibility pattern shows that, most of the isolates (83.3%) were MDR. All the 12 isolates (100%) are resistant to Ampicillin, Cephalothin, Erythromycin, Fusidic acid, Novobiocin and Oxacillin, but sensitive to Colistin sulphate and Imipenem. Eleven isolates (91.7%) are resistant to Chloramphenicol, Cotrimoxazole, Streptomycin, Sulphatriad and Tetracycline. Eight of the 12 isolates (66.7%) are resistant to Ciprofloxacin and Ceftriaxone. Seven (58.3%) are resistant to Cefotaxime, Cefuroxime and Gentamycin. Nine (75%) are sensitive and three isolates (25%) are resistant to Augmentin. The high resistance to these antibacterial agents in this study was due to the indiscriminate use of first-line common antibiotics like ampicillin in the study area, which is now substituted with Augmentin. Routine biochemical identification tests should always be confirmed with genotypic methods such as 16S gene sequencing, to avoid misdiagnosis, as variations do exist among some bacterial strains. Keywords: Multidrug resistance, sequencing, 16S rDNA, E. coli, Enterobacter cloacae, P. aeruginosa.

Background of Study: Many virulence determinants contribute to the pathogenicity of Gram negative bacteria, like Escherichia coli, which is the most common cause of many infections worldwide such as urinary tract infection (UTI), profuse diarrhoea and septicaemia. Aim: To determine the genotypic characteristics of adhesin-producing E. coli isolates from clinical specimens. Place and Duration of Study: Conducted at the Infectious diseases hospital Bayara, Bauchi state, Nigeria, between February to March, 2019. Methods: A total of twelve (12) Gram negative bacterial isolates were selected based on the ability to grow on Luria-Bertani (LB) agar medium containing 100 µg/ml ampicillin. The isolates were from urine, stool, and blood specimens. The isolates were screened for multidrug resistant pattern according to Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Adhesion factors, Fimbrial adhesin (fimH) and Invasive plasmid adhesin (ipaH) was genotyped by conventional PCR and sequenced. Results: All the isolates were resistant to Ampicillin, Cephalothin, Erythromycin, Fusidic acid, Novobiocin and Oxacillin, but sensitive to Augmentin, Colistin sulphate and Imipenem. Presence of fimH and ipaH genes were observed in nine isolates that expressed strong relationship with. Multidrug resistance (MDR). The fimH was the most prevalent found in urine, stool and blood isolates. Most of the adhesion genes sequence (61.8%) in this study had significant alignment (95 to 100% homology) with E.coli genome in the NCBI database. Conclusion: This study revealed the role of adhesin as virulence markers in MDR Gram negative bacteria and FimH is one of the commonest gene in MDR E.coli pathotypes.

This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of aqueous and methanol extracts of Cymbopogan citratus, Psidium guajava and Anacadium occidentale on clinical isolates of typhoidal and non typhoidal Salmonella. The typhoidal Salmonella isolates where S. typhi and S. paratyphi A, while non typhoidal was S. typhimurium. Well diffusion method was used. The plant extracts were tested individually and in combinations for synergistic activity. Both methanol and aqueous extracts had significant (p<0.05) in vitro activity. Anacadium occidentale was more active followed by Psidium guajava and the least active was Cymbopogan citratus with higher activity when plants extracts were combined for synergism. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of extracts on the salmonella isolates ranged from 50 mg/ml to 200 mg/ml and the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration ranged from 25 mg/ml to 200 mg/ml. From the findings, it proved that plants possess some potentials as antibiotics and can be further studied to isolate the compound that is most active and formulated as drug against the disease.

Background: Rotavirus remains one of the main causative agents of gastroenteritis in young children. This happens, especially in countries (e.g., Nigeria) that have not yet introduced the vaccine into the national immunization program. A significant prevalence of Rotavirus infection both in children and adults without major symptoms has earlier been reported. This study aimed at defining the prevalence of asymptomatic Rotavirus infection from apparently healthy children in Maiduguri, Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria. Methods: A total of 269 stool samples were randomly collected from apparently healthy children <15 years of age from July 2017 to June 2018. All samples were screened using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit for the presence of Rotavirus antigen. The Rotavirus-positive samples were further subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) to determine their RNA electropherotypes. Results: A total of 59 stool samples (19.9%) were Rotavirus positive with peaks observed in the cold dry season, among male children, and 6-10 years of age group. A total of 50 randomly selected Rotavirus-positive samples were subjected to PAGE, and none of the samples showed either long or short profiles. Conclusion: This study shows that Rotavirus can be shed into environments without any signs and symptoms. In view of this, the Rotavirus vaccine should be considered a priority and be introduced in the existing national immunization program in Nigeria, particularly in Borno State.

The emergence of extended-spectrum-β-lactamases (ESBLs)-producing Escherichia coli represents a serious clinical concern in healthcare. β-lactamases produced by these strains of E. coli render ineffective cephalosporins and other β-lactam antibiotics used to treat infections caused by Gram–negative bacteria. We determined the presence of ESBL in 400 clinical isolates of E. coli isolated from various clinical specimens (urine, stool, blood, sputum, throat and wound swabs) from 216 female and 184 male patients with mean age of 28.1 ± 16.8 years (age range: 2 – 71 years), who were attending 6 selected health facilities in Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria. Antibiotic susceptibility test was carried out on the isolates using Kirby Bauer diffusion method. Presence of ESBLs was determined by the double disc synergy test (DDST). Specific primers were employed to characterize the ESBL gene using PCR. The isolates showed high level of resistance to all the antibiotics tested except mipenem. Highest resistance was to penicillin 392(98.0%) followed by ceftriaxone 385(96.3%). Out of the 400 isolates, 64 (16.0%) tested positive for ESBLs by DDST method, while PCR technique confirmed 47(11.8%) to harbour bla TEM genes. Isolates from blood specimens harboured highest percentage of ESBL genes 5(26.3%) and also plasmid-mediated bla TEM genes 5(26.3%), followed by wound swabs 9(17.3). The least percentage of plasmid-mediated bla TEM genes was carried by isolates from sputum specimens 1(8.3). Age group 45 to 58 years harboured the highest percentage of bla TEM genes 15(14.6%), while female patients, 27(12.5%) carried more bla TEM resistance genes than the male patients 20(10.9%). A prevalence of 11.8% (n=47) of bla TEM resistance gene has been reported for the present study. In view of multidrug resistant ESBL-producing Escherichia coli bacteria circulating in the study location, prescription of antibiotics, especially cephalosporins should be based on laboratory results of antibiotic susceptibility tests that are carried out along with ESBL detection. Infection prevention and control strategies should be stepped up in the health facilities under study.

This work investigated the comparison in the moisture absorption behavior, the extract yields and sensory evaluation of brown and yellow varieties of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) tubers when soaked in water for tiger nut beverage production. For each tuber variety, 3 g of it was steeped in 30 ml of distilled water for 5 days and periodically re-weighed at 24-hour intervals until the tubers had attained saturated moisture content. Furthermore, 200 g of each variety was steeped in 800 ml of sterile distilled water for periods of 0 hour (control), 24 hours, 48 hours and 96 hours, respectively. At the end of each time interval, the tubers were removed, ground in 800 ml sterile distilled water, sieved, and the beverage liquid filtrate obtained measured as the percentage extract yield for the tuber sample. Aroma, colour, taste and acceptance were the parameters used for sensory evaluation. The brown tubers showed a significantly (P≤0.05) higher moisture absorption behavior than the yellow tubers; the brown and yellow had the highest rate of moisture absorption ability of 52.22% and 35.56%, respectively, occurring after soaking for 24 hours. At same 24 hours of the soaking period, the resultant extracts obtained from the brown and yellow tubers were at a significant peak yields of 92% and 89.5%, respectively. Extracts from the brown tubers were preferred in taste and colour to those from the yellow variety. Water absorption potentials of tiger nut tubers during soaking process, has potential effects on the beverage extraction and quality.

This study aimed at investigating the circulating Rotavirus strains in Maiduguri, Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria. A total of 404 stool samples were collected from children with clinical presentation of diarrhea. All samples were screened using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit produced by Diagnostic Automation/Cortez Diagnostics, USA, REF 8306-3), for the presence of Rotavirus antigen. The Rotavirus positive samples were further analyzed by Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE), to determine their RNA electropherotypes, Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to determine their VP7 (G) and VP4 (P) Genotypes and nucleotide sequencing. A total of 154 stool samples (38.1%) were Rotavirus positive with peaks observed in cold dry season, among male children and 0-5 years age group. A total of 88 selected Rotavirus positive samples were subjected to Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE), with only 25 (28.4%) were positive, given 16 (57.1%) with long pro?les and 12 (42.9%) with short profiles. Among the 25 Rotavirus positive samples subjected to RT-PCR and PCR genotyping, all the samples (100%) were positive for RT-PCR. The samples exhibited mixed G and Ptypes. The most commonly detected VP7 type was G2 (36%), followed by G12 (27%), G1 (18%), G9 (12%) and G3 (7%). The most commonly detected VP7 type was G2 (36%), followed by G12 (27%), G1 (18%), G9 (12%) and G3 (7%). For VP4 type detected, the most common types were P8 (36%) and P4 (32%) followed by P6 (32%). The P/G combinations circulating in Borno State are G12P[8] (29%), G2P[4] (29%), G2P[6], G1P[6][8], G1P[6], G3P[6] , G9P[6] and G2,3P[6][8] gave 7%. The sequence of the VP4 gene of Maiduguri, Borno State P[4], P[6] and P[8] strains were compared with other published VP4 gene sequences. Strains from Maiduguri sequenced were similar (97-99%) to others in Ghana, Cameroun, Mali, Ethiopia and United State of America strains. A safe and effective rotavirus vaccine is urgently needed in Nigeria, particularly in Borno State.Keywords: Diversity, Rotavirus, Maiduguri, children