Aphis craccivora es una plaga mundial grave de la alubia ojo de perdiz y responsable del bajo rendimiento del cultivo. Los hongos entomopatógenos ofrecen alternativas ambientalmente respetuosas a pesticidas sintéticos convencionales. Se evaluó el potencial de Akanthomyces lecanii y Metarhizium anisopliae contra el pulgón negro de las leguminosas en laboratorio. Estos hongos se utilizaron en bioensayos de laboratorio: Se rociaron discos de papel con diferentes concentraciones de esporas de cada aislado, con hojas de judía como alimento para los insectos. Se observó y registró la mortalidad de los pulgones durante 10 días. La concentración de 1x10^8 conidios/ml fue suficientemente alta para causar mortalidad en todos los ensayos, mientras que en el control fue del 10%. Este estudio confirma el potencial de hongos autóctonos como agentes de control biológico contra estos pulgones, incluso a bajas concentraciones. Aphis craccivora is a serious pest of cowpea worldwide and responsible for low crop yields. Entomopathogenic fungi offer environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional synthetic pesticides. In the present study, the biological control potential of Akanthomyces lecanii and Metarhizium anisopliae against cowpea aphid was evaluated under laboratory conditions. These fungi were used in the laboratory bioassays: Conidial suspensions with different concentrations of spores of each isolate were sprayed on filterpaper discs on which bean leaves were placed as food for the insects. Aphid mortality was observed and recorded for 10 days. The concentration of 1x10^8 conidia/ml was high enough to cause insect mortality in all the isolates tested while the control mortality was 10%. This study confirms the potential of using the indigenous fungi as biological control agents against the cowpea aphids even at low concentrations.

Background Studying the diversity of the indigenous entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) is a prerequisite to effective insect pest control. The distribution and occurrence of EPF from the soil across Nigeria were evaluated. Three subsoil samples from three locations in each of the 11 states were used to isolate the fungi by the insect bait method. Three fungal rates, 1.0 × 10 2 , 5.0 × 10 1 and 7.5 × 10 1 spores/ml, were applied to the Galleria larvae. Results EPF occurred in 41.1% of the soil sampled. These fungi belong to five and an unidentified genus. High species diversity was observed in Abuja with 6 species, and a uniform diversity of 5 species in Gombe, Ibadan, Jos, Kano, Lagos, Nasarawa and Port Harcourt. The Shannon–Wiener index ranges from 2.48 to 1.84. Similarly, species evenness showed a distinct similarity across the 11 sampling states and ranges from 0.99 to 0.92. Simpson Diversity Index was found to be highest in Bauchi with 0.31 and lowest in Abuja with 0.19. The mortality of the Galleria mellonella (L.) larvae differed significantly ( P < 0.01) with EPF species and time of exposure. There was also a strong ( P < 0.001) relationship between larval mortality and conidial concentration within and among the species. The virulence of the isolated fungi on Galleria mellonella larvae based on LC 50 differs with states (sampling site) even within the same species. Conclusions The present study uncovered the diversity and occurrence of EPF in soil across Nigeria. In addition, the results can be useful in selecting the suitable soils and best adapted EPF in a particular soil across the study area, or it could be the beginning of a molecular study.

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.

Carbapenemases are microbial enzymes that confer resistance to virtually all available beta-lactam antibiotics and the most frequent carbapenemases are the Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenamase (KPC). Detection of carbapenemases is a significant infection control strategy as the enzymes are often associated with extensive antimicrobial resistance, therapeutic failures and mortality associated with infectious diseases. A total of 400 clinical samples were collected from different groups of patients in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, Nigeria and 118 K. pneumoniae were isolated using standard microbiological techniques. The isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, then screened for Carbapenamase production using modified Hodge test. The results indicated that the isolates were resistant to Ampicillin (61.9%), Ceftriaxone (50.8%) and Ceftazidime (50.8%), then Ciprofloxacin (54.2%), but predominantly sensitive to Imipenem (66.9%), Eterpenem (60.2%) and Meropenem (65.3%). It was found that 38 (32.2%) of the isolates phenotypically shows the presence of Carbapenamase, with highest frequency of (40.7%) among patients, mainly adult females with cases of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and the least from wound (11.8%).This study revealed that the isolates produced other beta-lactamases than KPC or variants of Carbapenamase that cannot be detected by modified Hodge test, thus shows low resistance to carbapenems. Therefore further studies is needed to genotypically confirm the presence of KPC in these isolates.

Background: Pulmonary mycosis (PM) poses a great diagnostic challenge due to the lack of pathognomonic and radiological features, especially in the absence of mycology laboratory tests. This study was aimed to isolate, phenotypically identify, determine the prevalence of pulmonary fungal pathogens and antifungal susceptibility pattern of isolates of presumptive tuberculosis (PTB) patients attending Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) Gombe, Nigeria. Methods: After ethical approval, three consecutive early morning sputa were collected from 216 participants with presumptive of PTB attending FTH Gombe, between May 2, 2017 and May 30, 2018. Samples were processed using standard mycological staining, microscopy, sugar biochemistry, and antifungal susceptibility test protocols. Sociodemographic variables and risk factors of pulmonary fungal infection were assessed through structured questionnaires. Pulmonary fungal infection was defined by the positive culture in at least two sputa. PTB was defined by Genexpert® nested polymerase chain reaction. Results: Of the 216 participants, 19.9% had PTB and 73.6% had pulmonary fungal pathogens. Among the isolated pulmonary fungal pathogens, Aspergillus fumigatus made the highest occurrence, while 6.5% had PTB-fungal co-infection. No significant association existed between the prevalence of PM with age and sex of participants (P < 0.05). Cigarette smoking (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 15.9 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.9–268.8]), prolong antibiotic use (aOR = 77.9 [95% CI: 4.7–1283]) and possession of domestic pet (aOR = 77.9 [95% CI: 4.7–1283]) were significant risk factors of PM (P < 0.05). Penicillium citrinum, Mucor spp. and Aspergillus flavus are more susceptible to voriconazole, and Candida albicans was found to be more susceptible to Nystatin. Of the 159 fungal isolates, 92.5% were resistant to fluconazole. Conclusion: Findings from this study revealed high level pulmonary fungal pathogens, especially among PTB patients. A majority of fungal isolates were resistant to fluconazole. It's recommended that persons should do away with or minimize risk factors for pulmonary fungal pathogens identified in this study.

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.

Aim: We determine the prevalence of TB and MDRTB within the study population. Methodology: The sampling consists of 192 (54.4%) males and 161 (45.6%) females. Ziehel Neelsen staining method was used for the detection of Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) in the sputum samples collected. Rifampicin resistant (MDRTB) isolates were detected by GeneXpert and the conventional PCR technique. Results: In this study, 6 (9.5%) out of the 63 positive samples were rifampicin resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis in which 4(6.3%) were found among females and 2 (3.2%) were found among males. Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis was not dependent on gender statistically in this study P>0.05. Secondary institution among the health care centers had highest cases of tuberculosis18 (33.3%) while tertiary institute had higher rifampicin resistant tuberculosis 5(2.5%). Statistically there was significant relationship between occurrence of tuberculosis and health care centers p<0.05. Conclusion: There is need to establish more reference laboratories within the country in order to address the rising cases of tuberculosis. There is also need for urgent attention of the government and other developmental partners to address the rising cases of MTB and MDRTB which is outside the expected ratio of 3:1 (male : female) stipulated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and to conduct a national tuberculosis drug resistance survey so as to determine the actual burden of MDRTB in Nigeria.

Entomopathogenic nematodes that harbor symbiotic bacteria in their intestines have attracted great interest for pest control in recent times due to their relative safety to man, farm animals and the environment. The objective of this study is to isolate indigenous entomopathogenic nematode-bacteria complex for potential use in the control of local insect pests. A total of 60 soil samples were collected from Kashere and its environs and tested for presence of these important entomopathogens by baiting with live Galleria mellonella larvae. Infective juveniles of the nematodes were recovered from only two of the samples from one of the locations, (Kashere). Developmental stages of the nematodes were studied and keys were used to identify the nematodes as Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. Further studies will establish their biological control potential and target pests.

The characterization and role of pendimethalin catabolizing bacteria isolated in three agricultural soils in Bauchi state. Analyses of physico-chemical parameters were carried out to further understand the soil environmental conditions of the sampling sites. Aerobic heterotrophic counts on the sampling sites for six (6) weeks were conducted and revealed increase of bacterial counts across the weeks; with the first week having low bacterial count of 104.333(×105 cfu/g) while week six (6) had the highest bacterial counts of 202.5(×105 cfu/g). Among the sampling sites: B1 and B2 had the lowest bacterial count compared to B3. This is as a result of the effects of herbicides accumulation in the soil. Bacterial abundance across the sampling sites showed high percentage of occurrence of Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Morganella sp.at (14.25%) each; when compared to Streptococcus sp. and Proteus sp.at (4.29%). The isolation of pendimethalin utilizing bacteria was conducted by enrichment cycle using mineral salt media containing pendimethalin (mg/ml) as a sole carbon source. Utilization patterns of pendimethalin degrading potentials of bacterial strains was determined via growth, utilization patterns and higher performance liquid chromatography analysis. Growth and utilization was monitored using spectrophotometer at 600 nm. Bacillus sp. and bacterial consortia showed high level of wavelengths at 0.424 and 0.481 respectively. High performance liquid chromatography analysis was conducted for 72 hours based on the peak reduction of standard pendimethalin and observed was a decrease in the area of the peak. Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp. revealed the highest rate of pendimethalin metabolism after 72 hours. Based on this research, indigenous microorganisms can be used for decontamination of agricultural soil. The Nigerian government and farmers at large should be careful on the type herbicides used for agricultural practices. For it affects soil microorganisms and crops.

Entomopathogenic fungi are promising new biological tool for the control of pests and pose no risk to man and non-targeted organisms. Isolation and identification of native entomopathogenic fungi in a field is necessary for the successful control of pest in a particular region. Experiment was conducted to evaluate the occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi from different soil and their efficacy in the control of mosquitos. Using rain beetle, the fungi were isolated by insect baiting method using PDA. Morphological identification of the isolated fungi showed Metarhizium anisopliae. The result of the study showed a variation in the occurrence of the Metarhizium anisopliae at the three locations. The pathogenicity of the isolated fungi was tested on Aedes eagyptii larvae in three different concentrations (1.8.103, 3.6.103 and 4.5.103 conidia/ml). The result showed a progressive increased in larval mortality with an increased number of days. The mortality varied from 4 to 100%. Rapid larval mortality was observed two days after spraying, mortality was highest and relatively uniform at higher concentration. No mortality was observed in the control treatments. The test showed LC50 value of 14.5.103, 12.9.103, 1.4.103, 0.4.103, 0.4.103 and 0.1.103 conidia/ml after exposure for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 days respectively. The outcome of this research showed variation in the diversity of entomopathogenic fungi in different soil location. Metarhizium anisopliae look promising in the control of the Aedes eagyptii mosquito larvae and should be tested in the field, or this could be the starting point for a genetic experiment.

A study was carried out on bacteria species associated with laboratory and locally-produced samples of Kunun aya. Dried Cyperus esculentus nuts were washed in three changes of sterile distilled water, further soaked in warm water for a period of 18 hours and blended into a fine paste. The paste was filtered with the aid of muslin cloth. The filtrate was simmered for a period of 15mins in order to concentrate the produce. Local spices were added to the resultant produce in order to improve on the taste. The produce was finally packaged into sachets and then refrigerated. Samples of locally produced Kunun aya was purchased from the market. Serial dilution was carried out on both laboratory and locally-produced samples of Kunun aya and incubated at 370C for the isolation of bacterial species. The products were also subjected to proximate analysis. Six bacterial species were isolated from the products. Least number of bacteria were isolated from the laboratory product as compared to the locally produced samples. The product contained essential nutrients that could also aid microbial growth. The ecological parameters recorded were within the ranges that could aid bacterial growth in pure culture. Refrigeration aids prolonged shelf-lives of the products. The use of non-contaminated water in the production of the product together with minimization of handling foods have been advocated to enhance the market value of the product.

The population dynamics of bacterial community was investigated in three Agricultural soils, designated as Loamy sand (A), Peaty coarse (B) and Loamy coarse sand (C) in North-East, Nigeria. The soil chemical properties were characterized to fully understand their nature. Metagenomic approach was used to extract soil DNA using the fast DNA Spin Kit extraction technique. The PCR-electrophoresed DNA bands were excised and subjected to a full scale Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis. DGGE fingerprinting for the PCR-16S rDNA product revealed a diverse profile of complex population of bacterial community in the study area. The study shows that more bacterial community can be fully investigated using molecular techniques rather than traditional culture method. The implication of the results obtained is discussed.

The biostimulatory effect of selected organic wastes on bacterial biodegradation of atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-1,3,5-triazine) in three agricultural soils in Bauchi state, Nigeria, was carried out. The soil physico-chemical characteristics were investigated to further understand the environmental conditions of the sampling sites. Enrichment technique was used to isolate the atrazine-degrading strains. Mineralization studies were carried out to determine atrazine biodegradation potentials of strains. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of total nucleic acid of strains revealed several bacterial species based on nucleotide sequence analyses. Biostimulatory effect of selected organic wastes carried out showed minimal to average extent of biodegradation. The highest mean values, in CFU/mL, increase in biomass was recorded in Pseudomonas sp for both Cow dung 16.76 (42.03%) and Chicken droppings 12.32 (38.46%). However, biostimulatory effect using consortia provided more promising results, with 41.51% and 42.08% in Cow dung and Chicken droppings, biomass increase, respectively, in studies conducted. This proves that competition, survival of inoculums, bioavailability of organic amendments and nature of chemical are important factors affecting bioremediation.

Apart from the risk of increasing the concentration of HIV infection in genital secretions, consequences of sexually transmitted infections (STI) can be grave, resulting in conditions such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy, cancer and neonatal infections. Urogenital tract swab samples including urethral swabs (URS), endocervical swabs (ECS) and high vaginal swabs (HVS) were aseptically collected from 158 HIV positive individuals presented with symptoms of urogenital tract infections at federal medical centre, Gombe between May to September, 2009. These were subjected to microscopy, culture and sensitivity testing (using AbtecAE sensitivity discs). Out of the samples, 30 (18.9%) produced bacterial growth. In the male category, highest percentage of bacteria isolated was in the age group 11-20yrs (20.0%), while in the female category, it was in the age group 41-50yrs (25.0%). No bacteria isolated at age e51yrs in both sexes. Six opportunistic bacterial species were isolated of which Staphylococcus aureus had the highest frequency of 9 (30.0%) while Enterococcus faecalis had the lowest as 1(3.3%). The most active drug against S. aureus observed was augmentin (71.4%). Two exogenous bacterial species were also isolated; Neisseria gonorrhea which was resistant to tetracycline and Haemophilus species which was sensitive to all but cotrimotazole and fusidin. This work recommended the need for the hospitals to improve in partner notification and treatment, early and correct diagnosis to the patients and use of augmentin, gentimicin and sparfloxacin in symptomatic treatment, where laboratory investigations are not available.

C. trachomatis a sexually transmitted bacterial pathogen and the leading cause of bacterial sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) world wide can lead to serious complications in women and infants with untreated infections. Symptoms are normally unspecific, as such rapid screening tests with high specificity, though not confirmatory are highly valuable in converting its menace as large number of patients at high risk can be screened within a short period with ease in sample collection and patient management at very low cost. Three hundred urogenital swab samples; including 93 urethral swabs and 207 endocervical swabs were aseptically collected from patients with symptoms of urogenital tract diseases attending federal medical centre Gombe from January to March, 2010. Among them were 33 HIV patients and 267 non-HIV patients. All the swabs were subjected to Chlamydia antigen screening using NovaAE One-Step Chlamydia trachomatis rapid immunochromatography antigen screening testing kits. In general, 11(3.7%) patients were found positive in this study. In the non-HIV patients, 2.6% were positive, with highest frequency of 3.1% recorded at the age group 21-30years. However in the HIV-patients, 12.1% were positive, with the highest frequency of 18.2% recorded at the age group 31-40years. The findings from this work has stressed the importance of rapid screening as a presumptive technique and call for use of more reliable confirmatory testing procedures in the prevention of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), cervical carcinoma and other STDs. We also call for establishing a relationship between Chlamydia trachomatis and HIV infection in the locality.

A batch enrichment technique was used to isolate atrazine-degrading Rhodococcus sp strain from an agricultural land with history of atrazine application in Bauchi state, Northeastern Nigeria. The strain was identified on the basis of physiological, biochemical and 16S r RNA gene sequencing. Growth studies and HPLC analysis showed that the strain has potential of atrazine degradation. An investigation into the catabolic genes Atz ABC, which transform atrazine to cyanuric acid, confirms the chromosomal DNA of strain to harbor BC genes, as compared with the positive control, Rhodococcus jostii RHA1. The strain does not possess the Atz A in all catabolic gene probe carried out. The isolation and characterization of the Rhodococcus sp strain showed that catabolic genes may have evolved from a single origin with widespread global distribution, with possible potential in atrazine bioremediation.

The rhizosphere mycology of quality protein maize (QPM), local maize (LM) and tropical Zea mays early (TZE) maize were studied and results evaluated in terms of frequency of occurrence and species predominance. The Findings revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the fungal loads in both the rhizosphere and rhizoplane between QPM and the other two maize varieties. The two predominant fungal species isolated from the rhizosphere of the three maize varieties were Trichoderma and Fusarium species. Trichoderma spp. was the most predominant fungus in the rhizoplane and rhizosphere of QPM, LM and TZE maize varieties except in the rhizosphere of LM where Aspergillus niger was the most predominant species.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare food utilization of quality protein maize (QPM) to other maize varieties. Design/methodology/approach Pap ( ogi ) – a maize starch porridge was prepared from QPM, tropical Z ea mays early (TZE) and local maize (LM) using the traditional method. Physicochemical, microbiological and sensory analyses were carried out on the pap samples as indices of quality following standard methods. Findings The sensory evaluation preference rating for pap ( ogi ) prepared from QPM, TZE and LM varieties showed no significant difference ( p < 0.05) in flavour, taste, colour and overall acceptability. Significant difference was however observed in the pH of the three products. Practical implications The findings suggested that QPM have the potential to replace other maize varieties as a staple diet and cheap source of quality protein. Originality/value This paper contributes knowledge to the fight against malnutrition and hunger, especially in the sub‐Saharan Africa.

Agricultural irrigation with wastewater is common in arid areas but has possible public health and environmental side effects, as effluent may contain pathogens, high level of salts, detergents and toxic metals. In order to ascertain effects of a local textile mill's wastewater irrigation on soil and subsequently the micro and macroflora, a series of analysis were conducted on soil collected from different sites with regard to pH, EC, organic matter, SO4-2, NO3-1 and exchangeable cations. Soil samples were also determined for total and bio-available metal ions such as Cr+6, Zn+2, Cu+2 and Ni2+. Macroflora of the mill contained high concentration of metal ions. Microbial community identified in the soil samples was different from reference soil. Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) population associated with Zea mays irrigated by effluent contained 3 ecotypes of VAM, viz., Glomus mossea, Glomus spp., and Acualospora spp. Out of 34 bacterial strains isolated and characterized, dominant genera were Bacillus, Micrococcus and Listeria. Endurance of Cr+6 by Bacillus fumus RH 109 was recorded upto 1000 mg/L, Zn+2 upto 325 mg/L by Pseudomonas stutzeri RH71 and Alcaligenes spp. RH88, while Agrobacterium spp., RH102, Bacillus subtilis RH 96, Bacillus pumilus RH84 and Lactobacillus spp. RH66 tolerated 150 mg/L Ni+2 and 18 bacterial isolates were able to grow un upto 100 mg/L Cu2+. The findings suggest that irrigation with local textile wastewater not only alters the soil chemistry, but also changes bacterial and VAM population in addition to enhancing the intrinsic endurance of these microbes to different metal ions present in their microenvironment. In view of these findings, we recommend monitoring of toxic effects of wastewaters and conclude that such irrigation practices should be carried out only after treatment of wastewater.