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

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

Aim: The study aimed to assess the bacterial load of in rectal swabs from cattle by isolating Enterococcus spp and Escherichia coli, and determining the multidrug-resistant pattern of the isolates. Study Design: The study is a clinical-veterinary laboratory investigation involving the isolation and determination of the multidrug-resistant (MDR) profile of Enterococcus spp and E. coli isolated from cattle rectal. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the Yelwa and Gubi campuses Farm centers of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, Nigeria, in period extended from April to June 2021. Methodology: Fresh rectal swab samples were collected from the randomly selected cattle and labeled. The samples were immediately transported and processed in the Microbiology laboratory at Yelwa Campus, and the bacterial load of each sample was determined using standard techniques. Enterococcus spp and E. coli were isolated using differential culture media followed by an appropriate biochemical identification test. The isolates were subjected to the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. Results: In Yelwa, the highest microbial load is 2.7 x 1012 CFU/g. while the lowest microbial load is 2.0 x 1012 CFU/g. In the Gubi campus, the highest microbial load is 3.4 x 1012 CFU/g. while the lowest microbial load is 2.7 x 1012 CFU/g. Both in Yelwa and Gubi ,the result showed that most isolates of Enterococcus spp and E. coli are multidrug-resistant. In Yalwa some of the isolates showed 100% resistance against Norfloxacin, Rifampicin, Ampicillin, and Streptomycin, while Gentamycin gave the lowest multidrug resistance (57.4%). In Gubi, the highest was to ampicillin with (90.6%) frequency, while the lowest resistance was found in Chloramphenicol (11.3%). In Yelwa, a high percentage resistance (92.6%) was observed in Streptomycin, and Cephalexin has the lowest (20.4%). In Gubi, all the E. coli isolates had 100% resistance against sulfamethoxazole, and the lowest was in Ofloxacin (43.4%). Conclusion: This study found that cattle in the area are reservoirs of bacteria that are both part of the normal flora and opportunistic pathogens, and harbored resistance phenotypes. It is therefore advocated that the use of these animals’ faeces as manure should be done with caution, particularly after pre-treatments.

Background: Syphilis remains a public health problem in many parts of the world, including Nigeria, where is common during pregnancy. Design and Duration: This is a cross-sectional study involving pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Dogon Agogo Primary Health Centre, Jos North, from March 2017 to November, 2021. Aim: The aim of this study is to seroprevalence of Syphilis among pregnant women attending Primary health care centre in Jos North, Materials and Methods: A total of one thousand, two hundred and nineteen blood samples were screened from 2017 to 2021, using rapid diagnostic tests Patient’s demographic variables, clinical profiles and information considered to be risk factors were also collected using structured questionnaires, Patient’s demographic details, clinical profiles and information considered to be risk factors were also collected using structured questionnaires. Results: The results showed that only 33 (2.7%) were positive. This includes 14(42.4%) patients between the age of 20 – 34 years as the highest frequency, followed by 12(36.4%) in 35 – 49 years of age. Most of the syphilis-positive patients are married 21(63.6%) and had attended tertiary level of education 13(39.4%), but mostly unemployed/Housewives 11(33.3%). The clinical profile of the participants revealed that the majority 14(42.5%) of the women that attended the facility throughout this period are in their third pregnancy and above (Multigravida). They were screened during the first-time visit (72.7%) and first trimester (33.3%). The pregnancy outcome among the seropositive patients showed that many 14(42.4%) undergo normal delivery, but 10(30.3%) had miscarriages. Blood transfusion (81.8%), multiple sex partners (75.8%), unprotected sexual intercourse with a person of unknown status (57.6%), and previous exposure to sexually transmitted infections (84.8%) were the most prevalent risks factors observed. The overall prevalence of syphilis across the five years of sampling was 2.71% (33 of 1219), where the highest number of cases 57.6% was recorded in the year 2020, followed by 18.2% in 2018, with 3.0% in 2019 as the least. Conclusion: This study found that the prevalence of syphilis over the five-year period among pregnant women in this area is low. However, the study advocates the improvement of screening programs during pregnancy as part of routine antenatal care.

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection is a significant public health problem in the world and is more common among most vulnerable individuals such as pregnant women in developing countries. Design and Duration: This is a cross-sectional study involving pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in some hospitals in the Bauchi metropolis, from January 2021 to February 2022. Aim: The aim of this study is, therefore, to assess the seroprevalence and determinants of the hepatitis B virus among pregnant women attending some hospitals in Bauchi Metropolis, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 394 blood specimens were collected from the fingertip of the randomly selected pregnant women. A structured questionnaire was administered and interviews were conducted for data collection. The participants were screened for HBsAg status by the rapid diagnostic test. Results: The overall prevalence of the disease was 11.7% (46 of 394). The infection was more common (39.1%) among the women in the 31 to 35 years age group, followed by 23.9% (26-30) years. The majority are married (67.4%), business owners (30.4%), then civil servants (26.1%), and had attended tertiary education (52.1%). The highest frequency (63.0%) was found among the antenatal women at primiparous and mainly (50%) started visiting in the 3rd trimester, with 2 children as the highest number of live births (45.7%). Risk factors analysis revealed that most of the women positive (78.3%) have no history of previous surgery, or blood transfusion (61.20%). but 52.2% are co-infected with HIV/AIDS. Conclusion: This study found a relatively low prevalence of HBV infection (11.7%) among pregnant women in this area, but it was very high, especially among the unvaccinated and those co-infected with HIV.

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.

Terminalia avicennioides is an important medicinal plant used in the management of many pathological conditions such as dental caries, skin infection, sore, ulcer, syphilis, bloody sputum, ringworm infection, gastrointestinal helminthes and several others among most inhabitants of rural communities in Nigeria and other African countries. The aim of the study was to carryout preliminary phytochemical screening on the ethanol extract and antimicrobial studies on the saponin extract obtained from the ethanol extract of root bark of T. avicennioides. Phytochemical screening of the ethanol extract was carried out using standard procedures. The antimicrobial studies of the saponin extract was conducted using cup plate and broth dilution techniques against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Candida albican. The percentage yield of the ethanol and saponin extract were 16.05 %w/w and 6.2 %w/w respectively. Phytochemical analysis of the ethanol extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, steroids, terpenes and tannins. Susceptibilty test result of the saponin extract showed zone of inhibition range of 14-32 mm against all the test microorganisms. The saponin extract showed significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli with minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.390, 0.782 and 0.782 mg/mL respectively. The crude saponin extract of the root bark of T. avicennioides posses antimicrobial activity and may serve as potential source of anti-microbial agent.