College of Biosciences

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    ASSESSMENT OF BACTEREMIA AND MYCOTOXIN EXPOSURE IN SEVERE ACUTE MALNOURISHED (SAM) INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN POPULATION IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
    (2025-08-22) OYENEKAN, OLUWATOSIN GANIYAT
    ABSTRACT Malnutrition is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children, it suppresses the immune system, leading to increased susceptibility and severity of infections. Presence of Bacteria and Mycotoxins in Severe Acute Malnourished (SAM) children are a significant concern making these children highly vulnerable to the harmful effects of fungal toxins and bacteria due to their weakened immune system and often poor diet. Severe Acute Malnutrition in children is often attributed to food mycotoxin exposure, bacteremia, and liver enzyme derangement. The objectives of this study were to assess the level of mycotoxin exposure, bacteremia and functionality parameters among SAM children in Ogun State. A Socio-demographic survey was carried out on 40 voluntary participants (mothers/caregivers) to know their level of mycotoxin awareness, knowledge and attitude towards childhood infections and avoidable causes using semi-structured questionnaire. Blood samples were collected from twenty (20) confirmed SAM children enrolled after clinician’s assessment as recommended by the laboratory protocols. Using spectrophotometric methods, blood samples were screened forserum enzymes, Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)which served as diagnostic indicators for some diseases. Urea, Electrolytes (sodium, potassium,chloride, bicarbonate) and creatinine were assessed using ABX Pentra 400 C Analyzer.Full blood countwas done using Medonic Automated blood Analyzer. Blood samples for bacteriological analysis were cultured on Brain Heart Infusion broth, and isolates were identified by morphological and biochemical tests. Antibiotics susceptibility test was carried out by Kirby-Bauer using disc diffusion method using 10 antibiotics belonging to 4 classes of antibiotics. Extraction and quantification of mycotoxins from blood was done using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Student’s t-test and Chi-square were used for the statistical analyses (P < 0.05). The level of awareness of mycotoxins and childhood infection as well as avoidable causes was very low (14%) among caregivers (p < 0.05). The mean value for ALP and AST activities among the test group were normal while ALT (39.1 U/L) was higher than acceptable standard (25 U/L). Hyponatremia was found in 35% of the samples, 10% had hypokalaemia and hypochloremia (low chloride) while 55% had no electrolyte derangement. The mean value for packed cell volume, white blood cell, neutrophiles and lymphocyte counts were 39.9%, (5.9 x 109/L), 52.4% and 41.6% respectively. Two (10%) of the SAM children had bacteraemia (Escherichia coli) growth and the isolates were 100% resistant to Ampicillin, Cloxacillin and Cotrimoxazole.The prevalence of Ochratoxin was 55% while Aflatoxin was 45%. The highest mycotoxin concentration identified was Aflatoxin B1 (19.7844 µg/ml) while the lowest was Ochratoxin (0.0399 µg/ml). The ranges of the Aflatoxin and Ochratoxin were 0.1169ug/ml to 19.7844 u ug/ml and 0.0399 to 0.1171ug/ml, respectively. This study showed that attitudes of caregivers towards childhood infection and avoidable causes is very low, no association was found between bacteremia and level of mycotoxins and serum enzymes deranged in 10% of the children which contributed to mortality in SAM children.
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    ASSESSMENT OF THE PROBIOTIC POTENTIAL OF Bacillus species ISOLATED FROM LOCALLY FERMENTED LOCUST BEAN ‘IRU’
    (2023-10-30) FARONBI OLUTONI RUTH
    ABSTRACT Bacillus species is gaining interest in human health related functional food research due to their probiotic property and survivability under hostile environment of the gastrointestinal tract. There is currently the need to shift focus to locally produced foods that are rich in probiotics as they can confer great health benefits on humans. This study assessed the probiotic potential of Bacillus species isolated from a locally fermented locust bean “Iru” Bacillus species were isolated from “Iru” using standard microbiological techniques. The isolates were characterized using morphological and biochemical methods, then were then subjected to preliminary acid test at varied pH rates (2.0, 4.0 and 7.0) and bile concentrations (0.3, 0.5 and 1.0) %. The isolates that survived the preliminary test were further subjected to varied pH values (2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.5 and 7.0) and bile concentrations (0.1, 0.3, 0.75 and 1.0) %. Antibiotic susceptibility test, antimicrobial activity against some bacterial pathogens and toxin production ability of the Bacillus isolates were carried out. The Bacillus isolates were further assayed for their hydrophobicity, auto-aggregation, co-aggregation ability and cholesterol reducing ability. Molecular characterization was carried out on the isolates and their clonal diversity with other probiotic Bacillus deposited in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) databank was determined. Data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 17.0. Values were separated using mean and standard deviation. Seven Bacillus species were identified and only three; Bacillus subtilis strain NCDO 1769, Bacillus thuringiensis strain HER1410 and Bacillus sp. RZ2MS9 had high survival rates (66.3% - 97.9%) at different pH values and (76.7% -97.9%) at different bile concentrations. The Bacillus isolates showed susceptibility to antibiotics used. Zones of inhibition against bacterial pathogens ranged from 6.0 - 19.0 mm and all the three Bacillus species tested negative to the toxins. The three Bacillus isolates had high survival rates (68 -870) % when assayed for hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation. Survival rates of co-aggregation was however low (18.6 - 20.0) %. The three isolates utilized cholesterol 200mg/dl at a reduction rate of (91.1, 86.1 and 95.4) % respectively. Result of molecular characterization confirmed the three Bacillus isolates as Bacillus subtilis strain NCDO 1769, Bacillus thuringiensis strain HER1410 and Bacillus sp. RZ2MS9. The three isolates showed diversity with other probiotic Bacillus species deposited in the NCBI data bank as the three of them clustered separately with other strains. In conclusion, this research study revealed that the Bacillus in “Iru” exhibited probiotic and hypocholesterolaemic properties.
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    BIOSYNTHESIS OF NANOPARTICLES FROM LOW-VALUE AGRO-WASTE AND THEIR POTENTIAL AS BIOCIDES IN PAINT INDUSTRY
    (2024-07-20) MOYOSORE, WASIU ABAYOMI
    ABSTRACT Paint contains organic materials which can serve as both carbon and energy sources for microorganisms, therefore susceptible to microbial attack during storage and after application on a surface. The resistance of paint spoilage microbes to conventional biocides necessitates the development of improved and more effective biocides. Nanomaterials have recorded broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. This study investigated the biocidal efficacy of biogenic nanosilver (AgNPs) and nanotitania (TiNPs) as potential biocides for the paint industry. The nanosilver and nanotitania were synthesized by adding aqueous extract of banana peel to silver nitrate (AgNO3) and titanium iv oxide (TiO2), respectively. The biogenic nanoparticles were characterized using Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) while Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to profile metabolites present in the banana peel. Paint microbes were isolated from two samples of in-can paints and fifteen painted walls observed for visible discolorations in Abeokuta and characterized using morphological, biochemical, and molecular methods. The biocidal efficacy of the biogenic nanoparticles against the isolates was investigated. Bioactive compounds revealed by GC-MS were docked against biomarkers present in susceptible isolates using iGEMDOCK software. The results were analyzed using one-way Analysis of Variance while treatment means were separated by Duncan Multiple Range Test at 0.05 level of significance. Results showed that Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry recorded surface plasmon resonance at 475 and 260 nm for AgNPs and TiNPs, respectively. The SEM revealed polydispersed AgNPs and TiNPs having average sizes of 83.48 and 96.4nm, respectively. The EDX confirmed the presence of silver and titanium with carbon and oxygen showing that both nanoparticles are biogenic. The intensity of XRD peaks reflected that both nanoparticles are crystalline with AgNPs similar to that of face centered cubic structure of silver, while 2Ɵ at peak around 25° confirmed TiO2 anatase structure. The FT-IR analysis showed the presence of carboxylic acids and esters, confirming n-Hexadecanoic acid and methyl ester as revealed by GC-MS. The susceptible isolates identified by molecular method were Pseudomonas aeruginosa FUNAAB WAS01, Kosakonia cowanii FUNAAB WAS02, and Aspergillus aculeatus FUNAAB WAS03 with Kosakonia cowanii being a novel bacterium implicated in paint deterioration. At concentrations 4 - 125µg/ml, the nanoparticles exhibited biocidal efficacy against the three paint isolates. The TiNPs inhibited growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa with zone of inhibition of 20 mm diameter while conventional biocide recorded no zone of inhibition. Docking analysis revealed that n – Hexadecanoic acid has a relatively high negative binding energy of 88, 80, and 73 kcal against Pseudomonas aeruginosa FUNAAB WAS01, Kosakonia cowanii FUNAAB WAS02, and Aspergillus aculeatus FUNAAB WAS03. The study suggested that biogenic nanosilver and nanotitania are effective biocides against microbes implicated in paint degradation.
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    COMMUNITY AND PREDICTIVE FUNCTIONAL PROFILING OF HEAVY METAL TOLERANT BACTERIA IN SOIL FROM A BITUMEN PRODUCTION SITE
    (2024-07-20) BANKOLE, Samuel Opeyemi
    ABSTRACT Heavy Metal (HM) contamination in soil, particularly in areas surrounding bitumen production sites, poses significant environmental and health risks. Certain bacteria have developed mechanisms to tolerate and bioaccumulate HMs, offering potential bioremediation strategies but the specific mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study investigated community and predictive functional profiling of HM-tolerant bacteria in soils from a bitumen production site in Agbagu, Ondo State, Nigeria. Three soil samples were collected from the surface to a depth of 15 cm, and physicochemical properties were determined using standard analytical methods. HM-tolerant bacteria were isolated from the soil samples using a standard protocol, the isolates were further assessed for their tolerance to varying concentrations (20, 40, 60 μg/ml) of Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn while growth were monitored daily for 3 days using spectrophotometry at 630 nm. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration were determined for each metal. Biochemical identification of selected isolates was done using standard biochemical tests. Metagenomics and predictive functional profiling of heavy metal tolerant bacteria in the three soil samples were done. Bacteria DNA was extracted using a commercial bacterial extraction kit. Full-length hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA amplification gene from the isolates’ genomic DNA was amplified and sequenced using NGS. Sequences showing 97% similarity were grouped into identical Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs). The Shannon and Simpson diversity α-diversity indices were obtained. Evolutionary history was inferred using unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean method. Functionalities of all OTUs were forecasted using Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes databases. Five bacterial isolates (out of a total of eighteen isolates) exhibiting tolerance to varying concentrations of the HMs were identified as: Micrococcus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Pseudomonas fluorescence, Bacillus sp., and Alcaligens sp. The isolates showed varying tolerance to HMs in a dose-dependent manner over time. From the metagenomics, the OTUs of HM-tolerant soil bacteria were classified into 3 phyla, 5 classes, 6 orders, 9 families and 10 genera. Alpha diversity indices of 0.17, 0.61 and 0.18 (Shannon) and 0.06, 0.30 and 0.07 (Simpson) were obtained for the three samples respectively indicating less species diversity in samples (i) and (iii). The main HM-tolerant bacteria genera identified in the soil were species of Bacillus, Comamonas, Pseudomonas, Providencia, Brevibacillus and Lysinbacillus. The phylogenetic tree delineated the HM-tolerant bacteria into three related clusters. Predictive functional profile of the gene expression showed varying metabolic pathways to cope with HM stress. Aerobic respiration pathway (PWY-3781), beta fatty acid oxidation, toluene degradation (PWY-5180), and coenzyme Q (PWY-5856) synthesis were more expressed in the bacteria in sample (ii) while the super pathway of (R, R)-butanediol biosynthesis (P125-PWY), butyrate-producing pathway (PWY-5022), D-galactose degradation pathway (PWY-6317) were more expressed in sample (i); however, fatty acid salvage (PWY- 7094) and TCA cycle acetate producer were more expressed in sample (iii). The identified bacteria and their associated metabolic pathways provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of heavy metal tolerance and bioaccumulation, contributing to the development of effective bioremediation strategies.
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    EFFECTS OF Abrus precatorius (L.) LEAF METHANOL EXTRACT ON HIGH FAT DIET-INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS, INFLAMMATION AND DYSLIPIDEMIA IN MALE WISTAR RATS
    (2024-02-20) SIEMURI OGUGU ESE
    ABSTRACT Abrus precatorius leaf is widely used for tradomedicinal purposes in treating myriads of diseases. However, there is a paucity of information on its pharmacological mechanism of action on such diseases. The present study investigated the antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and antidyslipidemic effects of A. precatorius leaf methanol extract (APLME) on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced dyslipidemic male Wistar rats. Seventy male Wistar rats (280 - 300) g were separated into seven groups (n = 6): group 1 (control); group 2 (HFD); group 3 (HFD + standard drug, 7.2 mg/kg atorvastatin p.o.); group 4 (HFD + 150 mg/kg APLME); group 5 (HFD + 300 mg/kg APLME); group 6 (HFD + 450 mg/kg APLME); group 7 (HFD + 600 mg/kg APLME p.o.). High-fat diet was given for 20 weeks after which treatments (APLME and atorvastatin) were given for 4 weeks.Blood was collected, and tissues were harvested for biochemical and histological analyses. Standard chemical methods and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy profiling were employed to determine the APLME phytoconstituents. Data were analyzed using one way analysis of variance with Tukey’s post-hoc test to separate means at p<0.05.The bioactive phytochemicals mainly found in APLME were benzofuran-2,3-dihydro-Coumaran, phytol-acetate, and 3-o-Methyl-d-glucose. Rats administered HFD only showed significant (p<0.05) increase in MDA levels in serum, liver, heart, and kidney with values of 53.55±0.50,12.70±0.15,10.47±0.35, and 7.941±0.08μmol/g proteinrespectively when compared to the control. The APLME-treated groups showed a dose-dependent significant decrease in all tissues, compared to the HFD group, with the 600 mg/kg APLME group having 17.80±0.77,1.69±0.10,3.36±0.16, and 3.27±0.10 μmol/g protein respectively. Conversely, there were significant (p<0.05) increases in SOD, CAT, GSH, GPx, GST, and G6PDH activities in a dose-dependent manner when compared to the HFD-group. Furthermore, HFD significantly (p<0.05) lowered the anti-inflammatory biomarker IL-10 while significantly (p<0.05) increasing the levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers TNF-α, MPO, and hs-CRP when compared to the control. Reduction in pro-inflammatory with parallel significant (p<0.05) increase in anti-inflammatory biomarkers resulted from APLME treatment. APLME-treated groups had significant (p<0.05) decrease in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase isozyme (CK-MB), and aspartate aminotransferase, with the 600 mg/kg APLME group having80.14±1.90, 92.81±1.84, and 125.6±2.01 U/L activities respectively which were significantly (p<0.05) elevated in HFD. Lipid profile of APLME-treated groups resulted in a significant increase in HDL-C and APO A-I, with a corresponding reduction in serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, VLDL-C, phospholipids, NEFA and APO B in the 600 mg/kg APLME-group having 67.77±0.19, 79.56±1.44, 20.75±1.29, 15.91±0.47, 44.99±1.34, 5.96±0.33 and 18.52±0.35 mg/dL respectively. Additionally, APLME at 600 mg/kg significantly (p<0.05) decreased HMG-CoA reductase (34.61±0.77 to 22.64±0.36 U/L), Fatty acid synthase (10.70±0.19 to 3.38±0.29 U/L) but increased Lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (1.63±0.14 to 10.41±0.19 U/L) activities when compared with HFD-group. The liver of both APLME-treated and HFD-group showed mild to moderate portal sinusoidal congestion and cellular infiltration but no visible lesion in the heart and kidney. Conclusively, oral administration of Abrusprecartorius leaf methanolic extract at 600 mg/kg lowered high fat diet-induced oxidative, inflammatory and dyslipidemic abnormalities in male Wistar rats.
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    EFFECTS OF ROASTED CASHEW NUT – SUPPLEMENTED DIET ON ETHANOL INDUCED – NEUROLOGICAL AND CARDIOVASCULAR TOXICITIES IN MALE WISTAR RATS
    (2025-04-23) OKERE, UCHENNA DANIEL
    ABSTRACT Alcoholic beverages contain ethanol whose primary metabolites are the highly toxic acetaldehyde, acetate and other reactiveoxygen species, which has been implicated in both neurological and cardiovascular disorders. The study investigated theeffects of roasted cashew nut-supplemented diet (RCN) on ethanol-induced neurological and cardiovasculartoxicities. Thirty (30) male Wistar rats (120-150) g were segregated into five (5) groups (n = 6): Group A(Control-Standard diet), Group B (30% Ethanol + Standard diet), Group C (30% Ethanol + 5% RCN), Group D (30% Ethanol + 10% RCN) and Group E (10% RCN). Ethanol (30% v/v) was administered at 4 ml/kg body weight for twenty-eight days. Proximate analysis on the control standard diet and the RCN diets was done using AOAC standard methods.Biochemical parameters including alcohol metabolizing enzymes activities,antioxidants, lipid peroxidation, lipid profile, brain and heart biomarkers of ethanol toxicities, weredetermined using spectrophotometry. Data obtained were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance,followed by the Tukey’s test with p < 0.05 considered significant. The proximate composition of the control diet, 5% and 10% RCN supplemented diet, showed (4.44, 4.72, 4.94)% for protein, (12.20, 13.51, 14.46)% moisture, (9.30, 9.48, 9.53)% ash, (5.72, 7.43, 7.49)% oil, (2.09, 2.59, 2.73)% fiber and carbohydrates (66.25, 62.27, 60.85)%, respectively. Alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase activities in treated groups increased in the Ethanol (92 and 77)%, Ethanol + 5% RCN (68 and 52)%, and Ethanol + 10% RCN (34 and 27)%, respectively, compared to the control. Creatine kinase activity in the plasma and heart of treated groups increased in the Ethanol (49 and 31)%, Ethanol + 5% RCN (22 and 20)% and Ethanol + 10% RCN (13 and 11)%, respectively, compared to the control. Lactate dehydrogenase activity in plasma and heart increased in the Ethanol by (73 and 53)%, Ethanol + 5% RCN by (48 and 21)% and Ethanol + 10% RCN by (35 and 14)%, respectively, compared to control. However, there was significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the brain acetylcholinesterase activity in the Ethanol treated groups compared to the control. Superoxide dismutase in Ethanol group, Ethanol + 5% RCN and Ethanol + 10% RCN decreased by 31%, 17% and 7%, respectively, compared to the control. Furthermore, catalase activity decreased by 55%, 35% and 24%, respectively, in the plasma compared to control. Lipid peroxidation increased significantly (p < 0.05), in the plasma by 0.75 fold in the Ethanol group compared to the control. Cholesterol levels increased by 1.0, 0.7, and 0.4 folds; low density lipoprotein by 0.9, 0.63 and 0.21 folds, also, very low-density lipoprotein by 1.2, 0.9 and 0.4 folds in the plasma of Ethanol, Ethanol + 5% RCN and Ethanol + 10% RCN groups, respectively, compared to the control. Histopathology of the brain showed lesions in decreasing order (Ethanol > Ethanol + 5% RCN > Ethanol + 10% RCN) compared to the control group (having no lesions). In conclusion, results obtained suggest that consumption of roasted cashew nut could be beneficial in ameliorating ethanol-induced neurological and cardiovascular toxicities in male Wistar rats.
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    EVALUATION OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS AND SOIL-TRANSMITTED HELMINTHIASIS IN WATER SANITATION AND HYGIENE-BASED COMMUNITIES, ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AND TREATMENT FATIGUE IN OGUN CENTRAL, NIGERIA
    (2024-08-20) TAIWO, OLUWASEYI TUNRAYO
    ABSTRACT Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical regions due to unsafe water, inadequate hygiene, and poor sanitation. This study evaluated two NTDs (schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH)) in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) based communities in Ogun Central and the associated risk factors. Stool and urine samples were collected from 1,019 school pupils in 20 communities from March 2021 to March 2023.The twenty communities grouped under four local government areas namely Odeda, Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North and Obafemi - Owode.Stool and urine samples were examined for the presence of helminths and schistosomes using the Kato Katz technique and the urine filtration method, respectively. Pre-tested questionnaires were administered to the pupils to obtain information on demographic characteristics, WASH resources and characteristics, knowledge, and attitudes, also to evaluate anthelminthic fatigue. The collected data were analyzed for descriptive (frequency, percent) and inferential statistics (chi-square) using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Results showed that 199 (22%), 17 (2%) and 24 (2%) participants were infected with STH, Schistosoma mansoniandSchistosoma haematobium, respectively.Among the STHs,Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent (11%), followed by hookworm (6%) while Trichuris trichiura had the lowest prevalence (3%).There were more female (56%) than male (44%) respondents. However, the overall prevalence was higher in male than female (χ2= 0.879; p>0.05).There was a significant association (p<0.05) between pupils’ ages and S. haematobium infection. Furthermore, a significant association (χ2 = 0.000; p<0.05) was observed between water supply sources and urinary schistosomiasis, but not between watersupply sources and STH (χ2 = 0.575; p > 0.05). Exactly 63% of the respondents did not treat water at all, while 37% treated their drinking water. The highest infection of STH and schistosomiasis was observed for respondents using bush as a means of defecation (30%). The sanitation assessment with the prevalence of STH (χ2 = 0.965; p>0.05) showed no significant difference while S. haematobium infection (χ2 = 0.045; p<0.05) showed significant association with toilet facilities. The hygiene assessment of footwear did not show any significant relationship (p>0.05) for STH and schistosomiasis. Haematuria showed significantassociation (χ2 = 0.000; p<0.05) with S. haematobium infection. On geophagy, STH prevalence showed 21% and 25% infection rates for those that ate soil and those that did not, respectively. Results showed that 76% did not experience any treatment fatigue, while 7% and 5% had headaches and stomachaches, respectively after using anthelmintics. The attitude of respondents towards the usage of anthelmintics revealed that 89% of respondents have never thrown drugs away, while 8% threw them away. This study revealed that age, type of toilet facility used, water treatment and water supply sources werethe likely associated risk factors in WASH communities in Ogun Central, Nigeria.
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    EXPLORATION, ADAPTATION, REDESIGNING AND EVALUATION OF AFRICAN GAMES FOR ENHANCING HEALTH EDUCATION FOR ELIMINATING SCHISTOSOMIASIS IN OGUN STATE
    (2024-07-25) UMUNNAKWE, CYNTHIA UCHECHUKWU
    ABSTRACT Health education has been advocated by the World Health Organization as a complementary intervention to eliminate schistosomiasis. Health education games have been reported to enhance knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding schistosomiasis control, including participation in mass administration of medicine (MAM) campaigns. This study explored, adapted, redesigned, and evaluated traditional games as behaviour-change communication tools for schistosomiasis control. An exploration of traditional games using questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) was conducted in six communities in Ijebu East Local Government Area (LGA). The games were redesigned by community members and evaluated in a single-blind randomized control trial in 18 randomly selected primary schools in Yewa North, Odeda, and Ijebu North-East LGAs. The schools were randomized into three control and intervention arms, each using ballots. The control group played the commercial Ludo game, while the intervention group played the Schisto-Ludo and Schisto-Whot games for six months. A total of 1095 pupils were recruited for the study after parents consented, treated for schistosomiasis infection using praziquantel and their KAP about schistosomiasis was determined at baseline and six months after game play. Urine samples were collected from the school children into dark, sterile specimen bottles and tested for haematuria using Combi 9 test strips. The sedimentation method was used to determine the concentration of Schistosoma haematobium ova at baseline, three and six-months during gameplay. Vector snails were handpicked from rivers around schools and their infection status was determined by sunlight exposure to induce cercariae shedding. The collected data were entered into Microsoft Excel and imported into R Studio version 4.3.2 for analysis. Descriptive statistics was conducted, associations were investigated using chi-square statistics while KAP was analysed by determining the mean scores ± standard error of responses. FGDs were transcribed and analysed using NVivo 12. The effects of the redesigned games on schistosomiasis infection were reported as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) at 95% confidence intervals. Exploration of the questionnaires revealed that popular traditional games were Ludo (38.3%), Whot card (16.6%), Ayo-Olopon (14.9%), and Draft (9.1%). There was a significant (p < 0.001) increase in knowledge of schistosomiasis from 1.49 ± 0.05 to 13.9 ± 0.02 in the intervention group compared to the control group. Exposure to infection, attitudes and practices increased significantly (p < 0.001) from 1.80 ± 0.14 to 2.52 ± 0.19 and for treatment-seeking behaviour from 1.48 ± 0.06 to 2.76 ± 0.06 in the intervention group. The incidence rate of schistosomiasis increased in the intervention (1.10% - 2.52%) and control groups (0.20% - 1.03%) at 3 and 6 months, respectively. At 6 months after gameplay, the odds of being infected with schistosomiasis were lower in the intervention (AOR= 0.7, 95% CI=-1.18, -0.04) and higher in the control (AOR=1.69, 95% CI=-0.05, 2.06) groups. However, the 19 Bulinus truncatus and 5 Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails recovered from the communities were uninfected. This study demonstrated that traditional games redesigned with schistosomiasis health education messages are potential vehicles for delivering complementary interventions for the elimination of schistosomiasis.
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    EXPLORATION, ADAPTATION, REDESIGNING AND EVALUATION OF TRADITIONAL BOARD AND CARD GAMES FOR ENHANCING HEALTH EDUCATION FOR ELIMINATING SCHISTOSOMIASIS IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
    (2024-07-25) UMUNNAKWE, CYNTHIA UCHECHUKWU
    A Thesis submitted to the Department of Pure and Applied Zoology, College of Biosciences, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Parasitology
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    GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF Microsporidia spp. IN TICK POPULATION IN ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
    (2023-09-30) AJAGBE, DORCAS OLUWAKEMI
    ABSTRACT Microsporidia are endosymbionts targeted as potential microorganisms for biological control of arthropod vectors. However, not much is known about their distribution in tick population in Ogun State. The present study therefore, mapped the geographical distribution and molecular characterization of Microsporidia spp. in ticks’ populations. Ticks samples were collected from 68 cattle from Isoro Aje Gbonagun, Asero, and Lafenwa abattoir respectively, and 13 dogs from the State Veterinary Hospital, Ita-Eko, all in Ogun State, Nigeria. The ticks were morphologically identified and characterized into sex and developmental stage. DNA extracted from the ticks was subjected to PCR amplification using the universal Microsporidia small subunit ribosomal ribonucleic acid (ssU RNA) primers. Data were entered using Microsoft excel, cleaned of error and analysis were executed using SPSS version 22. A total of 875 ticks were collected, 668 from cattle, 207 from dog respectively. Ticks collected from cattle were Amblyomma variegatum 71(10.63%), Rhipicephalus decoloratus 58(8.68%), Rhipicephalus microplus 214(32.04%), Rhipicephalus annulatus322(48.20%) and Hyalomma marginatum 30(0.44%), while ticks collected from dog were Rhipicephalus sanguineus 47(22.7%), Amblyomma variegatum 30(14.49%), Heamaphysalisleachi 12(5.80%), Hyalomma marginatum (14.49%), Heamaphysalis punctata 28(13.53%) and Rhipicephalus microplus 60(28.99%). There is a significant difference (p = 0.01) in tick distribution between the sampling location; Lafenwa abattoir had the highest number of ticks (412) while the lowest number of ticks (86 ticks) were sampled fromIsoro Aje Gbonagun abattoir. Microsporidia spores were isolated from 277(31.66%) tick samples with 228 (82.31%) isolated from cattle and 49 (17.67%) from dogs. Microsporidia infection in tick species were Amblyomma variegatum 15(6.58%) Rhipicephalus decoloratus 14(6.14%), Rhipicephalus microplus 118(51.75%), Rhipicephalus annulatus 81(35.53%), Amblyomma variegatum 15(30.61%), Heamaphysalis leachi 5(10.20%), Hyalomma marginatum 9(18.37%), Heamaphysalis punctata 12(24.49%) and Rhipicephalus microplus 8(16.33). Microsporidia infection in tick species was not significantly different between cattle (p = 0.184) and between dog (p = 0.366). Molecular analysis of 60(21.67%) microscopically positive Microsporidia samples randomly selected across the study locations showed that 7(11.67%) was positive for Microsporidia DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid), at a base pair of 100bp, 250bp, 750bp, 500bp, 1000bp respectively. This study shows that Microsporidia endosymbionts are present among the tick populations in Abeokuta, Ogun state.
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    ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF CLASS 1, 2, AND 3 INTEGRONS IN MULTI-DRUG RESISTANT UROPATHOGENIC Klebsiella pneumoniae FROM PATIENTS ATTENDING TERTIARY HOSPITALS IN SOUTH WEST, NIGERIA
    (2023-11-20) NWACHUKWU, VICTORIA UDOCHUKWU
    ABSTRACT Integrons play an outstandingrole in the evolution and dissemination of antibiotic resistant genes especially among uropathogenicKlebsiella pneumoniae. However, the prevalence of extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) or Metallo-beta-lactamases (MBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae are increasingly becoming health care concern. This study aimed to characterize three classes of integrons identified among Multi-drug Resistant (MDR) uropathogenicKlebsiella pneumoniae isolated from patients visiting two tertiary hospitals in Southwest, Nigeria. Two hundred and fifty-three suspected Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from the urine benches of University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan (205) and Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta (48) were examined. Isolates were identified using Analytical Profile Index 20E, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Susceptibility of isolates to 14 antibiotic discs under 8 classes was determined using disc diffusion method. MDR was based on resistance to ≥3 classes of antibiotics. 10 isolates with resistant to ≥3 classes of antibiotics were selected for molecular studies. The Clinical laboratory standard institute confirmation test was used for the evaluation of ESBL or MBL production. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration were ascertained using microdilution technique. The DNA of the 10 MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae (MDRKP) was extracted using ZYMO research miniprep kit. Presence of blaIMPorblaCTX-M genes, class 1, 2, and 3 integrons, and the content of conserved segment (CS) were amplified using polymerase chain reaction. A total of 194 (95%) isolates from UCH and 10 (5%) from FMC were presumptively identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae by API 20E. Similarly, 88 (97.8%) from UCH, and 2 (2.2%) from FMC were putatively confirmed as Klebsiella pneumoniae by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. While 86.7% of the isolates were susceptible to colistin, 71.5% and 59.8% were sensitive to imipenem and cefoxitin respectively. High resistant phenotype was recorded against ampicillin (97.3%), amoxicillin clavulanate (82.4%), cephalothin (80.1%), cefotaxime (76.6%), sulfamethazine (73.4%) and ceftazidime (71.1%). The ESBL production was identified in 42.2% and MBL in 57.8% of the positive isolates in 57.8%. The MIC value for both colistin and imipenem ranged from 8-32 µg/mL, while cefotaxime value ranged from 4-64 µg/ml. All the isolates harboured blaIMPgroup while 87.5% carried blaCTX-M. Class 1, 2 integrons were detected in 87.5% strain while 25% harboured class 3 integrons. The CS of class 1, 2 and 3 integrons revealed 7 different arrays of antibiotic resistant genes (dfrA5, dfrA30; aadA1, dfrA1-sat1; dfrA1-sat1; dfrA5, dfrA30; aadA2; aadA2, dfrA12 and dfrA5, dfrA30, aadA2, aadA2, dfrA12). This study revealed high prevalence of class 1 and 2 integrons carrying gene cassettes and the presence of class 3 integrons among multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae harbouring blaCTX-M and blaIMP genes in the studied tertiary hospitals in Nigeria.
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    MICROBIAL DIVERSITY AND METABOLOMICS OF RUMINAL FLUID IN SHEEP AND GOATS FED WITH CASSAVA PEELS, CONCENTRATE RATION AND Panicum maximum.
    (2024-01-20) Ewuoso, Lateefat Motunrayo
    ABSTRACT Efficient feed utilization is crucial to enhancing productivity and overall health of ruminal animals. However, the precise mechanisms of microbial communities, enzymatic profile and metabolisms remain unclear. Hence, a comprehensive and quantitative metabolomics analysis of five different dietary treatments in sheep and goats were investigated. Forty sheep (twenty adults and twenty growers) and forty goats (twenty adults and twenty growers) were divided into five groups of dietary treatments: Dried Cassava peels (CP) 100%, Dried Cassava peels and Panicum maximum grass (CPG) 50:50, Panicum maximum grass and animal feed concentrate (GAF) 50:50, Dried Cassava peels and Animal feed concentrates in combination (CPAF) 50:50, and dried cassava peels with animal feed concentrate and Panicum maximum grass (CPGAF) 40:20:40. During the feeding experiment, health status of animals was closely monitored using haematological and serum biochemical parameters. At the end of 10 weeks, ruminal fluid samples were collected. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to determine short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Microbial enzymatic profile of the ruminal fluids which include: Amylolytic, Proteolytic and Cellulolytic population were determined using cultural approach. Metagenomic analysis of full length 16S rRNA bacterial genes in ruminal fluid samples were sequenced using PacBio and taxonomic information was determined based on QIMME2 for the five diets in sheep and goat. Untargeted metabolome was characterized using gas chromatography of a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Data obtained was subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and means were separated by Turkey’s test using SAS software. Statistical significance was taken with p value ≤ 0.05. Reduced level of packed cell volume was observed in CP, while other diets did not alter the haematology of the animals. Results demonstrated distinct variations in the metabolites and microbial enzymatic profiles among the different dietary treatments. SCFA production in sheep was highest (9.20 mg/L) in those fed with CPGAF while CPAF fed goat had a peak value of 4.59 mg/L. Higher abundance of amylolytic, proteolytic and cellulolytic population of 2.7x106 and 2.6x105 and 1.6x106 CFU/ml was observed in sheep fed with CPGAF, CPGAF and GAF respectively. These groups displayed higher levels of SCFAs, and microbial enzyme potentials. CPGAF produced highest sequence reads of 10202 and 8616 in Sheep and Goat respectively. Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria were top three most abundant phyla representing ~90% of all samples. Microbiological diversity was found in the community, with CPAF having the most evenness. There were a lot of similarities between CPAF and CPG groups in terms of genetic diversity. Bacterial microbiome of CPAF was more diverse, with a higher concentration of motility proteins, two-component systems, bacterial secretion systems, and the formation and breakdown of secondary metabolites. Lower richness of microbiome gene content and taxa was tightly linked to lower feed efficiency. Major families present are Bifidobacteriaceae, Prevotellaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Christensenellaceae, Bacillaceae, Rikenellaceae, Atopobiaceae, Muribaculaceae, and Ruminococcaceae. In conclusion, this study revealed CPGAF had the most improved productivity effect on sheep while GAF supported goat more.
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    MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY AND SAFETY ASSESSMENT OF KULI-KULI PRODUCED IN SELECTED LOCATIONS IN OGUN-STATE SOUTHWEST, NIGERIA.
    (2023-11-30) OSIJO, AGNES ADEBOLA
    ABSTRACT Kuli-kuli, a popular snack derived from groundnut (Arachis hypogea) is particularly prone to contamination by a wide variety of microorganisms. This research aimedto assess the microbiological quality of commercially availablekuli-kuliand also survey its traditional processing practicesso as to identify the possible cause of contamination (physical, chemical and biological) at different processing stages. Samples at processing stages were collected from four local producers and sixteen street vendorsin four selected towns in Ogun State. Samples prepared in the laboratory served as the control. Microbiological, chemical and physical assessments of samples were carried out using standard procedures. Total Bacterial Counts, Staphylococci, coliform, yeast and mold counts were enumerated on Nutrient, Mannitol Salt, MacConkey, yeast extract and Sabourad Dextrose agar, respectively.Microbial isolates were identified using morphological, biochemical and molecular methods. Chemical analysis was carried out using Kirk and Sawyer method. Mycotoxins of health concern: aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), aflatoxin G2 (AFG2), ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisin B1 (FB1), HT-2 toxin, T-2 toxin and zearalenone (ZEN) were also analyzed using Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography/Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry method. Baseline assessment score sheet were used to obtain information about vending and processingarea, handling practices and process control.All data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 17.0.Means were separated using Duncan multiple range test. The total bacterial counts in the raw groundnut samples ranged from 1.56±0.00 to 3.66±0.00Log10 CFU/g, moulded kuli-kuli ranged from 2.00±0.06 to 2.75±0.06 Log10 CFU/gand the final product ranged from 1.10±0.08 to 2.30±0.08Log10 CFU/g. The fungal count in the raw groundnut ranged from 1.43±0.10 to 10.01±1.99Log10 CFU/g, moulded kuli-kuli ranged from 1.02± 0.05 to 3.05± 0.60Log10 CFU/g and the final product ranged from 0.50± 0.01 to 3.00± 0.07 Log10 CFU/g.Bacterial species isolated from street vended samples includedPseudomonas spp, Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureusand Escherichia coli, while mould isolated were Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillusniger, Mucorhiemalis,Rhizopusspp. and Sacharomyces cerevisiae. Some physical contaminants were observed during the processing stages of kuli-kuli. In the street vended kuli-kuli, cadmium concentrations ranged from (0.01 to 1.03)mg/kg, arsenic (0.10 to 12.05)mg/kg. Lead (0.03)mg/kg was detected only in the sample collected from one out of the sixteen vendors. Cadmium concentrations ranged from 0.24±0.03 to 6.10± 0.10 mg/kg in the raw groundnuts and 0.14±0.06 to 7.45± 1.50 mg/kg in the finished products both obtained from local producers.Lead was not detected in any of the stages during processing. High levels of AFB1 (162 µg/ kg), FB1 (154 µg/kg), AFB2 (59 µg/kg), and FB2 (57 µg/kg) were recorded in the samples. The level of the microbial, chemical and physical contamination at different processing stages of kuli-kuli in this study showed that there are safety concerns in the kuli-kuli products from the different local producers and street vendors.
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    MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY AND SAFETY ASSESSMENT OF KULI-KULI PRODUCED IN SELECTED LOCATIONS IN OGUN-STATE SOUTHWEST, NIGERIA.
    (2023-11-20) OSIJO, AGNES ADEBOLA
    ABSTRACT Kuli-kuli, a popular snack derived from groundnut (Arachis hypogea) is particularly prone to contamination by a wide variety of microorganisms. This research aimedto assess the microbiological quality of commercially availablekuli-kuliand also survey its traditional processing practicesso as to identify the possible cause of contamination (physical, chemical and biological) at different processing stages. Samples at processing stages were collected from four local producers and sixteen street vendorsin four selected towns in Ogun State. Samples prepared in the laboratory served as the control. Microbiological, chemical and physical assessments of samples were carried out using standard procedures. Total Bacterial Counts, Staphylococci, coliform, yeast and mold counts were enumerated on Nutrient, Mannitol Salt, MacConkey, yeast extract and Sabourad Dextrose agar, respectively.Microbial isolates were identified using morphological, biochemical and molecular methods. Chemical analysis was carried out using Kirk and Sawyer method. Mycotoxins of health concern: aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), aflatoxin G2 (AFG2), ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisin B1 (FB1), HT-2 toxin, T-2 toxin and zearalenone (ZEN) were also analyzed using Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography/Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry method. Baseline assessment score sheet were used to obtain information about vending and processingarea, handling practices and process control.All data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 17.0.Means were separated using Duncan multiple range test. The total bacterial counts in the raw groundnut samples ranged from 1.56±0.00 to 3.66±0.00Log10 CFU/g, moulded kuli-kuli ranged from 2.00±0.06 to 2.75±0.06 Log10 CFU/gand the final product ranged from 1.10±0.08 to 2.30±0.08Log10 CFU/g. The fungal count in the raw groundnut ranged from 1.43±0.10 to 10.01±1.99Log10 CFU/g, moulded kuli-kuli ranged from 1.02± 0.05 to 3.05± 0.60Log10 CFU/g and the final product ranged from 0.50± 0.01 to 3.00± 0.07 Log10 CFU/g.Bacterial species isolated from street vended samples includedPseudomonas spp, Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureusand Escherichia coli, while mould isolated were Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillusniger, Mucorhiemalis,Rhizopusspp. and Sacharomyces cerevisiae. Some physical contaminants were observed during the processing stages of kuli-kuli. In the street vended kuli-kuli, cadmium concentrations ranged from (0.01 to 1.03)mg/kg, arsenic (0.10 to 12.05)mg/kg. Lead (0.03)mg/kg was detected only in the sample collected from one out of the sixteen vendors. Cadmium concentrations ranged from 0.24±0.03 to 6.10± 0.10 mg/kg in the raw groundnuts and 0.14±0.06 to 7.45± 1.50 mg/kg in the finished products both obtained from local producers.Lead was not detected in any of the stages during processing. High levels of AFB1 (162 µg/ kg), FB1 (154 µg/kg), AFB2 (59 µg/kg), and FB2 (57 µg/kg) were recorded in the samples. The level of the microbial, chemical and physical contamination at different processing stages of kuli-kuli in this study showed that there are safety concerns in the kuli-kuli products from the different local producers and street vendors.
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    MODULATORY EFFECTS OF DIETARY INCLUSION OF CRAB-CHITOSAN ON RENAL DYSFUNCTION ASSOCIATED WITH 1, 2-DIMETHYLHYDRAZINE-INDUCED COLORECTAL CANCER IN MALE WISTAR RATS
    (2024-09-20) OYEYINKA, Tolulope Oyeronke
    ABSTRACT Renal dysfunction is a significant complication in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and is 12 associated with high morbidity and mortality. Studies have reported that 35% of CRC cases are 13 linked to dietary factors. This study investigated the modulatory effects of dietary inclusion of 14 chitosan on renal dysfunction associated with CRC in male Wistar rats induced with 65 mg/kg b.w.t 15 of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH). Forty-nine male Wistar rats (80–100) g were separated into seven groups (n=7): normal control, DMH control, DMH + 2.5% chitosan, DMH + 5% chitosan, 17 DMH + 7.5% chitosan, DMH + standard drug (capecitabine - 10 mg/kg b.wt.), and Diet control(7.5% chitosan). The DMH was administered subcutaneously weekly for six weeks followed by chitosan-inclusion diets given for eight weeks. The normal control, DMH control and DMH +standard drug groups were fed normal diet. Samples of blood, colon, and kidney were taken and processed using standard methods for biochemical, haematological, geneexpression and histopathological analyses. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, followed by Duncan’s multiple range test; p < 0.05 was considered significant. The DMH control group showed elevated (9.4 fold) serum carcino-embryonic antigen when compared with the normal control, which was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by 76% following chitosan treatment. The chitosaninclusion diets significantly (p < 0.05) increased the DMH-reduced creatinine (29 and 5.8) fold, and urea (53 and 31)% in the serum and kidney, respectively. Additionally, chitosan increased the DMH-reduced levels of calcium (1.7, 12.2, and 2.6) fold and magnesium (41, 284, and 6)%, inserum, kidney and colon, respectively. However, the effect of chitosan was observed only onsodium level in serum (71%) and kidney (242%), and colon potassium (71%). Furthermore, activities of Na+/K+- and Ca2+/Mg2+-ATPases were significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited in the kidney and colon of DMH control group, but was dose-dependently reversed by chitosan diets. There were significant (p < 0.05) increases in levels of malondialdehyde (22, 30 and 33)% and reducedglutathione (23, 18 and 19)%, and 5' nucleotidase activity (0.2, 1.2 and 2) fold, respectively inserum, kidney and colon of DMH control compared with normal control. Gamma-glutamylcysteine ligase and glutathione reductase activities were significantly (p < 0.05) activated, respectively in the kidney (2.7 and 2.2) fold and colon (3 and 3.1) fold of DMH control compared to normal control. The reverse was observed for vitamin E level in all the compartments and vitamin C in kidney and colon. Furthermore, the DMH control group exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) down-regulated adenomatous polyposis coli, β-catenin, and βcl2 genes; however, dietary inclusion of chitosansignificantly abrogated this effect. Also, basophils significantly (p < 0.05) increased by 60% while eosinophils decreased by 97% in DMH control when compared to normal control; these changes were alleviated in groups given chitosan. Altered nephrotic and colonic architecture observed inDMH control were effectively remedied with chitosan. Conclusively, chitosan at 7.5% effectively ameliorated renal dysfunction associated with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colorectal carcinogenesis.
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    PHYTOTOXIC EFFECTS OF METABOLITES PRODUCED BY WILD AND MUTANT STRAINS OF ACTINOBACTERIA ON POST-EMERGENCE OF Chromolaena odorata (L.) R. M. KING and H. E. ROBINS2
    (2024-01-20) HASSAN Husseinat Olamide
    ABSTRACT Chromolaena odorata, known as Siam weed, is one of the most invasive weeds in Nigeria and West Africa. The allelochemicals produced by this plant may inhibit the growth of many crop plants, causing yield losses. Chemical herbicides are commonly used to control this weed but their use has contributed to health hazard and environmental pollution. This study evaluated the phytotoxic effects of metabolites produced by wild and mutant strains of actinobacteria species on post-emergent C. odorata. Soil samples were collected from the rhizosphere and rhizoplane of young seedlings and mature plants of C. odorata from four farms within and outside the university. Actinobacteria were isolated from the soil samples using standard microbiological techniques. The actinobacterial isolates were then identified by morphological and biochemical characterization methods. They were then screened for their phytotoxic effects using seed germination and detached leaf necrosis assays. Two isolates with the highest phytotoxic potentials were exposed to UV light and different concentrations of ethidium bromide solution. Secondary metabolites were extracted from the wild and mutant actinobacterial species with higher phytotoxic potentials. Screen house studies on the post-emergence of C. odorata were carried out to assess the phytotoxic effects of two most effective metabolites. In the screen house, 6 treatments were laid out in a completely randomized design in triplicates. The two isolates were then characterized by 16S rRNA gene sequencing method. The bioactive constituents of the metabolites were also determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Data were analysed by one-way analysis of variance, followed by separation of means using Duncan’s multiple range test at p ≤ 0.05. The total actinobacterial counts of the rhizospheric and rhizoplane soil samples of C. odorata ranged from 0.00 – 2.67 × 103 CFU/g and 0.00 – 5.0 × 103 CFU/g, respectively. A total of 31 isolates belonging to the genera Streptomyces, Actinomyces, Corynebacterium, Nocardia, Microbacterium, Micromonospora, Micrococcus, Bifidobacterium, Kocuria, Frankia and Mycobacterium were obtained. Only 18 (58.06 %) isolates inhibited the seed germination of C. odorata. Results of leaf necrosis assay revealed that among the isolates, 5 exhibited highest phytotoxic potentials, inducing 100% necrosis on C. odorata leaves. The results also showed that the metabolites produced by mutant strains of Streptomyces malaysiensis and Frankia asymbiotica caused 100% and 96% necrosis on the leaves of C. odorata, respectively. The screen house experiment revealed that the metabolites produced by mutant and wild strains of S. malaysiensis and F. asymbiotica exhibited moderate to high phytotoxic activities (35.8 % to 89.1 %) on the post-emergence of C. odorata causing necrosis curling, wilting and chlorosis at 21 days after application. The HPLC analyses detected 19 and 9 bioactive constituents in metabolites of S. malaysiensis and F. asymbiotica mutants respectively, with 2, 4-Di-tert-butylphenol found in both metabolites. The study therefore showed that metabolites produced by mutant and wild strains of S. malaysiensis and F. asymbiotica possessed phytotoxic properties on the post-emergent Chromolaena odorata under screen house conditions.
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    PREVALENCE OF AMPICILLINASE C, EXTENDED-SPECTRUM AND METALLO-ΒETA-LACTAMASE GENES IN GRAM-NEGATIVE ESKAPEE BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM TERTIARY HOSPITALS IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA
    (2024-01-25) ADEBIYI, INI
    ABSTRACT Gram-negative ESKAPEE bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter species and Eschericia coli) have been reported globally as leading causes of nosocomial infections. The major mechanism of antibiotic resistance in these bacteria is the production of drug resistant enzymes such as extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL), metallo-β-lactamase (MBL), and Ampicillinase-C β-lactamase (Amp-C). This study determined antibiotic resistance patterns, detect production of β-lactamase enzymes and resistant genes among Gram negative ESKAPEE bacteria. A total of 283 clinical Gram-negative bacterial isolates from blood, wound, urine and lower respiratory tract samples of in-patients were collected from three tertiary hospitals in Southwest Nigeria (University College Hospital, Ibadan, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta and Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife). Isolates were confirmed by standard biochemical tests and antibiotic susceptibility patterns were determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Phenotypic detection of Amp-C, ESBLs, and MBLs was confirmed using Three-dimensional extract, Double-disc Synergy and combined disk tests, respectively. Polymerase Chain Reaction was performed on positive phenotypic isolates to detect resistance genes using specific primers. Statistical significance of data was tested using Chi-square with 95% confidence interval. Most of the isolates (97.5%) were multidrug resistant (MDR) with Acinetobacter baumannii being 100% resistant to seven out of the ten antibiotics tested. Isolates showed least (41.0 %) and highest (96.5%) resistance to Meropenem and Ampicillin respectively. Resistance to Meropenem among K. pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes and P. aeruginosa isolates from UCH was significantly (72.4%, 87.5% and 70.0%) higher than from other hospitals, respectively. Phenotypically, the prevalence of AmpC, MBL and ESBL were 19.9%, 19.4% and 13.5%, respectively. Multiple phenotypic β-lactamase production was observed in 30 isolates but was statistically significant (80%) in isolates from UCH. Wound samples from surgical wards had the highest prevalence of ESBL (15.8%), AmpC (15.6%) and MBL (16.4%) phenotypes respectively. Majority of the AmpC (95% - 100%), ESBL (80% - 100%), and MBL (93.5% - 100%) isolates except P. aeruginosa were resistant to Ciprofloxacin and third generation Cephalosporins. MBL-producing P. aeruginosa showed resistance to Ceftazidime (60%) and Ciprofloxacin (70%). The detection rate was 9.2% for MBL, 5.7% for ESBL and 3.5% for AmpC genes. The most predominant ESBL resistant gene was blaSHV (75%) while blaFOX (62.5%) was detected as the most predominant AmpC resistant gene. Two genes blaVIM (42.3%) and blaIMP (42.3%) were equally predominant among MBL genes. These genes occurred mostly in K. pneumoniae (32%) and E. coli (28%) isolates. All isolates encoding ESBL and MBL genes were MDR while all the isolates encoding AmpC genes were extensively drug resistant. Surgical wards had majority of isolates encoding AmpC (37.5%) and MBL (26.9%) genes while the urology and gynecology wards had majority (18.8%) of isolates with ESBL genes. This study revealed a high prevalence of beta-lactamase-producing Gram-negative bacteria in hospitalized patients and showed that there is high risk of multidrug resistant pathogens spreading among hospitalized patients in tertiary healthcare facilities in Southwest Nigeria.
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    SEED BANK DYNAMICS AND ALLELOPATHIC EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT OF SOME TREE SPECIES ON Zea mays L. IN TWO FOREST RESERVES
    (2023-09-30) JOSEPH, OLADIPUPO JULIUS
    ABSTRACT Agroforestry practice has been identified as a potential means of improving food security. However, allelopathic influences of trees on crops are yet to be totally understood, especially in agroforestry systems in Nigeria. This study investigated seed bank dynamics in Olokemeji (Ogun State) and Onigambari (Oyo State) Forest Reserves and allelopathic effect of some tree species on Zea mays L. Study areas, 90 m x 90 m each were mapped out using systemic line transects. Soil samples were taken from different soil depths (0-10 cm, 11-20 cm, and 21-30 cm) in both locations, while seed bank density was evaluated for 6 months in the screen house. Simpson’s index, Shannon-wiener index, species richness and species evenness were calculated for all trees found at each location. Aqueous leaf extracts from three dominant tree species in each location (Senna siamea Lam., Anogeissus leiocarpus (DC.) Guill. and Perr., Millettia thonningii Schum and Thonn., Leuceana leucocephala Lam., Khaya senegalensis Desr. and Enterolobium cyclocarpum Jacq.) were prepared using standard procedures. Allelopathic influence of each extract was investigated on Z. mays arranged in a complete randomized design with five replicates, while treatment with addition of water served as the control. Agronomic parameters such as plant height (PH), number of leaves (NL), root length (RL), leaf area (LA), chlorophyll content (CC), and yield were measured. Crop growth rate (CGR), leaf area ratio (LAR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) were calculated. Data were analysed using One-way Analysis of Variance while means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at p < 0.05. Results showed that Olokemeji and Onigambari had 553 and 266 tree species, respectively. Simpson’s index of Onigambari showed 0.90 diversity while Olokemeji had diversity of 0.85. Shanno-Wiener index and Species evenness of Olokemeji showed 2.13 and 0.83 respectively, while Onigambari had 2.41 and 0.89, respectively. The seed bank of Olokemeji produced 130, 78, and 40 seedlings at 0-10 cm, 11-20 cm and 21-30 cm depths, respectively whereas, Onigambari had 92, 49 and 37 seedlings at 0-10 cm, 11-20 cm and 21-30 cm, respectively. Both forest had the same Simpson’s index nevertheless, Shannon-Wiener index, species richness, and species evenness of Olokemeji Forest Reserve were higher at all depths than Onigambari Forest Reserve. Leaf extracts of five out of six dominant trees increased agronomic parameters of Z. mays. Among the six dominant trees, extract of S. siamea had increased PH, and NL of Z. mays by 8.1% and 8.8%, respectively compared with the control. Also, leaf extract of L. leucocephala increased RL, CC, LAR and NAR of Z. mays by 8.1%, 1.7%, 24.1% and 36.8% respectively, compared with the control. However, the PH, NL, CGR, NAR and yield of Z. mays treated with E. cyclocarpum leaf extract decreased by 13.3%, 19.2%, 45.9%, 42.1% and 50.5% respectively, compared with the control. The study showed that Olokemeji had a richer seed bank and higher tree frequency than Onigambari. Also, aqueous leave extracts of the studied tree species had positive allelopathic influence on Zea mays except Enterolobium cyclocarpum.