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Microbiological safety assessment of food handlers in Wudil Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria
Get PDFThis study was conducted to investigate the bacteriological safety levels of food handlers in Wudil Local Government Area (LGA) of Kano State, Nigeria. A total of 200 hand-swab samples were collected from different male [100 (50%)] and female [100 (50%)] food handlers/peddlers in the study area. From these samples, 200 non-duplicate bacterial isolates consisting of strains of Salmonella typhi [60 (30%)], Salmonella choleraesuis [52 (26%)], Proteus mirabilis [10 (5%)], Morganella morganii [10 (5%)], Pseudomonas aeruginosa [10 (5%)], Escherichia coli [18 (9%)] and Staphylococcus aureus [40 (20%)] were isolated. A significant proportion (33.3%) of the food handlers sampled was children within the age range of 8-12 years. In addition, only 33.5% of the food handlers had basic level of primary education and a majority (96.5%) of the food handlers displayed poor levels of personal hygiene, especially with regards to safe food handling. S. typhi, S. cholaeresius and S. aureus were found to be the common bacterial species that colonized the hands of food handlers/peddlers in Wudil LGA, Kano State. This highlights a lack of food safety and the resulting risk of spreading foodborne diseases in the area. In addition, low literacy levels and lack of safe food handling practices contribute to the prevalence of these pathogens among the food handlers. It is important for food handlers to obtain training on safe food practices, undergo periodic health checks and practice proper hand hygiene.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.381334
Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) essential oil as a potent anti-inflammatory, wound healing and anti-nociceptive drug
Get PDFThe present investigation was designed to study the chemical composition of Algerian peppermint essential oil (PEO) as well as the in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and anti-nociceptive properties. Twenty-three compounds were identified in the PEO with the main chemical component as menthol (53.29%). Also, PEO showed a high content of oxygenated monoterpene compounds (92.75%). Topical application of PEO at doses of 200 and 20 µL/kg significantly reduced the acute ear edema in 38.09% and 36.50, respectively. Histological observation confirmed that PEO inhibited the skin inflammatory response. In-vivo wound healing activity of the cream prepared from PEO (0.5% w/w) was assessed by circular excision wound model followed by histological examination. The topical administration of PEO cream showed a significant decrease of unhealed wound area rate between the 6th (1.67±0.14 mm2) and the 9th (0.49±0.22 mm2) days of treatment when compared with the vehicle (2.32±0.77 mm2; p<0.05) and Madecassol® 0.1% creams (2.23±0.35 mm2; p<0.05). The PEO reduced nociceptive behavior at all doses tested in the acetic acid-induced nociception test (p<0.05). These findings support the anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and analgesic properties of PEO. We suggest that PEO is a promising candidate for use in skin care products with anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.383104
Pseudomonas species from cattle dung producing extended spectrum and metallo beta-lactamases
Get PDFIndiscriminate use of antibiotics in livestock contributes to emergence of antimicrobial resistance in pathogens co-habiting the gastro-intestinal tract of animals. This study was to determine the Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) and Metallo-Beta-Lactamase (MBL) production in Pseudomonas species from cattle fecal samples. Cattle dungs were collected from the University of Ibadan Cattle Ranch and the Pseudomonas species isolated using Pseudomonas Base Agar with Pseudomonas CN Selective Supplement were identified using standard tests. Phenotypic detection of ESBL and MBL was by double disk synergy test and Ethylene Di-amine Tetra Acetic Acid Combined Disk Test respectively. Antibiotics susceptibility tests was done using the disc diffusion technique against ten antibiotics. A total of 144 Pseudomonas species were isolated and identified as P. aeruginosa (71.5%), P. fluorescens (19.4%) and P. stutzeri (9.1%) and 19 (37.1%) produced ESBL including P. aeruginosa (15), P. fluorescens (2) and P. stutzeri (2) while, one (6.7%) ESBL P. aeruginosa produced MBL. All the ESBL producers were resistant to cefotaxime and trimethoprim; resistance of P. aeruginosa to ciprofloxacin was 93.3% and to ceftazidime was 80.0%, while it was 13.3% (colistin) and 6.7% (imipenem). The ESBL producing P. fluorescens were resistant to ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim, likewise, the ESBL producing P. stutzeri showed resistance to gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim. The production of ESBL and MBL observed among the Pseudomonas species in this study with high level of resistance to some antibiotics portend public health risk, hence a need for caution in the use of antibiotics in animal husbandry.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.363080
Effect of growth media on the early performance of Prosopis africana (Guill. and Perr.) Taub. seedlings
Get PDFThis study examined the performance of Prosopis africana seedlings raised under different growth media. The experiment was laid in a completely randomized design with three treatments (topsoil, mixture of topsoil and poultry droppings, and mixture of topsoil and cow dung). Each treatment was replicated 4 times and each replicate had 10 potted seedlings making a total of 120 seedlings. The seedling growth variables; heights (cm) collar diameters (cm), number of leaves data were collected every 3 days for 12 weeks. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and significant means were separated using Duncan multiple range test at 0.05 significant level. The result showed significant difference (p=0.005) in the height of seedlings. No significant difference existed in the seedlings collar diameter (p=0.306) and number of leaves (p=0.957). The follow-up result indicated that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the height of seedlings raised in mixture of topsoil and poultry droppings (Mean ± standard error =105.87±5.40a) and topsoil (105.18±4.27a). However, a significant difference (p>0.05) existed between both treatments and mixture of topsoil and cow dung (86.36±4.90b). Seedlings raised in the mixture of topsoil and poultry droppings had the best performance. The study therefore, recommended raising Prosopis africana seedling with topsoil for reduced cost of production.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.398093
Heavy metals biosorption by urease producing Lysinibacillus fusiformis 5B
Get PDFBiosorption is the ability of biological materials to accumulate heavy metals from wastewater through mediated or physico-chemical pathways of uptake. Urease producing bacteria have been hypothesized to have inherent bioremediation abilities. The aim of this research was to determine the potential of Lysinibacillus fusiformis 5B to biosorp Pb, Cr, Cd and Ni. The stock solution of Pb, Cr, Cd and Ni was prepared by dissolving 0.0157 g of Pb(C2H3O2)2, 0.057 g of K2Cr2O7, 0.018 g of CdSO4 and 0.026 g of NiSO4 in 100 mL of dH2O respectively. Lysinibacillus fusiformis 5B was screened for the potential to utilise 5 ppm of the heavy metals using agar dilution method. Broth of L. fusiformis 5B was inoculated to 10, 15, 20 and 50 ppm of the heavy metals. The rate of biosorption was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) after 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days. The biosorption % was determined by Beer Lambart’s equation. Lysinibacillus fusiformis 5B was able to tolerate 5 ppm concentration of all the heavy metals by showing visible growth on surfaces of nutrient agar Petri plates. Generally, there was an increase in biosorption rate as the days progress. After 35 days of incubation, the highest biosorption rate of 99.96%, 99.97%, and 99.94% were recorded for Pb, Cr, and Cd respectively at 10 ppm and 99.33% of Ni at 15 ppm. The results of this study showed that L. fusiformis 5B possess the capacity to biosorp Pb, Cr, Cd and Ni and can be developed as biosorption agent for these heavy metals.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.402316
Antibiogram and non-detection of mecA gene in Staphylococcus spp. isolated from a sewage-imparted stream within a University community
Get PDFWastewater from households containing varying amount of chemicals such as antiseptics, antibiotics, bacteria and other toxic chemicals are directly discharged into the environment. The compounds present in the wastewater could play a role in the selection of antibiotic resistance in environmental bacteria and pose a public health risk to the environment. Water samples were obtained from five (5) selected points along the stream channel fortnightly for a period of four months. Isolation of Staphylococcus spp. was carried out on mannitol salt agar using the pour plate technique. Antibiotics susceptibility testing was done using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Detection of mecA was carried out on methicillin resistant isolates by PCR using specific primers. A total of 53 Staphylococcus spp. were obtained from the wastewater sample; Staphylococcus aureus (79.2%), S. epidermidis (17%) and S. saprophyticus (3.8%). The antibiotics susceptibility test showed that 42% of the total isolates obtained were resistant to oxacillin, tetracycline (4%), chloramphenicol (4%), sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (2%) and linezolid (2%). There was no resistance to vancomycin, erythromycin, clindamycin, ciprofloxacin and gentamycin. None of the twenty-two methicillin resistant isolates in this study possessed mecA gene. There is a need for adequate treatment of wastewater discharge before release into various receiving channels to prevent the increasing rate of antibiotics resistance develop in environmental bacteria.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.392462
The concentration of glyphosate in the tap water in Greater Poland Region
Get PDFThe harmfull effects of glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine) on animal and human health was stated by many researchers. The studies on such effects concerned mainly the people exposed to herbicides. In the environment, glyphosate remains relatively stable, with half-life ranged between a few days to several months or even a year in field studies, depending on soil composition. As this herbicide the widely used all over the world, the monitoring its concentration in everyday food becomes necessary. The aim of the study was to estimate the glyphosate levels in tap water samples collected from different Water Treatment Plants in Greater Poland region. The concentration of glyphosate was measured in 66 randomly collected drinking water samples from separate Water Treatment Plants. Measurements were done using two analytical techniques: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and high-performance liquid chromatography technique. Levels of glyphosate in the tested samples were low (0.15±0.07 µg/L). Both assays have been found well suited to the analysis of glyphosate concentrations in the drinking water. The concentration of glyphosate in the tap water is very low, and could be discarded in estimation of daily intake of this herbicide in Great Poland region. So, it is unlikely that drinking water from Water Treatment Plants can be important source of glyphosate contamination in urbanized populations compared to vegetables, fruit and other possible sources.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.431025
Comparative pollen morphology of Calycanthaceae for their taxonomic implication
Get PDFThe pollen morphology of four species of Calycanthaceae is described based on the observation of scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. All pollens are monad, large grain category. The pollen grain was elliptic with disulcate. Surface ornamentation is smooth. Pollen grains of each species are from the genus Sinocalycanthus, Calycanthus, Chimonanthus and Idiospermum. The basic shape of the pollen grains is elliptical. The pollen is spheroid in Calycanthaceae except in Idiospermum, which represent boat-shape. The circular shape was in polar views in Chimonanthus but equatorial shape in Sinocalycanthus. Idiospermum and Chimonanthus were smooth exine with micro-perforation but rugose exine in Sinocalycanthus and Chimonanthus.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.376333
In-silico study of some natural compounds used as antifungal agents against Candida albicans
Get PDFFungal diseases are very common these days, so there is a high need to design and develop new antifungal drugs that can counter these diseases. Candida albicans is one of the opportunistic pathogenic yeasts that can cause serious diseases such as oropharyngeal candidiasis, vulvovaginal (genital) candidiasis, and invasive candidiasis (candidemia). This article focuses on the in-silico evaluation of anti-candidal activity of some natural compounds like ajoene, allicin, curcumin, gingerol, nimbin, nimbolide, nimonol and 6-Shogaol. Binding affinity of these compounds have been determined against the most common targets in C. albicans viz. cytochrome p450, lanosterol synthase, serine/threonine protein kinase, squalene monooxygenase, sterol-14-demethylase and thymidylate synthase. PatchDock and FireDock web servers were used to carry out the docking studies. The proposed targets of ajoene, allicin, curcumin, gingerol, nimbin, nimbolide, nimonol and 6-Shogaol are sterol 14-demethylase, cytochrome p450, cytochrome p450, cytochrome p450, cytochrome p450, squalene monooxygenase, lanosterol synthase and squalene monooxygenase respectively based upon the binding energies obtained by the docking studies. This study opens new avenues in the usage of the natural compounds as potential antifungal agents.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.391129
Effects of chlorpyrifos on ultimobranchial and parathyroid glands of Indian skipper frog, Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis
Get PDFThis study investigated effects of chlorpyrifos on ultimobranchial (UBG) and parathyroid glands (PTG) of frog, Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis. Frogs were treated with chlorpyrifos for short and long term and sacrificed after 24, 48, 72 or 96 h in short term and after 5.10, 15 and 30 days in long term. Chlorpyrifos exposure provokes decrease in serum calcium levels after 48 h which persists till 96 h. There is slight decrease in the nuclear volume of UBG cells and cytoplasm depict weak staining response after 72 h. After 96 h these changes are more pronounced. PTG of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis exposed to chlorpyrifos exhibit no change till 96 h. Serum calcium decreases on day 10 after chlorpyrifos exposure which continue to fall progressively till 30 days. After 15 days chloryrifos exposure, nuclear volume of UBG exhibit decrease and follicular epithelium displays decrease in height. Follicular epithelium after 30 days chlorpyrifos exposure reduces to the extent that it becomes single layered. Few degenerating cells have been discerned. At this interval nuclear volume of ultimobranchial cells exhibits a further decrease. PTG of chlorpyrifos treated frog depicts increased nuclear volume of PTG at 10 and 15 days. The nuclei of PTG are hyperchromatic and the gland becomes compact at 15 days. After 30 days following chlorpyrifos treatment nuclear volume exhibits further increase. Also degenerating cells make their appearance. Calcium regulating glands UBG and PTG of frogs were adversely affected by exposure to chlorpyrifos which may disturb the physiological functions of the organism.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.400415