Phenotypic Characterization and Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile of Coagulase Positive Staphylococci from The External Surfaces of Hospital Cockroaches (Periplaneta americana)

A study to phenotypically characterize and determine the antibiogram of coagulase positive Staphylococci (CoPS) from the external surfaces of hospital cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) was conducted using standard microbiological methods. Out of the 50 cockroaches collected from various hospitals in Uyo, sixty-two percent (n = 31) had coagulase positive Staphylococci which consisted of Staphylococcus aureus (44.0 %; n = 22) and Staphylococcus intermedius (18.0 %; n = 9). The CoPS isolates showed 100% resistance to Penicillin, Tetracycline, Clindamycin and 80.6% sensitivity to Amoxicillin-clavulanate. The CoPS showed multiple antibiotic resistances to ≥ 3 antibiotics, with 60 % exhibiting resistance to 6 antibiotics. Out of the 80 % (n = 31) of the multidrug resistant CoPS that were sensitive to Amoxicillin-clavulanate, none of them showed production of beta lactamase. The cockroaches bore multiple antibiotic resistant CoPS on their external surfaces and their contact can initiate contamination of patients’ food. Pest control measures in hospital are hereby recommended to minimize cockroach related infections

The prevalence of non-tuberculous recurrent cough in-patients within Cross River State, Nigeria

Introduction: Nontuberculous recurrent cough is becoming rampant among hospitalized patients.Aim: Hospitalized patients and out-patients in some hospitals in Cross River State were studied for the prevalence of nontuberculous recurrent cough in the stateMethods: This was carried out using standard procedures in Microbiology.Results: The bacterial isolates from the sputum samples were Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The patients’ age group 20 – 39 years had the highest prevalence of non – tuberculous recurrent cough (46.7%) while the least prevalence of 1.0% was among the age group ≥ 80 years. The prevalence rate of 33.7% was the highest among the social class and businessmen, while the least prevalence rate of 8.2% was found among students. Out of a total of 1466 samples studied, 93.6% was nontuberculous cases.Conclusion: Mycobacterium tuberculosis is therefore not the predominant cause of cough in the study area as at the time of this studyKeywords: non-tuberculosis, recurrent cough, Ziehl-Neelsen, Mycobacterium tuberculosi

Production, microbiological and quality evaluation of low-fat spiced yoghurts with low glycemic loads

Spiced yoghurt improves health in various ways such as ability to improve metabolism and burn extra calories. Consumption of full fat yoghurt has declined due to the awareness of the probable harmful effects of fat on consumers’ health, thus dietary habits of consumers have changed and market interest has also tended to change in favour of low or non-fat yoghurt. This study was aimed at highlighting the physico-chemical, microbiological analysis and nutritional importance of spiced yoghurts. Standard methods were used for the production of plain and spice -treated yoghurts and the spices used were turmeric, Aframomum danielli and clove (1% w/v), respectively. All the yoghurt samples were stored at 4°C.Control sample (plain yoghurt) had no spice. Physicochemical profile, proximate composition and microbiological analysis were determined for all the yoghurt samples. The glycemic load of each sample was calculated by multiplying the glycemic indices (GIs) of non-fat yoghurt (International Glycemic Index Table) by the available carbohydrate and dividing the product by 100. While the carbohydrate content of plain yoghurt was 24.15 ± 0.69%, turmeric and Aframomum danielli- spiced yoghurts had 14.75 ± 0.69 %and 14.37 ± 1.29%, respectively. The fat contents of plain, turmeric, Aframomum danielli and clove spiced - yoghurts were 0.10±0.05%, 0.03±0.01%, 0.20±0.13% and 0.25±0.63%, respectively. The spiced yoghurts had decreased pH and increased titratable acidity values during the storage period. Total bacterial counts of turmeric (1.4×104 cfu/ml), Aframomum danielli (1.0×104 cfu/ml) and clove (1.6×104 cfu/ml) spiced yoghurts decreased when compared to plain yoghurt with 2.4×104 cfu/ml. Some fungi were detected in spiced yoghurts toward the end of storage period. The results of GIs obtained were found to be under low glycemic load. Glycemic load of plain yoghurt (7.86± 0.24) was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher than those of clove (4.56 ± 0.45) and Aframomum danielli (4.64 ±0.43) spiced yoghurts, respectively. In conclusion, spiced yoghurt is a nutritionally beneficial product which is considered to be safe. The findings of the present work can be useful from the standpoint of health of yoghurt consumers.Keywords: Spice, yoghurt, glycemic load, quality evaluation, Aframomum danielli, turmeric, clov

Prevalence of Strongyle

Gastrointestinal parasitism is one of the major health problems affecting productivity of small ruminants worldwide. A dry season study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Strongyle ova in goats and their faecal egg counts, as well as to compare different faecal culture methods for larval counts and identification. Out of 200 faecal samples examined, 114 were from male and 86 from female goats. An overall prevalence of 42(21%) for Strongyle ova was observed with a mean EPG of 91.67 + 6.12. The prevalence was higher in the male 26(22.8%) than in female 16(18.6%) with mean EPG of 90.38 ± 7.35 and 93.75 ± 11.06 respectively (p > 0.05). It was also higher in adults 38(22.22%) compared with the young 4(13.79%). All positive goats were of the Sahelian breed. No significant difference (p > 0.05%) was observed between sexes and age but a significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between breeds. The infection was higher from samples collected in the abattoir 36 (25.35%) compared with 6(18.75%) in Mairi Village and none was positive from the University of Maiduguri Farm. A significant difference (p<0.05) was thus observed between locations. Only Strongyle ova was seen throughout the study and on subjection of the positive samples to larval recovery, Oesophagostomum columbianum was the only larva recovered. The test tube method yielded the highest larval recovery with mean larval count of 9.14 + 0.72 (p<0.05), compared with bottle with no charcoal; bottle with charcoal and Baermann’s techniques.Keywords: Goats, Strongyle ova, Faecal Culture Techniques, Prevalenc

Carryover effect on carcass characteristics of growing rabbits from does subjected to feed restriction during pregnancy with or without vitamin E inclusion

Several studies have been carried out on quantitative feed restriction and its impact on carcass characteristics of growing rabbits and findings concluded that feed restriction helps in reducing carcass fat deposition in growing rabbits. Feed restriction during breeding periods have been carried out extensively in pregnant rabbit does, however, the carryover effect on the carcass characteristics of growing rabbits from does subjected to such feeding regimen have not been examined. A total of one hundred and eighty (180) weaned rabbits harvested from rabbit does subjected to maternal feed restriction (0% and 15% feed restriction) at three pregnancy periods (15-19 days, 20-24 days and 25-29 days) with or without (+/-) vitamin E were profiled for this study. Kits were randomly assigned to 12 treatments of 5 replicates, each consisting of 3 rabbits per replicate. Data obtained for carcass weight, dressed weight, chest, back, hindlimb, forelimbs, loin, back, kidney, liver, spleen, lungs and heart; these were arranged in a 2×3×2 factorial arrangement. Significantly (p<0.05) higher carcass weight and dressing percentage were obtained for growing rabbit from does fed ad libitum during pregnancy. However, significant influence recorded for carcass and dressing percentage cannot be attributed solely to the treatment during gestation since all results obtained were within acceptable or recommended ranges for healthy rabbits. Therefore, it can be concluded that maternal feed restriction during pregnancy positively influence carcass yield and dressing percentage of growing rabbits from does subjected to feed restriction between 20 – 24 days with or without Vitamin E was influenced (p<0.05)

Enzymes inhibitory property, antioxidant activity and phenolics profile of raw and roasted red sorghum grains in vitro

Open Access Article; Published online: 29 March 2019Whole grain cereals are important dietary sources for management of metabolic diseases due to the bioactive components they contain. Hence, this study investigated enzymes (pancreatic lipase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, xanthine oxidase and angiotensin 1-converting enzyme) inhibitory property, antioxidant activity and phenolics profile of raw and roasted red sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) grains in vitro. Extracts of flours of raw and roasted (150 °C and 180 °C, for 20 min) grains were assayed for enzymes inhibitory and antioxidant activities using spectrophotometric methods; while their phenolic constituents were characterized using HPLC-DAD. The raw grains exhibited strong enzymes inhibitory and antioxidant activities, and contained phenolic acids (gallic, chlorogenic, caffeic, ellagic and p-coumaric acids) and flavonoids (quercetin, luteolin and apigenin). However, whereas the enzymes inhibitory activity and levels of the phenolic compounds in the grains decreased significantly (p <  0.05) with increasing roasting temperature, the antioxidant activity increased. Hence, roasting at high temperature may not be recommended for the optimum retention of the enzymes inhibitory property and phenolic compounds of red sorghum grains

Tocilizumab in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 (RECOVERY): a randomised, controlled, open-label, platform trial

Background: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of tocilizumab in adult patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 with both hypoxia and systemic inflammation. Methods: This randomised, controlled, open-label, platform trial (Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy [RECOVERY]), is assessing several possible treatments in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in the UK. Those trial participants with hypoxia (oxygen saturation &lt;92% on air or requiring oxygen therapy) and evidence of systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein ≥75 mg/L) were eligible for random assignment in a 1:1 ratio to usual standard of care alone versus usual standard of care plus tocilizumab at a dose of 400 mg–800 mg (depending on weight) given intravenously. A second dose could be given 12–24 h later if the patient's condition had not improved. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality, assessed in the intention-to-treat population. The trial is registered with ISRCTN (50189673) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04381936). Findings: Between April 23, 2020, and Jan 24, 2021, 4116 adults of 21 550 patients enrolled into the RECOVERY trial were included in the assessment of tocilizumab, including 3385 (82%) patients receiving systemic corticosteroids. Overall, 621 (31%) of the 2022 patients allocated tocilizumab and 729 (35%) of the 2094 patients allocated to usual care died within 28 days (rate ratio 0·85; 95% CI 0·76–0·94; p=0·0028). Consistent results were seen in all prespecified subgroups of patients, including those receiving systemic corticosteroids. Patients allocated to tocilizumab were more likely to be discharged from hospital within 28 days (57% vs 50%; rate ratio 1·22; 1·12–1·33; p&lt;0·0001). Among those not receiving invasive mechanical ventilation at baseline, patients allocated tocilizumab were less likely to reach the composite endpoint of invasive mechanical ventilation or death (35% vs 42%; risk ratio 0·84; 95% CI 0·77–0·92; p&lt;0·0001). Interpretation: In hospitalised COVID-19 patients with hypoxia and systemic inflammation, tocilizumab improved survival and other clinical outcomes. These benefits were seen regardless of the amount of respiratory support and were additional to the benefits of systemic corticosteroids. Funding: UK Research and Innovation (Medical Research Council) and National Institute of Health Research

Convalescent plasma in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 (RECOVERY): a randomised controlled, open-label, platform trial

Background: Many patients with COVID-19 have been treated with plasma containing anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma therapy in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19. Methods: This randomised, controlled, open-label, platform trial (Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy [RECOVERY]) is assessing several possible treatments in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in the UK. The trial is underway at 177 NHS hospitals from across the UK. Eligible and consenting patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either usual care alone (usual care group) or usual care plus high-titre convalescent plasma (convalescent plasma group). The primary outcome was 28-day mortality, analysed on an intention-to-treat basis. The trial is registered with ISRCTN, 50189673, and ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04381936. Findings: Between May 28, 2020, and Jan 15, 2021, 11558 (71%) of 16287 patients enrolled in RECOVERY were eligible to receive convalescent plasma and were assigned to either the convalescent plasma group or the usual care group. There was no significant difference in 28-day mortality between the two groups: 1399 (24%) of 5795 patients in the convalescent plasma group and 1408 (24%) of 5763 patients in the usual care group died within 28 days (rate ratio 1·00, 95% CI 0·93–1·07; p=0·95). The 28-day mortality rate ratio was similar in all prespecified subgroups of patients, including in those patients without detectable SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at randomisation. Allocation to convalescent plasma had no significant effect on the proportion of patients discharged from hospital within 28 days (3832 [66%] patients in the convalescent plasma group vs 3822 [66%] patients in the usual care group; rate ratio 0·99, 95% CI 0·94–1·03; p=0·57). Among those not on invasive mechanical ventilation at randomisation, there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients meeting the composite endpoint of progression to invasive mechanical ventilation or death (1568 [29%] of 5493 patients in the convalescent plasma group vs 1568 [29%] of 5448 patients in the usual care group; rate ratio 0·99, 95% CI 0·93–1·05; p=0·79). Interpretation: In patients hospitalised with COVID-19, high-titre convalescent plasma did not improve survival or other prespecified clinical outcomes. Funding: UK Research and Innovation (Medical Research Council) and National Institute of Health Research

Onchocerciasis in communities in forest zone, South West Nigeria: prevalence and diagnostic method for rapid assessment

To determine the prevalence of onchocerciasis and diagnostic method for a rapid assessment of the disease in Iwo Local Government Area (LGA) of Osun State, Nigeria. Method: the study area was randomly selected using lottery method. The study subjects are from all works of life of both sexes and not below the age of 10. Structured questionnaire was administered to obtain vital epidemiological information from study subjects. Skin snip as standard method of diagnosing onchocerciasis was done using method as described and was compared with other potential diagnostic indicators. The methods of sample analysis are described. Data were analysed by using correlation coefficient, Duncan multiple range test, and analysis of variance where appropriate. Results: of the 240 subjects examined, 35.4% were skin snip positive. Whereas infection increases with age of subjects (P 0.05). Of all the methods of diseases assessment, only nodule palpation method correlate well with the standard diagnostic method skin snip. Conclusion: the merit of nodule palpation and criteria for the determination are discussed. Nodule palpation assessment method (NPAM) was recommended as an alternative rapid assessment method of large scale surveillance of onchocerciasis in Nigeria. NPAM could be used for monitoring and evaluation of the current programme of mectizan distribution in the country. (Af. J. of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology: 2002 3(1): 29-32

Resposta das aves à administração aquosa de extrato de abóbora manchada

Este estudo foi conduzido para avaliar a resposta ao crescimento, o teor de lipoproteínas do sangue, os índices do fígado e do rim e a resposta humoral de extratos aquosos administrados por polpa de Lagenaria breviflora Robert. Um total de noventa (90) quatorze (14) dias de idade pintainhos castanhos de Yaffa foram utilizados para esta experiência. Os pássaros foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em três (3) grupos de tratamento, contendo três (3) repetições de dez (10) aves cada. Os extratos aquosos de Lagenaria breviflora foram administrados no controle, 100 e 150 g/litro, respectivamente. A aquoso da administração de Lagenaria breviflora Robert não teve efeito (P<0,05) nos índices de crescimento considerados. A lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL) foi significativamente (P<0,05) influenciada em grupos de 100 e 150 g / litro apenas às 16 semanas de idade. Os índices de fígado (Alanina Aminotransferase e Aspartato Aminotransferase) foram estatisticamente (P<0,05) mais elevados em aves administradas com 150 g/litro de grupo às 16 semanas de idade, enquanto o teor sérico de cálcio foi maior no grupo de 100 g. O valor do título de anticorpo foi mais elevado a 100 g/litro do extrato enquanto os 150 g/litro foram reduzidos. Pode recomendar-se que os extratos aquosos sejam administrados a 150g/litro devido à sua capacidade de baixar o nível de lipídios e reduzir a quantidade de material derramado no produto e capaz de melhorar o estado imune das aves. A administração aquosa de 100 e 150 g/litro de forma significativa (P<0,05) efetiva no aprimoramento da resposta imune humoral das frangas em comparação com o grupo controle. Pode ser recomendado que os extratos aquosos possam ser administrados a 100 g / litro para melhorar a condição de saúde e o estado imunológico das aves