In vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activity of partially purified enterocin produced by Enterococcus faecalis and its application in wound healing

Background: The recent global upsurge in antibiotic resistance among bacteria associated with wounds has contributed to high treatment failures in wound management. Enterocin are produced by enterococci and has been reported to inhibit the growth of many bacteria including those associated with wound infections.Objectives: In this study, antibacterial and physico-chemical properties of partially purified enterocin (PPE) from Enterococcus faecalis was determined. Also, the possible application of the enterocin in wound management was evaluated.Materials and Methods: Eight different enterocin were tested and that with highest antibacterial (E3) was partially purified using standard methods. The molecular weight of the PPE was determined by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis after which the in vitro anti-Staphylococcus aureus potential of the PPE was determined.Results: Enterocin (E3) was effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloaca, Listeria monocytogenes and Proteus vulgaris. The activity of the E3 was very prominent at pH of 4 and 8. The molecular size of the isolated enterocin was 5.5 KDa. The photomicrograph of the skin tissue of the skin treated with partially purified enterocin for day 7showed epidermis covered by atrophic stratified squamous epithelium. A synergistic interaction was noticed when Eusol was used with the enterocin.Conclusions: From this study, enterocin from E. faecalis has a low molecular weight and inhibited bacteria isolates from wound and also aids physiological healing of wound.The antibacterial potency of this bacteriocin indicates that it is an alternative therapeutic agent that can be employed in wound care and management.Keywords: Enterocin, Enterococcus faecalis, wounds, bacteriocin, Staphylococcus aureus, ski

Managing Residential Density Development in Akure Through E-land Pricing System

One of the major challenges of Akure in the past two decades is the uncoordinated residential density development. This paper examined this haphazard development by mapping out the housing density mix in selected residential neighbourhoods in the city with a view to developing an e-land pricing model for its effective land management therein. The study identified three residential estates in Akure as representatives of the three broad densities (high, medium, low) in the residential zones using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Primary data were generated from the administration of structured questionnaire that captured information on socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, location of buildings, plot sizes, coverage and prices among others. From the research findings, a high level of unregulated pricing was obvious particularly in the private sector that controls vast areas of the city land. The closer a private landed property to the city centre or a government housing scheme, the higher the price irrespective of the plot size. Sudden increase in income of residents is a determinant of the willingness to purchase land at high prices. To address this trend this study has developed an e-land pricing interface to regulate the residential density choice in the city. The model was tested to successfully predict specific areas for density development given certain variables such as regular income of land buyers, price of land, plot sizes among others. An administrative structure that can ensure management of the proposed e-land pricing reform measure was specified for effective density mix in the city. Keywords: Residential, density development, housing, e-land pricing, Akure.  DOI: 10.7176/JEES/9-7-04 Publication date:July 31st 201