Population dynamics and distribution of hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria in Automobile workshops within Uyo metropolis, Akwa Ibom State

Laboratory studies were carried out to assess the bacterial population dynamics and distribution in composite soil samples collected from five (5) different automobile workshops at various locations (Ikpa road, Nwaniba road, Udi street, Idakokpo lane and Mechanic village) within Uyo metropolis. The hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria were isolated and characterized from the soils of automobile workshops using cultural techniques. The total heterotrophic bacterial count (THBC) ranged from 2.5 × 105 to 8.0 × 105 CFU/g of soil sample, while the hydrocarbon utilizing bacterial count (HUBC) ranged from 2.5 × 104 to 4.4 × 104 CFU/g of soil sample. The bacterial isolates which were both Gram positive and Gram negative belonged to the genera; Bacillus, Flavobacterium, Achromobacter, Micrococcus, Citrobacter and Acinetobacter. The total heterotrophic bacterial count (THBC) and hydrocarbon utilizing bacterial count (HUBC) were higher in Ikpa road automobile workshop and Nwaniba road automobile workshops respectively. Bacillus species was found to be present in all the soil samples analysed thus had the highest frequency 5(28%) of occurrence while Achromobacter species had the lowest frequency 1(6%) of occurrence. The presence of these organisms in soils contaminated with spent and unspent lubricating oil and their subsequent growth in enrichment medium supplemented with 1% spent lubricating oil suggest their hydrocarbon utilizing potential, hence, their possible use for the bioremediation of soils impacted with lubricating oil.Keywords: automobile workshops, hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria, bioremediation, enrichment medium,lubricating oi

Xenomonitoring of sleeping sickness transmission in Campo (Cameroon)

Background: The sleeping sickness focus of Campo in South Cameroon is still active, at a low endemic level, for more than a century, despite a regular medical surveillance. The present study focuses on the spatial distribution of xenomonitoring information obtained from an entomological survey performed in the dry season 2012. It appears that humans constitute a third of the blood meals and that the flies' densities were coherent with those classically observed in the different biotopes. Paradoxically, the epicenter of the focus is the place where the risk indicators are the lowest ones. Methods: Particular attention was paid to the entomological device so that it covered the main part of human activities in the study area. One hundred and sixty-two pyramidal traps were used to catch tsetse flies twice a day that were identified, counted, dissected. Molecular analysis using classical and specific molecular markers was conducted to determine the importance of trypanosome infections and the nature of the feeding hosts. This information was used to calculate a Transmission Risk Index and to define a gradient of risk that was projected into a Geographical Information System. Results: Conventional entomological indicators such as species identification of tsetse flies or the Apparent Density per Trap per day, show that Glossina palpalis palpalis is the main species in the campo area which is classically distributed into the different biotopes of the study area. Molecular analysis reveals that humans constitute a third of the blood feeding hosts and that 20 % of the dissected flies were infected with trypanosomes, principally with Nannomonas. Nevertheless, one fly was carrying Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, the pathogen agent of sleeping sickness, showing that the reservoir is still active in the epicenter of the focus. Paradoxically, the Transmission Risk Index is not important in the epicenter, demonstrating that endemic events are not only depending on the man/vector contact. Conclusion: Xenomonitoring provides a valuable guide/tool to determine places at higher risk for vector/human contact and to identify trypanosomes species circulating in the focus. This information from xenomonitoring demonstrates that decision makers should include a veterinary device in a control strategy

Isolation, characterization and pathogenicity of fungal pathogens from indigenous postharvest fruits in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria

The study investigated fungal pathogens associated with spoilage of five indigenous fruits (Persia americana, Citrus sinensis, Carica papaya, Annona muricata and Solanum lycopersicum) in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Diseased fruit samples were purchased from nine markets located in three senatorial districts of the State. The phenotypic and genotypic identifications of the fungal pathogens isolated from spoilt fruit samples were carried out using standard cultural, morphological and molecular methods, respectively. The phylogenetic relationship among the fungal species was also constructed using neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree generated based on modified Rogers' genetic distance matrix. The fourteen fungal genera identified (and classified into twenty-two species) were Talaromyces, Lasiodiplodia, Trichoderma, Penicillium, Pichia, Rhizopus, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Moniliella, Mucor, Geotrichum, Candida, Absidia and Purpureocillium. Pathogenicity tests revealed that the fungal isolates were able to cause rots with a range of severity. The most rapid rots were caused by Rhizopus oligosporous, Pichia kudriavzevii and Aspergillus niger within 24 h, while Aspergillus aculeatus and Moniliella suaveolens were slower in initiating rots with earliest being after 48 h. The identification of fungi related with fruit rots and data coming from pathogenicity test are crucial information in order to plan and to apply control strategies during postharvest storage

A polymorphism in the haptoglobin, haptoglobin related protein locus is associated with risk of human sleeping sickness within Cameroonian populations

Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a neglected disease targeted for elimination as a public health problem by 2020. Elimination requires a better understanding of the epidemiology and clinical evolution of HAT. In addition to the classical clinical evolution of HAT, asymptomatic carriers and spontaneous cure have been reported in West Africa. A genetic component to human susceptibility to HAT has been suggested to explain these newly observed responses to infection. In order to test for genetic associations with infection response, genetic polymorphism in 17 genes were tested (APOL1, IL1B, IL4, IL4R, IL6, IL8, IL12B, IL12RB1, IL10, TNFA, INFG, MIF, HLA-G, HLA-A, HP, HPR and CFH). A case-control study was performed on 180 blood samples collected from 56 cases and 124 controls from Cameroon. DNA was extracted from blood samples. After quality control, 25 samples (24 controls and 1 case) were eliminated. The genotyping undertaken on 155 individuals including 55 cases and 100 controls were investigated at 96 loci (88 SNPs and 8 indels) located on 17 genes. Associations between these loci and HAT were estimated via a case-control association test. Analyses of 64 SNPs and 4 indels out of 96 identified in the selected genes reveal that the minor allele (T) of rs8062041 in haptoglobin (HP) appeared to be protective against HAT (p = 0.0002395, OR 0.359 (CI95 [0.204-0.6319])); indicating higher frequency in cases compared to controls. This minor allele with adjusted p value of 0.0163 is associated with a lower risk (protective effect) of developing sleeping sickness. The haptoglobin related protein HPR and HP are tightly linked and both are duplicated in some people and may lead to higher activity. This increased production could be responsible of the protection associated with rs8062041 even though this SNP is within HP

Association between IL1 gene polymorphism and human African trypanosomiasis in populations of sleeping sickness foci of southern Cameroon

<div><p>Background</p><p>Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a neglected tropical disease caused by infections due to <i>Trypanosoma brucei</i> subspecies. In addition to the well-established environmental and behavioural risks of becoming infected, there is evidence for a genetic component to the response to trypanosome infection. We undertook a candidate gene case-control study to investigate genetic associations further.</p><p>Methodology</p><p>We genotyped one polymorphism in each of seven genes (<i>IL1A</i>, <i>IL1RN</i>, <i>IL4RN</i>, <i>IL6</i>, <i>HP</i>, <i>HPR</i>, and <i>HLA-G</i>) in 73 cases and 250 controls collected from 19 ethno-linguistic subgroups stratified into three major ethno-linguistic groups, 2 pooled ethno-linguistic groups and 11 ethno-linguistic subgroups from three Cameroonian HAT foci. The seven polymorphic loci tested consisted of three SNPs, three variable numbers of tandem repeat (VNTR) and one INDEL.</p><p>Results</p><p>We found that the genotype (TT) and minor allele (T) of <i>IL1A</i> gene as well as the genotype 1A3A of <i>IL1RN</i> were associated with an increased risk of getting <i>Trypanosoma brucei gambiense</i> and develop HAT when all data were analysed together and also when stratified by the three major ethno-linguistic groups, 2 pooled ethno-linguistic subgroups and 11 ethno-linguistic subgroups.</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>This study revealed that one SNP rs1800794 of <i>IL1A</i> and one VNTR rs2234663 of <i>IL1RN</i> were associated with the increased risk to be infected by <i>Trypanosoma brucei gambiense</i> and develop sleeping sickness in southern Cameroon. The minor allele T and the genotype TT of SNP rs1800794 in <i>IL1A</i> as well as the genotype 1A3A of <i>IL1RN</i> rs2234663 VNTR seem to increase the risk of getting <i>Trypanosoma brucei gambiense</i> infections and develop sleeping sickness in southern Cameroon.</p></div

No evidence for association with APOL1 kidney disease risk alleles and Human African Trypanosomiasis in two Ugandan populations:

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) manifests as an acute form caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (Tbr) and a chronic form caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (Tbg). Previous studies have suggested a host genetic role in infection outcomes, particularly for APOL1. We have undertaken a candidate gene association studies (CGAS) in a Ugandan Tbr and a Tbg HAT endemic area, to determine whether polymorphisms in IL10, IL8, IL4, HLAG, TNFA, TNX4LB, IL6, IFNG, MIF, APOL1, HLAA, IL1B, IL4R, IL12B, IL12R, HP, HPR, and CFH have a role in HAT

Synthesis and Structural Elucidation of Nanoscale Manganese-Bamboo Composites.

Owing to the unique features inherent in nanomaterials particularly nanocomposites, enormous attention has been directed at their methods of synthesis, functionalization and modification for broader applications. In this study, chemical and biological methods were employed for the synthesis of nanoscale manganese bamboo composite (nMn-bamboo) with subsequent characterisation. The nanomaterials (nMn and nMn-bamboo) were prepared via aqueous phase borohydride reduction and plant mediated method using curry (Murrayakoenigii) leafextracts under ambient conditions. Characterization was done using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and particle induced x-ray emission (PIXE) analysis. Significant aggregation and morphological variations were observed among the composites from the SEM micrograph. The XRD analysis revealed the existence of two different manganese oxides peaks in the composites while the FTIR spectra showed the presence of bands at 3441.12 cm-1, 1728.28 cm-1, 1639.55 cm-1, 1604.83 cm-1, 1371.43 cm-1 and1332.86 cm-1 on the surface of both composites. The nMn-bamboo (plant) had lower concentration of elements (Mn, Al and Si) than nMn-bamboo (chemical) whereas the elements detected in significant concentrations were Mn, Al, Si, and Cl

Influence of storage containers on the physicochemical and microbiological (biofilm formation) indices of drinking water sources

ABSTRACT Effect of surfaces of earthenware pots, glass, plastic and stainless steel containers on the physicochemical and bacteriological (biofilm formation) quality of borehole and atmospheric water stored for twelve days were determined using standard analytical and bacteriological techniques. Susceptibility of the bacterial isolates to different antibiotics was also determined using standard Kirby-Bauer agar disc diffusion procedures. The physicochemical parameters determined for borehole water sample were within WHO permissible standard while rain water sample recorded slightly higher values for NO3 -, and NO2 -(10.2 mgL -1 and 0.045 mgL -1 respectively) than WHO standards of 10 mgL -1 and 0.02 mgL -1 respectively. Biofilm bacterial communities from stored borehole water consisted of nine genera including Pseudomonas, Micrococcus, Klebsiella, Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Escherichia, Proteus, Serratia, and Enterobacter. The recovery rate of the various bacterial genera were 40% in earthenware pot, 80% in plastic, 70% in stainless steel and 60% of the genera were isolated from glass container for stored borehole water. Fewer bacterial genera were isolated from stored atmospheric water and these included Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Yersinia. The isolates were recovered at the rates of 40%, 80%, 60% and 40% in earthenware pot, plastic, stainless steel and glass containers respectively. While Escherichia coli, Yersinia sp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited remarkable sensitivity to Septrin (30 μg), Ampicillin (30 μg), Augmentin (30 μg) and Nalidixic acid (10 μg) as evinced by clear zones of inhibition, Enterobacter sp, Klebsiella sp and Proteus sp were moderately sensitive to some of the tested antibiotics. Amongst the gram positive bacteria, Micrococcus sp was most sensitive to the various antibiotics. Although Staphylococcus aureus showed resistance to most of the tested antibiotics, it was sensitive to Erythromycin (30 μg) and Chloramphenicol (30 μg). It could be deduced from the above results that the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of stored water are affected by both the source of the water and type of storage vessel. Although the effect of the vessels are not definitive, the levels of pH, Mg 2+ , NO2 -, NO3 -and hardness are enhanced in water stored in earthenware pots. The isolation of antibiotic resistant bacteria from stored water is of public health concern, thus, drinking water should not be held in containers for more than a day or two. Citation: Udofia GE, Ofon UA, Asamudo NU, Ndubuisi-Nnaji UU (2015). Influence of storage containers on the physicochemical and microbiological (biofilm formation) indices of drinking water sources

Asymptomatic Candiduria among Type 1 and 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: Risk and Sociodemographic Factors, Prevalence, Virulence Markers and Antifungal Susceptibility

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been considered as one of the predisposing factors for candiduria and Candida urinary tract infections. The study determined the socio-demographic characteristics, risk factors of DM patients with asymptomatic candiduria and ascertained the prevalence, virulence factors and antifungal susceptibility of Candida isolated. Socio-demographic and risk factors were obtained via questionnaires. Microscopic, macroscopic and chemical analysis of mid-stream urine (MSU) samples were determined by microbiological method and dipsticks. The characterization, virulence factors, antibiotic susceptibility of Candida isolates were determined by conventional, mycological media and disc diffusion techniques, respectively. Of the 51 MSU samples, ≥ 31.4% were amber and clear in colour, contained yeast cells and leukocytes; between 5.9 to 25.5% had hyaline casts, urobilinogen, epithelial cells, red blood cells, pus cells and nitrite, while the specific gravity was ≥ 1.015. The prevalence of candiduria among subjects with respect to age, types and duration of diabetes, gender, tobacco and alcohol consumption were not significant (p ≥ 0.005). Candida dubliniensis and C. parapsilosis prevalence was highest in subjects with random blood sugar (mg/dL) of ≥ 400 and 300-399, respectively. Of the 39 isolates, 64.1% were Fluconazole sensitive, 10.3% were dose dependent susceptible to Ketoconazole, 74.4% exhibited Voriconazole sensitivity, 100% C. dubliniensis were Clotrimazole sensitive, ≤ 28.6% C. tropicalis and C. glabrata were resistant to Amphotericin B and Itraconazole, while between 23.1% and 71.8% isolates produced hydrolytic enzymes and biofilm. This study revealed the socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors among subjects and the necessity to continuously investigate pathogenic Candida against antifungal agents for effective treatments of asymptomatic candiduria in diabetes mellitus patients

Characteristics and management of municipal solid waste in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria

Abstract Increased urbanization and population lead to increased consumption of manufactured goods. This ultimately results in increased production of waste. Identifying its composition is crucial for planning an effective solid waste management strategy. This study assesses the characteristics and composition of the waste generated within the Uyo Capital City Development Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. This is to aid in developing a scientifically supported waste management pilot system for the state. Direct waste sorting and characterization were conducted on the municipal solid waste arriving at the landfill during the study period. Over 50% of the generated wastes are recyclables and composed of plastics, metals, and paper, while the fraction of organic waste is over 30%. Similarly, the waste generation per capita is 1.34 kg/person/day, while the generation forecast over the next ten years is estimated to increase by approximately 40%. Furthermore, over 9,000 surveys were completed by residents to establish a problem statement about the existing waste collection and disposal system, and possible solutions. Importantly, a majority of survey respondents were willing to source-separate their wastes and supported paying a fee for adequate waste collection. This strongly indicates that an integrated waste management system could be established to generate value from the collected waste. Supplementary revenue can be generated through composting, recycling, and land reclamation