Bacteriological and Physicochemical Qualities of Well Water in Imota-Lagos Nigeria and Health Effects Associated with its Usage.

Well water is a key source of drinking water in rural areas, such as Imota where this study was carried out. Forty wells made of concrete, comprising of 20 (50%) hand-drawn and 20 (50%) operated through mechanical/electrical pumps in Imota were investigated for their physicochemical and bacteriological qualities. Analytes such as total hardness, magnesium hardness, calcium hardness and nitrate levels were within the recommended WHO standard for water quality. The water from the wells with pH values of 4.5 – 5.9 is acidic and falls below the WHO recommended pH range of 6.5-8.5. Ammonium and iron concentrations in the well water were relatively higher as well as very high bacterial loads and coliform counts were obtained. Calcium and magnesium significantly correlates with each other and both with total hardness (p<0.001). Significant positive correlations were obtained between iron concentration and coliform counts (0.039), iron and nitrate (p=0.033), as well as coliform and total bacterial load (p=0.001). Higher bacterial loads were obtained from wells that are hand-drawn using various containers than wells where water is being pumped using devices. The bacteria isolated include Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus equorum, Staphylococcuss carnosus,  Kokuria varians,  Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus niacini , Bacillus firmus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Citrobacter koseri, Enterobacter cloacae,  Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Acinectobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas sp., Salmonella enterica, Edwardsiella tarda and Buttiauxella agrestis. The bacterial isolates were highly susceptible to antibiotics except for chloroamphenicol, ampicillin and nitrofurantion which showed 25%, 10% and 28.75% susceptibility respectively.. Symptoms of ill-health commonly reported by participants include fever, chills, headache, weakness/muscle ache, and skin rash, and abdominal pain, diarrhoea, sneezing and coughing. The reported frequencies of ill-health were significantly higher (t=3.200, p=0.013) among residents that drank water from the well than those that do not. The need to treat the water from these wells before drinking is highly recommended. Key words: Antibiotic resistance, bacteria, ill-health, quality, well water

Prevalence of Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria Associated with Diarrhoea among Infants in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria.

Bacteriological investigations were carried out on faecal samples of 76 patients, less than one year of age, attending paediatric clinic of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital Ado Ekiti and two Primary Health Centres in Ado Ekiti, on diarrhoea related illnesses; in the year 2013. The bacteria isolated were Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium accolens, Morganella morgani, Aeromonas popoffii, Citrobacter freundii, Leteococcus sanguinis, Branchiibius cervicis, Aeromonas bestiarum, Vibrio minicus, Aeromonas caviae, Proteus mirabilis, Serratia marcescens, Enterobacter aerogenes, Leminorella grimontii, Citrobacter youngae, Bacillus cereus, Citrobacter koseri, Enterobacter intermedius, Yersinia enterocolitica, Providencia stuartii, Pantoea agglomerans, Vibrio fluvalis, Vibrio natiensis, Salmonella enterica, Citrobacter sedlakii, Klebsiella variicola. The bacterial isolates showed high resistance to many of the antibiotics tested. High prevalence of multidrug resistant bacteria was recorded. The Gram positive bacteria showed high resistance to most of the antibiotics used. The Gram negative bacterial isolates were 100% susceptible to Levofloxacin and ofloxacin, with a 100% resistant to amoxicillin and varied resistance to other antibiotics. In general, for the gram negative bacterial isolates, the penicillins are the most ineffective group of antibiotics, while the quinolones are the most efficacious. Resistance to high concentrations of penicillins was obtained. The prevalence of multidrug reported in the study could lead to its failure of antibiotic therapy and prolong hospitalization of diarrhoeic infants. Key words: Bacteria, diarrhoea, infant, multi drug resistanc

Antibacterial Activity of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Against Isolated Bacteria from the Respiratory Tract Infections

This study was designed to investigate the bacteria found in association with respiratory tract infections (RTI) and the susceptibility of such bacteria to aqueous and methanolic extracts of Zingiber officinale (ginger). Bacteriological studies were carried out on sputum from 110 patients, made up of 57 males and 53 females, aged 24-80 years, attending Chest Clinic at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital Ado-Ekiti in the year 2013. Seventeen bacteria species namely Luteococcus  sanguinuis, Corynebacterium accolens,  Vibrio fluvialis, Serratia ficaria, Enterobacter aerogenes, Staphylococus aureus, Pasteurella pneumotropica, Aeromonas caviae, Vibrio mimicus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Pleisomonas shigelloides, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Citrobacter youngae, Chromobacterium violaceum, Luteococcus pertonei, Actinomyces radicidentis and Klebsiella  pneumoniae were isolated from the sputum specimens. Klebsiella pneumoniae, Corynebacterium accolens, Aeromonas caviae and Luteococcus sanguinis were commonly isolated from both sexes. Enterobacter aerogenes, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Luteococcus peritonei, Citrobacter youngae, Pleisomonas shigelloides and Serratia ficaria were isolated mainly from male patients while Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio fluvialis, Vibrio mimicus, Citrobacter  youngae and Chromobacterium violaceum were isolated from female patients. The bacteria showed a high degree of resistance to the antibiotics used. All the Gram positive bacteria were resistant to cloxacillin, augmentin and tetracycline, with varied resistance to erythromycin (85%), streptomycin (68.75%) and cotrimoxazole (75%). The gram negative bacterial isolates were all resistant to augmentin, tetracyclin and amoxicillin, but were all susceptible to ofloxacin. All the bacteria tested were susceptible to both aqueous and the methanol extracts of ginger, but with higher susceptibility of bacteria to methanolic extract than the water extract. The phytochemical analysis of the ginger extracts indicated that the methanolic extract possessed phenolics, saponin, tannin and flavonoids, but no glycoside detected. On the other hand only cardiac glycoside, out of the 5 phytochemicals, was detected from the aqueous extract of ginger. Key words: Antimicrobial Activity, Ginger, Respiratory Tract Infectio

Vibrio vulnificus and Proteus vulgaris Co-infection Associated with High Mortality in a Flock of Turkey in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria

The study reports bacteriological investigations carried out on a case of high mortality (10%) reported over a period of one week in a flock of turkey, 450 in number, aged 16 weeks old, in a poultry farm in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Clinical signs were those of weakness, recumbence, diarrhoea (yellowish to greenish in colour) and weight loss. Post morterm examination was that of enteritis and mild liver enlargement, with no major pathognomonic lesions. Bacteriological investigations were carried out on clinical (Blood, Liver, Heart Muscles and Bile) and environmental (feed, drinking water and litter) samples. Bacteriological studies of the clinical samples obtained from dead birds revealed a co-infection of Vibrio vulnificus and Proteus vulgaris. The clinical bacterial isolates showed highest susceptibility to Ofloxacin (75%), with varied levels of susceptibility to other antibiotics tested. Mortality on the farm was curtailed following an oral medication with norfloxacin. A variety of bacteria, including Vibrio vulnificus and Proteus vulgaris, were isolated from the environmental samples. The bacterial isolates from the environmental samples were resistant to multiple drugs. Since the bacteria implicated in the clinical infection were isolated from environmental samples, an adequate biosecurity measures is needful in poultry farm for profitability. Keywords: Antibiotic-resistance, Bacteria, Co-infection, Mortality and Turke

Cellulase Production by Fungi Isolated from Odo-Aremu Dumpsite in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

The study was aimed at using waste-soil fungi for production of cellulase enzyme. Fungi were isolated from soil samples obtained from Odo-Aremu dumping sites in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Three fungal species namely Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavusand Trichoderma spp. were isolated. The fungal isolates were assayed for their ability to produce cellulase enzyme as well as variable conditions that suited the production of the enzyme. Temperature, days of incubation and pH of assay medium were all significant in the enzyme production. Varied chaff concentrations however had no significant influence on enzyme production. All three isolates showed cellulase synthesis best 8 days after incubation at 37oC and enzyme activity was assayed to be best at 450C. Enzyme synthesis was also assayed to be best at oatmeal chaff concentration of 3% and enzyme activity was best between pH 4-7. Keywords: Cellulase, Oatmeal chaff, dumpsite, enzyme activity, Aspergillus, Trichoderm

Effects of Air-borne Hazards on the Physical and Psychological Health of Nigerian Poultry Workers

Industrialized agriculture has resulted in a public health crisis for farmers, farm workers and their families. This study, which involved measurement of the concentrations of air-borne dust and ammonia in poultry buildings using active samplers and assessing the physical and psychological health status of poultry workers via questionnaire, was conducted in some poultry farms in Lagos and Ogun States of Nigeria. Ammonia concentrations in poultry houses, 52.53 + 23.56 parts per million (ppm), were found to be much higher than allowable value of 25ppm. Poultry working environment was found to be dustier than human indoors. Poultry workers experienced significantly higher frequency of symptoms of physical ill-health than the control populace (P < 0.001). Depression indices were low in all the two groups studied without significant difference in the frequency of occurrence of depression symptoms. Poultry workers with anxiety index of 0.23 were found to be moderately anxious while control populace showed no anxiety. The symptoms of anxiety were significantly higher among poultry workers than control (P < 0.001).  Female poultry workers experienced significantly higher symptoms of physical ill health, anxiety and depression than their male counterparts (P < 0.001, in all cases). The results indicated that the poultry air has high load of respirable dust, noxious gases and other agents that may be acting in synergy to produce deleterious effects on both the physical and psychological health of poultry workers. Key words: Ammonia, anxiety, depression, poultry dust, poultry workers, physical ill health

Fascioliasis in Cattle Slaughtered for Consumption at Ado Ekiti Central Abattoir in Ekiti State, Nigeria

The occurrence of fascioliasis among cattle slaughtered for consumption at the Ekiti central abattoir was investigated using the faecal sedimentation concentration technique, as well as gross and histological investigations of liver tissues. Three hundred and fifty cattle slaughtered for consumption at Ado Ekiti Central Abattoir in Ekiti State, Nigeria, were investigated. Fifty three (15.14%) out of the 350 cattle were diagnosed with fascioliasis. The parasite density was 5-7 flukes per liver of infected cattle. Infected liver examined showed gross fibrosis, thickening of the bile duct with severe hemorrhage and paleness of the liver tissues. Dislodged adult worms bile ducts were classified morphological features as Fasciola gigantica and F. hepatica. Histological examination of liver infested with adult flukes showed marked sinusoidal occlusions, basophilic inflammatory cells, extensive degeneration and lymphocytic infiltrations. The liver of cattle presumed not infested, with no visible adult flukes, showed a varied degree of basophilic infiltration and chronic inflammatory cells, congestion of sinusoids and partial necrotic Cells. The findings in this study underscore the importance of meat inspection in public health practice. Also, the faecal disposal of these cattle should be highly monitored as this may serve as source of contamination to the environment. Keywords: Cattle, fascioliasis, liver, rot, zoonosi

Association of Plasmid Bearing Multi Drug Resistant Bacteria with High Mortalities in Nigerian Poultry

Bacteriological investigations were carried out on reported cases of low and high mortalities in commercial poultry in the year 2007-2009 in commercial flocks of breeders, layers, broilers, chicks and growers. Pure bacterial isolates obtained from dead birds, mainly Gram negative,  were tested for their biochemical and antibiotic susceptibility profiles using Microscan® Dried Gram-negative Breakpoint Combo Pannels. The microscan panel analysis bacterial isolates for 24 biochemical tests and up to 25 antimicrobial agents following 16-20 hours of incubation at 35-37oC. Bacteria isolated were Escherichia coli, Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Pullorum, Salmonella Gallinarum, Citrobacter youngae, Klebsiella ozaneae, Klebsiella variicola, Enterobacter cloaceae, Hafnia alvei, Pasteurella gallinarum and Pasteurella multocida. The bacterial isolates showed resistance to 6-23 of the 25 antibiotics tested. Tetracycline and ampicilllin were found as the least potent drugs, with 90 and 90.91% resistance respectively. Resistance was obtained against antibacterial agents that are not in use in Nigerian poultry industry, such as the cephalosporins, carbapenems, piperacillin, tircacillin, amikacin, tobramcycin and levofloxacin suggesting possible genetic contribution to resistance. Thirty-four (85%) of the 40 pathogenic bacteria isolates treated for plasmid profile were found to be carrying plasmids. Plasmid DNA size 11.50 kbp was commonly observed (about 65%) among all the plasmid borne mdr bacteria, plasmid DNA size 10kbp (incidence of about 22% in plasmid borne bacteria) as well as a 26.3 kbp plasmid DNA and a 6.6 kbp plasmid DNA. The susceptibility of the plasmid bearing bacteria to antibiotics was enhanced following plasmid curing with sodium deodecyl sulphate.  Antibiotic susceptibility testing should guide treatment in all infections where organism can be cultured in veterinary medicine practice Keywords: Antibiotics, high mortalities, multi-drug resistant bacteria, plasmid, poultry

Antibacterial Activity of Methanolic Extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. Leaf on ESBL Producing Bacterial Isolates from Urine of Patients with Urinary Tract Infections

The study was carried out to determine the effects of methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera on bacterial isolates from urine of patients with urinary tract infection (UTI).  One hundred and fifty urine samples were collected for this study at Ekiti State Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria, between March 2015 and June 2015. Ethical clearance was obtained in order to carry out the study. Microscopical examination of the urine smear (wet preparation) revealed presence of yeast (48.0%), bacteria (88.9%), white blood cells (10%) and epithelial cells (14%). A total of 89 bacteria were isolated belonging to 40 different bacteria species. The Gram positive bacteria isolated include Corynebacterium  accolens, Arthrobacter  mysorens, Rhodococcus  equi, Staphylococus aureus, Luteococcus sanguinis, Aerococcus  viridians, Actinomyces urogenitalis, Helicobacillus massiliensis, Branchibus cervicis, Arthrobacter cretinolyticus, Streptococcus rubneri among others. While the Gram negative bacteria were Cetobacterium somerae, Escherichia coli, Klebisiella  pneumoniae, Yersinia frederikseni, Enterobacter aerogenes, Vibrio mimicus, Acinetobacter baumanii, Pantoea agglomerans, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Citrobacter freundii, Proteus vulgaris among others. The bacteria isolated showed multi-drug resistance to the antibiotics tested. None of the bacterial isolates showed susceptibility to all the antibiotics tested, as they showed resistance to between 2 to 8 out of the 8 antibiotics tested per organism. All the bacteria tested showed evidence of ESBL production, and all of them were susceptible to the methanolic extract of dried leaf of Moringa oleifera. The qualitative analysis for phytochemical constituents of the methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera indicated the presence of saponnins, flavonoids, steroids and cardiac glycosides. The methanolic extract of dried leaf of Moringa oleifera was found to possess potent phytochemicals with high inhibitory activities on bacteria of UTIs origin. Key words: Antibacterial activity, Moringa oleifera Lam, Methanolic extract, Phytochemicals, Urinary tract infections

ASSESSMENT OF THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITIES OF NONO – A FERMENTED COW MILK

Nono is a spontaneously fermented yoghurt-like milk product consumed is a staple food commodity in parts of the Sub- Saharan West Africa. Nono is usually consumed along with ‘ Fura ’ as ‘ Fura da Nono ’ in Nigeria. Studies on physicochemical and bacteriological qualities were carried out on samples of Nono obtained from 5 different sources in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. The Nono samples were found to be nutritious, containi ng moderate levels of ash, crude fat, crude protein and carbohydrate. The pH of the Nono samples was relatively low (4.04 ±0.04), while the density and specific density were close to that of distilled water at room temperature. Total aerobic p late count of Nono samples was 1.8 ±0.02 × 106 CFU. mL -1 . A total of 15 bacteria species namely Eubacterium nodatum , Bacillus subtilis , Chromobacterium violaceum , Propionibacterium acnes , Amycolatopsis benzotilytica , Tropheryma whipplei, Moraxella catarrhalis, Campylobacter gracilis, Neisseria sicca, Vibrio natiensis, Photob acterium damselae, Corynebacterium kutsceri, Corynebacterium xerosis, Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus casei were isolated from the Nono samples. The gram-positive bacterial isolates were resistant to all antibiotics tested with the exceptio n of Erythromycin where 40% susceptibility was obtained, while the gram-negative bacteria showed high resista nce to the tested antibiotics, but with 80% susceptibility to Ofloxacin. The nono samples were observed to exhibit antibac terial activity against cultures of Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028, Escherichia coli ATCC 29929 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29293. Most of the bacteria isolated were of less public health importance, but the high prevalence of m ulti-drug resistance is of great concer