Antimicrobial Activities of Hexane Extract and Decussatin from Stembark Extract of Ficus congensis

Ficus congensis (Moraceae) is used traditionally in the treatment of various diseases including infectious diseases, infertility, and gastrointestinal disorders. Investigation of hexane extract of the stem bark using chromatographic techniques led to isolation of a xanthone, 1-hydroxy-3,7,8-trimethoxyxanthone (Decussatin). The compound was elucidated based on spectroscopic methods such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), UV, IR, and mass spectrometry (MS). Decussatin and the hexane extract were screened in vitro for antibacterial and antifungal activities using broth microdilution (MHB) and disc Agar diffusion (DAD) techniques against Escheichia coli, Bacilus substilis, Klebsiela pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum and Candida albicans. Hexane extracts showed potent antibacterial activity against E. coli and B. subtilis with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 8 mg/mL and 5 mg/mL, respectively, while Decussatin of the highest concentration (8 mg/mL) used in this study showed no appreciable antimicrobial activity. Only hexane extract was active against C. albicans with a MIC of 1 mg/mL

In vivo antimalarial and in vitro antioxidant activities of hydro-methanol leaf extract of Fadogia cienkowskii Schweinf. (Rubiaceae)

Background: Rapid parasite resistance to antimalarial drugs necessitate continuous search for new drugs. Fadogia cienkowskii Schweinf. (Rubiaceae) is one of the several plants utilized in South-East Nigeria for treatment of malaria fever. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate antimalarial and antioxidant potentials of leaf extract of F. cienkowskii. The phytochemical profile and toxic heavy metal content were also evaluated. Methodology: Antimalarial activity of crude leaf extract of F. cienkowskii (100 – 400 mg kg-1) was assessed against chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei (NK65) using suppressive and curative test models. Chloroquine 10 mg kg-1 was used as positive control. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power methods. The presence of heavy metals in the raw material was evaluated using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric technique and modified Lorke’s method was employed to test for oral acute toxicity. Results: The results showed that the test plant exhibited antimalarial activities in both models in a dose-dependent manner. The comparison analysis showed that at 400 mg kg-1, the suppressive and curative effects were 93.44% and 72.47% respectively. All the animal groups that received test extract lived longer and weight loss was prevented compared to the negative control group. The test extract exhibited antioxidant potential in DPPH scavenging and FRAP assays compare with Vitamin C. All the tested heavy metals were present but within permissible range. Acute toxicity study of extract revealed no immediate adverse effect(s). Conclusion: These results support the traditional use of F. cienkowskii in management of malaria fever. Key Words: Fadogia cienkowskii, Plasmodium berghei, antimalarial, heavy metals, antioxidan

The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance

INTRODUCTION Investment in Africa over the past year with regard to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequencing has led to a massive increase in the number of sequences, which, to date, exceeds 100,000 sequences generated to track the pandemic on the continent. These sequences have profoundly affected how public health officials in Africa have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. RATIONALE We demonstrate how the first 100,000 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from Africa have helped monitor the epidemic on the continent, how genomic surveillance expanded over the course of the pandemic, and how we adapted our sequencing methods to deal with an evolving virus. Finally, we also examine how viral lineages have spread across the continent in a phylogeographic framework to gain insights into the underlying temporal and spatial transmission dynamics for several variants of concern (VOCs). RESULTS Our results indicate that the number of countries in Africa that can sequence the virus within their own borders is growing and that this is coupled with a shorter turnaround time from the time of sampling to sequence submission. Ongoing evolution necessitated the continual updating of primer sets, and, as a result, eight primer sets were designed in tandem with viral evolution and used to ensure effective sequencing of the virus. The pandemic unfolded through multiple waves of infection that were each driven by distinct genetic lineages, with B.1-like ancestral strains associated with the first pandemic wave of infections in 2020. Successive waves on the continent were fueled by different VOCs, with Alpha and Beta cocirculating in distinct spatial patterns during the second wave and Delta and Omicron affecting the whole continent during the third and fourth waves, respectively. Phylogeographic reconstruction points toward distinct differences in viral importation and exportation patterns associated with the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants and subvariants, when considering both Africa versus the rest of the world and viral dissemination within the continent. Our epidemiological and phylogenetic inferences therefore underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic on the continent and highlight key insights and challenges, for instance, recognizing the limitations of low testing proportions. We also highlight the early warning capacity that genomic surveillance in Africa has had for the rest of the world with the detection of new lineages and variants, the most recent being the characterization of various Omicron subvariants. CONCLUSION Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve. This is important not only to help combat SARS-CoV-2 on the continent but also because it can be used as a platform to help address the many emerging and reemerging infectious disease threats in Africa. In particular, capacity building for local sequencing within countries or within the continent should be prioritized because this is generally associated with shorter turnaround times, providing the most benefit to local public health authorities tasked with pandemic response and mitigation and allowing for the fastest reaction to localized outbreaks. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century

Changes in contraceptive and sexual behaviours among unmarried young people in Nigeria: Evidence from nationally representative surveys.

ContextNigeria is a high-burden country in terms of young people's health. Understanding changes in young people's sexual and reproductive health (SRH) behaviours and the associated factors is important for framing appropriate interventions.ObjectiveThis study assessed changes in SRH behaviours of unmarried young people aged 15-24 and associated factors over a ten-year period in Nigeria.Data and methodWe analysed datasets from Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys of 2008, 2013 and 2018 to assess changes in inconsistent condom use, non-use of modern contraceptives; multiple sexual partnership; and early sexual debut. Using binary logistic regression, we assessed the association of selected variables with the SRH behaviours.ResultsOver four-fifths of unmarried young people (15-24) in Nigeria engaged in at least one risky sexual behaviour in each survey year. The pattern of changes in the four risky SRH behaviours was consistent over the 10-year period, with the highest rates of each behaviour occurring in 2018 while the lowest rates were in 2013, thus indicating an increase in the proportion of respondents engaging in risky sexual behaviours over the study period. Comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge, male gender, older age category (20-24), residence in south-west Nigeria, urban residence, higher socio-economic status, secondary/higher education were mostly protective against the four SRH variables analysed across the different data waves.ConclusionAddressing the high and increasing level of risky SRH behaviours among young people in Nigeria is imperative to improve overall national health status and to ensure progress towards achieving SDG target 3.7 focusing on SRH

<em>In vivo</em> antiplasmodial activities of four Nigerian plants used singly and in polyherbal combination against <em>Plasmodium berghei</em> infection

716-723Methanolic extracts from 4 medicinal plants representing 4 families, used traditionally for malaria treatment in South east Nigeria were screened for their in vivo antimalarial activity in mice against a chloroquine (CQ)-sensitive Plasmodium berghei NK65, alone and in combination as polyherbal remedy. The methanolic extracts of individual plants in single and in combination (100-400 mg kg-1) were administered orally to P. berghei-infected mice in both early and established models of antiplasmodial studies. Survival time was determined. When used alone, extracts from the 4 plants, Fadogia cienkowskii (FC), Lophira lanceolata (LL), Vernonia conferta (VC) and Protea madiensis (PM) had statistically significant parasitaemia suppression (62.06 – 93.44 %) and curative (48.93 – 72.47 %) effects. Lower doses of the 4 individual plants constituted FLVP at a combination ratio of 1: 1: 1: 1. Polyherbal formulation (FLVP) gave statistically significant suppression and curative which ranged from 45.5 – 85.1 % and 45.5 – 74.00 %, respectively. A more general improved antimalarial recovery effect, controlled weight lost and enhanced survival rate of the test mice compared to the individual plant therapeutic effect was observed. The standard drug, CQ gave stronger curative effect 100 % parasitaemia clearance. Our study findings suggest that the 4 plants used both as monotherapy and combined polyherbal remedy showed antiplasmodial in vivo activities and FLVP showed a more stable recovery status. FLVP is safe up to tested dose of 4000 mg kg-1. Further studies using varying fixed ratios for FLVP could result in better and improved antimalarial formulation

Ikirydinium A: A new indole alkaloid from the seeds of Hunteria umbellata (K. Schum)

Chemical investigations into samples of Hunteria umbellata (K. Schum) collected in Osun State, Nigeria, led to the discovery of a new indole alkaloid, ikirydinium A, featuring an unprecedented 3-alkylpyridinium-indole-2-carboxylate scaffold. Ikirydinium A was found to exhibit antimicrobial activity (IC50 0.6 mu M) against Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6051. The involvement of a common intermediate in the biosynthesis of ikirydinium A and vinblastine is hypothesized. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Full length genomic sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Nigeria.

In an outbreak, effective detection of the aetiological agent(s) involved using molecular techniques is key to efficient diagnosis, early prevention and management of the spread. However, sequencing is necessary for mutation monitoring and tracking of clusters of transmission, development of diagnostics and for vaccines and drug development. Many sequencing methods are fast evolving to reduce test turn-around-time and to increase through-put compared to Sanger sequencing method; however, Sanger sequencing remains the gold standard for clinical research sequencing with its 99.99% accuracy This study sought to generate sequence data of SARS-CoV-2 using Sanger sequencing method and to characterize them for possible site(s) of mutations. About 30 pairs of primers were designed, synthesized, and optimized using endpoint PCR to generate amplicons for the full length of the virus. Cycle sequencing using BigDye Terminator v.3.1 and capillary gel electrophoresis on ABI 3130xl genetic analyser were performed according to the manufacturers' instructions. The sequence data generated were assembled and analysed for variations using DNASTAR Lasergene 17 SeqMan Ultra. Total length of 29,760bp of SARS-CoV-2 was assembled from the sample analysed and deposited in GenBank with accession number: MT576584. Blast result of the sequence assembly shows a 99.97% identity with the reference sequence. Variations were noticed at positions: nt201, nt2997, nt14368, nt16535, nt20334, and nt28841-28843, which caused amino acid alterations at the S (aa614) and N (aa203-204) regions. The mutations observed at S and N-gene in this study may be indicative of a gradual changes in the genetic coding of the virus hence, the need for active surveillance of the viral genome