Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile of Cronobacter sakazakii

Background: Cronobacter sakazakii is an emerging opportunistic bacterium whose presence in powdered infant formulas has been reported in several literatures. Infections such as necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis and severe meningitis common to both premature and full-term infants have been linked to C. sakazakii. Objectives: The objectives were to determine antibiotic susceptibility profile of C. sakazakii using known antibiotics and to determine the time-kill of C. sakazakii by known antibiotics. Methods: The antibiotics susceptibility of C. sakazakii and the time-kill were carried out using standard methods. Results: The antibiotics susceptibility results showed that out of forty four C. sakazakii isolates tested, 44 (100%) were sensitive to Ciprofloxacin, 27 (61.36%) to Gentamycin and 17 (38.64%) to Streptomycin. The time-kill curve showed that both Ciprofloxacin and Gentamycin were able to kill C. sakazakii at 240 minutes. Conclusion: Out of the three antibiotics effective against C. sakazakii, Ciprofloxacin and Gentamycin were able to kill C. sakazakii at 240 minutes. Thus, this suggests that Ciprofloxacin and Gentamycin will be effective therapeutic agents against C. Sakazakii. Keywords: Cronobacter sakazakii, powdered infant formulas, antibiotic susceptibility profile, time- kil

Occurrence of Cronobacter sakazakii in Powdered Milks Obtained within Kaduna Township

Background: Cronobacter sakazakii is a foodborne pathogen, posing a high risk of disease to infants and immunocompromised individuals. Powdered milk (such as infant milk formula and opened-vended milk) are the main food sources that have been linked with epidemic diseases caused by C. sakazakii. Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the occurrence of C. sakazakii in powdered milk comprising powdered infant formulas (PIF) (used and retailed PIF) and opened-vended powdered milk (OVPM) obtained within Kaduna Township, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Methods: The occurrence of C. sakazakii was investigated in three hundred and six (306) samples of powdered milk comprising powdered infant formulas (PIF) (used and retailed PIF) and opened-vended powdered milk (OVPM) obtained within Kaduna township were investigated using standard methods comprising Enterobacteriaceae Enrichment Broth and HardyCHROM sakazakii medium. Results: The results showed that the occurrence of C. sakazakii was highest in OVPM with 8 (7.21%) followed by used PIF with 5 (5.05%) and the least occurred in retailed PIF with 2 (2.08%) out of three hundred and six (306) investigated. Conclusion: The work suggests that OVPM was a major source of contamination of C. sakazakii. Hence, the consumption of contaminated OVPM by infants will make them susceptible to septicemia, meningitis, bacteremia caused by C. sakazakii.   Keywords: C. sakazakii, Powdered Infant Formulas, Opened-Vended Powdered Milk, HardyCHROM sakazakii medium&nbsp

Microbial Purity and Ibuprofen Contents in Four Branded Ibuprofen Tablets Sold within Minna City, Nigeria

Background: Ibuprofen tablets have both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The presence of substandard Ibuprofen tablets in the markets is worrisome. As a result of this, there is a need to have Ibuprofen tablets whose microbial purity and Ibuprofen contents meet the stated specifications. Objectives: To assess the microbial purity and Ibuprofen contents of four branded Ibuprofen tablets sold within Minna city, Nigeria. Methods: The assay of four branded Ibuprofen tablets was determined using UV spectrophotometric and titrimetric methods while the microbial load was determined using microbial purity test. Results: The assay values and percentages when the UV spectrophotometric method was used ranged between 397.05-412.64 mg while the titrimetric method ranged from 381.34-401.02 mg. Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were absent in all the selected Ibuprofen tablets while non-pathogenic bacteria and fungi recorded a value of less than 10 cfu/ml respectively. Conclusions: The four branded Ibuprofen tablets (400 mg) sold within Minna city, Nigeria differs in Ibuprofen contents and the microbial purity results were in conformity with the stated specifications. Keywords: Microbial purity of drugs, Ibuprofen tablets, Ibuprofen in Minna cit

Shelf Stability, Microbiological and Physicochemical Studies of ‘Zobo’ Drink Pasteurized and Treated with Preservative

Background: The combined effect of pasteurization, improved hygiene and varied concentrations of sodium benzoate on the shelf stability and physicochemical attributes of ‘Zobo’ drink, a nutritious non-alcoholic indigenous beverage was evaluated. Objectives: To evaluate the combined effects of pasteurization, improved hygiene and food preservatives on the shelf stability of ‘Zobo’ drink. Methods: Freshly prepared ‘Zobo’ samples were aseptically dispensed in 100 mL capacity Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles containing various concentrations of sodium benzoate (0.05%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75% and 1.00%). Six ‘Zobo’ samples were produced from the fresh ‘Zobo’ using a modified method that combined Hurdle Technology and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) for preservation and stored for eight weeks on the shelf. Analyses were carried out weekly on loss in vitamin C content, microbial quality and physicochemical properties of the beverage for eight weeks. Results: Parameters analysed significantly (p<0.05) changed considering the methods of treatment and storage period. Pasteurization at 68oC for 20 minutes eliminated successfully all pathogenic organisms and coliforms as none was isolated from the drink throughout the eight weeks of shelf study. Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus fermentum isolated from the samples during storage were responsible for the deterioration and spoilage of the beverage. Conclusion: Although the five different concentrations of the preservative used in combination with pasteurization were effective in extending the shelf life of the beverage, sample Bz 0.05% preserved better than all others without impacting negatively on the vitamin C content and other physicochemical properties of the drink. Keywords: Zobo, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Sodium Benzoate, Pasteurization, shelf lif