UMYU Journal of Microbiology Research

Optimization of Culture Condition in the Production of Bioenzymes by Bacteria Isolated from Poultry Waste in Sokoto State, Nigeria

Hauwa, H. — 2019-06-19

Poultry wastes obtained from a poultry farm in Sokoto metropolis were analyzed for cellulose-producing bacteria. Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus laterosporus, and Bacillus amyloliquifaciens isolated were screened for their ability to produce cellulase enzyme. All the isolates showed cellulose activity by exhibiting a wide halo on caboxymethylcellulase medium (CMC). The fermentation process was optimized using the following parameters: inoculum size, pH, substrate concentration, temperature, and incubation periods. Cellulase activity was determined using the DNS method. Banana peels were used as a substrate for the production of the enzymes; this was analyzed with atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Cellulase enzyme was produced at inoculum size 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5%; pH 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11; substrate concentration 1 g, 2 g, 3 g, 4 g, and 5 g; temperature 35, 45, 55, 65, and 75, for 1, 2, 3, 3, and 5 days respectively. Bacillus laterosporus recorded the highest cellulase activity of 0.37 mg/ml in 5% substrate concentration among all the isolates, while Bacillus amyloliquifaciens recorded the highest cellulose production at pH 3 with 45 mg/ml. Bacillus laterosporus recorded the highest activity of cellulose production with 0.71 mg/ml. Temperature was also studied in the cellulose production, and Bacillus laterosporus showed the highest activity at 75°C with an activity of 0.66 mg/ml. This study showed that Bacillus laterosporus was the best cellulase-producing bacteria among all the isolates.

Evaluation of the Prophylactic Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Ricinus communis L. against Plasmodium berghei in Mice

Liadi, Y.M. — 2025-01-14

The continuous quest to annihilate the scourge of malaria parasites and the need for exploration of new drugs for the ever-endemic killer disease opens the way for continued research. In the present study, ethanolic extract of Ricinus communis leaves was evaluated for possible antimalarial activity against Plasmodium berghei (NK65) infections in mice. Prophylactic antimalarial activity of the extract was investigated to determine the efficacy of the extract. Phytochemical screening of the extract was conducted with the view to elucidating the feasible mechanism of the antimalarial potentials. It was established from our findings that 141.42 mg/kg was the acute oral toxicity (LD50) of the ethanolic extract of Ricinus communis in mice. Consequently, three doses of the extract (10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, and 40 mg/kg) were prepared. A remarkable antimalarial activity was portrayed by the three doses of the extract, with the 10 mg/kg dose having the highest percentage suppression of 58.7%. The result of the phytochemical screening revealed the presence of chemical compounds noted for their antiplasmodial activities, such as alkaloids and flavonoids. The leaves extract of Ricinus communis thus possess antimalarial activity. It is therefore recommended for consideration in further researches on new antimalarial drug development.

Candidiasis Opportunistic Mycosis within Nigeria: A Review

Sule, H. — 2025-01-14

Candidiasis as a disease is sometimes synonymous with woman folk and most human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. But the disease generally has no border, as it affects males, females, old, young, and middle-aged persons. Environmental changes encourage overgrowth of the opportunistic pathogens Candida spp. The review aimed to assess different presentations of diseases due to Candida species in some states in Nigeria, covering Northwest, South-west, South-south, and South-eastern parts of the country. Data was obtained through a literature search of work from previous researchers. It was observed based on the review that candidiasis is a factor of many different species of the genus Candida but Candida albicans is the predominant cause of the illness, with other non-albicans Candida, contributing the remaining percentage. It was also discovered that HIV infection, pregnancy, diabetes, abuse of antibiotics, and generally immunocompromised status are among the predisposing factors of the disease. It was also discovered that the age group of 20-30, which is an active age group in women, is more prone to candidiasis.

Impact of Trend Analysis On Quality Of Finished Products In A Pharmaceutical Industry

Orukotan, A. A. — 2025-01-14

In this study, trend analyses were carried out on the results obtained for microbiology purity tests and assay of 25 batches of Paracetamol Syrup obtained from a selected Pharmaceutical Industry within Minna Metropolis using the 3-Sigma Method. The results of the trend analyses showed the trend ranges of 60±31; 13.6±31 and 102.31±31 for Total Viable Aerobic Mesophilic Bacteria Plate Count, fungi and the assay respectively. The study showed that the results obtained from the trend analyses carried on all the results obtained for microbiology purity tests and assay of 25 batches of Paracetamol Syrup were within the trend ranges calculated and this suggest that the quality of the 25 batches of Paracetamol Syrup analysed were of good quality microbiologically and chemically.

Efficacy of Some Chemical Preservatives in Prolonging the Shelf Life of Fermented Locust Beans ‘iru’

Saliu, Bolanle Kudirat — 2025-01-14

In Nigeria most foods are preserved by adding salt. The efficacy of this and some other chemical preservatives in improving the storage quality of fermented locust beans was the focus of this study. Samples of fermented locust beans were separately treated with table salt (10% w/w), brine (10 and 20% solution), vinegar (4 and 6%) and lactic acid (10 and 20%). After treatment, all the samples were stored at ambient temperature and periodically analysed for sensory and microbiological properties. Samples treated with dry salt became slippery, changed in color and developed bad odor within 1, 4 and 14 days respectively. Except for the softening observed, no significant (p < 0.5) change occurred with the color and odor of the other samples during storage. A total of 29 bacterial and 6 fungal isolates were obtained. The dominant bacteria were members of the genera Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Micrococcus, Citrobacter, Microbacterium, Enterobacter, Leuconostoc, Arthrobacter, and Corynebacterium while Saccharomyces cerevisae, Aspergillus niger and other Aspergillus spp., dominated the fungal population. Other fungi were Rhizopus stolonifer, Alternaria alternata, and Candida albicans. The microbial load and diversity reduced significantly (p < 0.5) after treatment and during storage. Among the bacterial isolates, Bacillus cereus, B. pumilus, B. lentus, B. licheniformis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. saprophyticus Citrobacter freundii, Arthrobacter ureafaciens, Corynebacterium poinsetiae, Micrococcus denitrificans and Microbacterium sp. were inhibited by lactic acid, vinegar and brine with diameter zone of inhibition ranging from 11.0 to 24.0mm; 15.0 to 20.5mm and 12.5 to 22.5 mm respectively. This study has shown that lactic acid, vinegar and brine have some preservative effects on fermented locust beans and can therefore be used to prolong its shelf life.

Sub-acute toxicity profile of methanolic leaf extract of Securidaca longipedunculata in rats

Sadiq, F. U. — 2025-01-14

This study investigates the toxicological profile of Securidaca longipedunculata in rats. Sub-acute toxicity study was conducted by oral administration of the extracts to rats at daily doses of 25, 50 and 100mg/kg body weight for 28 days. Methanol leaf extract of S. longipedunculata caused significant (p< 0.05) increase in serum urea, creatinine, sodium & proteins but significantly (p< 0.05) decreased the serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and cholesterol concentration when compared with the controls. However, there was no significant (p> 0.05) difference in serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), potassium, triglyceride albumin and bilirubin concentration when compared with control. Jobelyn and dexamethazone caused significant (p< 0.05) increase in serum AST, urea, triglycerides, sodium and protein. Dexamethazone caused significant increase (p<0.05) in bilirubin, cholesterol, and a decrease in serum ALP and creatinine concentration when compared with the control. The extract also had no significant (p>0.05) effect on hematological parameters except for a significant increase (p<0.05) in white blood cells when compared with the normal control. The plant extracts have shown no serious adverse effect on hematological and biochemical parameters. Thus, S. longipedunculata methanol leaf extract could be considered as a natural source of antibiotics for therapeutic purposes.

Microbiological Quality of Traditionally Fermented Fresh Cow Milk (Nono) Retailed in Selected Local Government Areas of Kano State, Nigeria

Omola, E.M. — 2025-01-14

Nono is an African fermented beverage commonly prepared by the Fulani cattle herdsmen and sold by their maids to both rural and urban people. This study was conducted to assess the microbiological quality of traditionally fermented fresh cow milk (Nono) retailed in selected local government areas of Kano State, Nigeria using standard protocol. The physico-chemical parameters (pH, titratable acidity and viscosity) were determined according to standard methods. The microbiological analyses carried out were based on the enumeration of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, Streptococcus sp., fungi, Shigella sp. as well as the isolation and identification of Salmonella sp., Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium botulinum using the method of International Dairy Federation. The results of the analyses showed that the pH ranged from 3.59 - 5.36, titratable acidity (0.73 - 2.17%), viscosity (10.14 – 550 cp). The aerobic mesophilic count ranged between 0.0 – 2.8 x 10^6 cfu/ml. Lactic acid bacteria ranged from 4.0 x 10^3 – 6.0 x 10^6 cfu/ml. Streptococcus sp. ranged from 0.0 – 4.8 x 10^5 cfu/ml. Fungal count ranged from 0.0 – 8.8 x 10^6 cfu/ml while Shigella sp. ranged between 0.0 – 9.3 x 10^4 cfu/ml. Staphylococcus aureus was not detected in any of the samples analyzed. The incidence of Salmonella sp. obtained in this study was 3.5% while Clostridium botulinum was 1.75%. The presence of these pathogens in nono milk is a source of public health concern.

Occurrence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles of Salmonella species among Chickens of some Commercial Poultry Farms in Benue State, Nigeria

Martha Echioda- Ogbole — 2025-01-14

Salmonella is a facultative anaerobic Gram-negative rod, an intracellular bacterium of zoonotic importance. This study aimed at investigating the presence of Salmonella in chickens in three local government areas of Benue State. A total of 588 cloacal swabs were made randomly from 264 layers and 324 broilers at Makurdi, Otukpo and Gboko local government areas of Benue State, from March to July 2015. Salmonellae were isolated and identified using standard bacteriological techniques namely culture, Gram’s staining and biochemical methods. Cultural characteristics of isolates on the used media were observed, pink colonies with or without black centers on xylose lysine deoxycholate agar (XLD) and brilliant green agar (BGA) were considered presumptive Salmonella isolates and were later characterized biochemically using standard conventional methods. Thereafter, an in-vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted on Salmonella isolates using the disc diffusion method with six selected, commonly used antimicrobials ampicillin (10 µg), gentamycin (30 µg), tetracycline (30 µg), chloramphenicol (30 µg), norfloxacin (10 µg) and amoxicillin (10 µg). Thirteen (13) isolates were identified and confirmed as Salmonella species, giving an overall occurrence rate of 2.21% (13/588). Isolates were found to be most susceptible to Norfloxacin and Chloramphenicol. In conclusion, this study revealed the occurrence of Salmonella in chickens within the study area, this is of great concern due to possible effect of disease dissemination in chickens, as well as transmission to humans through the food chain.

Survey on Helminth Parasites Associated With Human Fingernails among Primary School Pupils in Batagarawa Local Government Area, Katsina State, Nigeria

Usman, Affan — 2025-01-14

Helminth parasitic infections have become a global public health concern and their burden is much higher among children of school age, especially in tropical and sub-tropical developing countries. In primary schools environments, children have proven to be more susceptible for acquiring helminth parasites through fingernails. This present study investigated intestinal parasites associated with the fingernails of primary school pupils in Batagarawa Local Government, Katsina State, Nigeria. It was conducted from 15 August to 10 December 2017. Subjects (n=146) swab samples were obtained from 146 subjects and put into a clean sterile container containing normal saline. A drop of the mixture was transferred to the centre of the scrupulously cleaned grease-free slide using sterile plastic Pasteur pipettes and carefully covered with a cover slip, avoiding air bubbles and over floatation. Direct microscopic examination of the samples for ova/eggs of helminths and/or cysts of other protozoan parasites was done. Out of the 146 specimens, 68 (45.9%) were positive for one or more parasites. The parasites identified with single infection were Ascaris lumbricoides, Taenia species, Trichuris trichiura, Hookworm and Enterobius vermicularis. For the mixed infection, we have 04 (6.0%) Taenia spp + A. lumbricoides and 02 (3.0%) Hookworm + E. vermicularis, A. lumbricoides 31 (46.3%) was found to be the most prevalent parasite followed by Trichuris trichiura 11 (14.9%), Taenia species, 10 (14.9%), Hookworm 07 (10.4%) and Enterobius vermicularis 03 (4.5%). Chi Square analysis showed statistically significant between gender versus infection and age versus infection (P<0.05). There is a need for health education campaigns to create awareness about health and hygiene to the pupils and to the parents.

Assessment of the Phytoremediation Activity of the Rhizobacterial Flora of Arachis hypogaea (Groundnut) on Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soil

Manga, S. S. — 2025-01-14

Over the years, Nigeria’s development has accelerated due to crude oil exploration. In spite of its enormous benefits, it has wreaked much havoc and damage on the ecosystem due to its toxicity. The study evaluated hydrocarbon degradation potentials by the rhizobacterial flora of the legume Arachis hypogaea (Groundnut) grown in potted sandy-loamy soil samples in the greenhouse of Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, Nigeria. Crude oil concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, and 20.0 mls were used to contaminate the soil samples respectively. All soil samples apart from the control were polluted. Groundnut germinated after seven days at concentration of 0.0 to 2.5%, but at higher concentration of 5.0% of the contaminant, the germination time increased to nine days, and at concentration 20%, it increased to ten (10) days. Even though groundnut germination was observed in all concentrations of crude oil tested, significant shoot retardation still occurs in both legumes consequent on crude oil toxicity. Rhizobacterial population also diminished with increase in crude oil concentration. The rhizobacteria isolated from the soil sample include Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium tetani, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris, and Enterobacter aerogenes. Rhizobacterial population also diminished with increase in crude oil concentration. The study revealed the resistance of groundnut to crude oil (p<0.05), marking groundnut out as a promising phytoremediation plant.

Incidence of measles specific IgG antibody among children in Adamawa State, Nigeria

Isa, H. — 2025-01-14

Measles account for nearly half of the 1.7 million annual deaths due to childhood vaccine-preventable diseases. Presence of measles-specific IgG antibodies has been proven to correlate with protection (immunity) to natural measles infection. This study was therefore designed to determine the prevalence of measles-specific IgG antibody and also to determine the association between prevalence of measles-specific IgG antibody and age, gender, as well as history of measles infection among children aged 0-14 years in Adamawa State. The research was carried out within the three senatorial districts of the State. Serum samples (368) collected from children were used to determine the prevalence using ELISA method. A questionnaire was used to obtain demographic data of the children relevant to the study. The study revealed that 227 (61.6%) of the children had protective measles IgG antibody with antibody titre ranging from 10-250 U/mL, while 141 (38.4%) had non-protective measles IgG antibody. There was a significant association between history of measles infection and protective antibodies (P-value = 0.000), but there was no significant association between gender (P-value = 0.958), age (P-value = 0.140), and protective measles IgG antibody.

Bacteriological Quality Assessment of Kilishi Produced in Kunchi Local Government Area, Kano State, Nigeria

Dahiru A. T. — 2025-01-14

Dried roasted sliced meat (Kilishi) is a popular meat product in Northern Nigeria that is relished locally and internationally. However, the abundance of a number of nutrients that favor the establishment, growth, and proliferation of microorganisms makes it a vehicle for transmitting foodborne illness. This study was aimed at determining the microbiological quality of Kilishi in Kunchi Local Government Area, being one of the well-known Kilishi production towns in Kano State. The experimental layout for the study was a completely randomized design in which a total of 15 freshly prepared Kilishi samples (100g each) were collected from three well-known retail locations, identified as A (Malikawa Garu), B (Shuwaki), and C (Kunchi town), respectively. The samples were assessed for their microbiological quality according to standard procedures. Results for total aerobic mesophilic bacterial count (APC) cfu/g show Location A had 3.92×10⁵ cfu/g, Location B had 4.83×10⁵ cfu/g, and Location C had 5.43×10⁵ cfu/g. The results for the total coliform counts (TCCs) revealed 30 MPN/g for Location A, 37 MPN/g for Location B, and 50 MPN/g for Location C. Biochemical analysis confirmed the presence of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, and Staphylococcus species in all the three locations, while Enterobacter was detected in Location C. Our finding indicates serious contamination of Kilishi products at retail outlets, which could be of public health concern. Therefore, good production practices, packaging, and storage were recommended.

Hypoglycemia and Anemia Associated with Malaria among Pregnant Mothers living with HIV attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano State-Nigeria

Sani, N. M. — 2025-01-14

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Malaria each interact with the host immune system, resulting in complex activation of immune cells. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive patients are predisposed to severe malaria with marked reduction of CD4 cells count and increase in plasma viral load. An assessment was carried out to examine the relationship between hypoglycemia, HIV infection and malaria prevalence in pregnant mothers as well as parasitemia in relation to severity of infection. A hospital-based case-control study was carried out. Screening was done at the antenatal and ART clinics, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital through routine voluntary and confidential HIV testing. After obtaining ethical approval, a total of 200 HIV positive and equivalent numbers of HIV negative pregnant mothers were selected from whom socio-demographic and biomedical data was collected using structured questionnaires. Blood samples were aseptically collected in an EDTA container. Blood smears (Thick and thin) for malaria screening, Packed Cell Volume (PCV), and Blood Glucose Level were systematically performed using standard procedures. The results were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and OpenEpi statistical software version 2.3 and a p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Malaria prevalence was 141(70.5%) in HIV positive and 110(55.0%) in HIV negative clients. The severity of infection was 41(29.1%) and 5(4.5%) in HIV positive and HIV negative respectively with significant difference (p <0.05). Cases of hypoglycemia (Blood glucose level ≤ 2.2mmol/L) were observed to be higher among the malaria positive in both the HIV positive and HIV negative clients (100%). There was no significant difference with the severity of infection (p>0.05). The higher prevalence of severe malaria infection among HIV positive clients obtained in this study reveals that HIV positive pregnant mothers had clear evidence of greater exposure to severe malaria in this study area. Therefore, strategies to reduce the severity of malaria during pregnancy should be reinforced especially in areas of high HIV prevalence by both governmental and non-governmental agencies.

Seroprevalence of Anti HSV-2 IgG among Women of Reproductive Age attending General Hospital Dutse

Sani, N. M. — 2025-01-14

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) remains one of the widespread and chronic sexually transmitted infections (STI) globally with the highest disease burden in African females. A study to determine the humoral immune response to HSV-2 was carried out with a view to “x-raying” the magnitude of the infection among females of reproductive age in Dutse. A total of 94 clients were recruited for the study and samples were randomly collected after obtaining their consent. A structured questionnaire was administered to capture demographic information in addition to knowledge, attitude, and practices of each respondent. Samples were tested for the presence of IgG antibodies against HSV-2 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results were further subjected to the Chi-square test using SPSS version 22.0 where p-values of ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Out of the 94 samples tested, 29 (30.9%) were positive for anti-HSV-2 IgG with high seroprevalence rates among all age groups. However, the age group 15-19 recorded the highest seroprevalence of 46.2%. Similarly, age groups 20-29, 30-39, and ≥ 40 recorded 28.8%, 26.3%, and 33.3%, respectively. The Chi-square test showed that seroprevalence of HSV-2 was not significantly associated with age, marital status, or level of education. However, it was strongly associated with the number of sexual partners (p = 0.048). Higher seroprevalence was also recorded among women with no educational exposure than those with at least primary or higher levels of education. However, seroprevalence of infection was not statistically associated with level of education (p = 0.059). Married women recorded a higher seroprevalence than the singles. The findings of this research indicate a high seroprevalence of Herpes Simplex - 2 Virus among women of reproductive age, which implies a public health problem to the populace of Dutse and Jigawa state at large, making it necessary for the government and other stakeholders to properly curtail the situation through public enlightenment and the implementation of other health policies.