Department of Microbiology

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Open Access
Pollution Pattern in the Mokuro Dam in Ile-Ife
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1984) Petters, Hannah Itam; Odeyemi, Olu
Bacteriological and physical-chemical analyses of the Mokuro Jam (in Ile-Ife) an its distribution system were carried out from December 1982 to November 1983 at monthly intervals, and the quality of water was assessed to establish the pollution pattern. Generally, the population density of aerobic heterotrophic bacteria varied between wet and dry seasons., While thorn was an increase in the mean monthly population of bacteria from 4.2 x 102/ml in November to 4.8 x 106/ml in February (i.e. dry season) there was a comparative decrease from 11.0 x 106/ml in June to 1.8 x 103/ml in October (i.e. rainy season), in the distribution system In the stream and in the dam, the seasonal trends of total aerobic bacterial distribution followed more or less the same pattern as in the distribution system. In the dam, the faecal coliform populations ranged from zero to 33 MPN/100 ml during the rainy season and from 2 to 221 MPN/100ml in the dry season. The same pattern was observed in the distribution system. Both faecal streptococci and Clostridium perfringens were also detected in the water samples with no definite pattern of population distribution between the seasons. The mean monthly faecal streptococci ranged from zero to 2.8 x 10 4/mt, while Clostridium perfringens ranged from zero to 538 MPN/100ml. Nitrate, phosphate, chloride and dissolved solid levels were generally low. These compounds ranged from zero to 1.16 mg/l; from zero to 0.038 mg/I, from 3.6 to 54 mg /l, and from 0.0001 to 0.058 g/100ml, respectively. The BOD varied with a range of 1.0 to 12.6mg /l in the dam. In the distribution system, the chlorine residual was generally below 1mg/l, decreasing with distance away from the chlorination point.
Open Access
The General Characteristics and Cultivation of some Nigerian Mushrooms
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1985) Alofe, Folaranmi Victoria; O.L., Oke; O.A., Afolabi; S.R.A., Adew usi; O., Odeyemim
Sixteen mushroom species, namely, Agrocybe broawayi, Chlorophyllum molybdits, Coprinus africanus, Coprinus congregatus, Lentinus subnudules, Lepiota bionata, Plerotus tuber-regium, Psathyrella atroumbonata, Termi tomyces microcarpus, Termitomyces robustus, Termitomyces striatus, Termitomyces species, Tricholoma lobayensis Volvariella esculents, Volvariella speciosa, and an unidentified species were studied. Maltose- and glucose-glutamic acid liquid media suported good mycelial growth of the five species investigated. Some of the species contain various amounts of protein, fats, fiber, and carbohydrates. Mycelial growth of the five species investigated was temperature and pH dependent. Minimal and maximal growth temperatures were 10°C and 40°C respectively for each of the species. Optimal temperature requirements varied between 25°C and 40°C. The mushroom species grew best around pH values of 6.5 and 7.0 The greatest amount of protein (>50%) occurred in V. esculenta. Most of the mushrooms contained the major as well as the trace elements in measureable concentrations. Aluminium occurred in very high concentrations in all the species tested. Arsenic was virtually absent in all the mushroom species studied. Alkaloids and tannins were detected in most of the species tested. Saponins were not detectable in any of the species analysed. C. molybditis was as good as casein in promoting growth of white albino rats, but it made such rats extremely excited and aggressive. T. straatus was found to be highly toxic. All the rats that were fed on a diet containing the mushroom died within 4 days. P. tuber-regi um and P. atroumbonata were successfully cultivated in the field. C. congregates and T. lobayensis were cultivated in the laboratory using Blighia sapida and Terminalia ivorensis (Black Afra) wood chips together with their saw dust.
Open Access
Studies on Protease from Aspergillus Aculeatus
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1985) Elegbe, Isaac Anuolowapo; Olutiola, P.O.
Aspergillus aculeatus associated with the black tongue disease was able to grow in liquid synthetic medium. Growth was maximum on the fifth day of incubation. Growth was optimum at pH 6.5 and 35 °c. The best carbon source for growth was glucose while among the nitrogen sources used, optimum growth occurred on tryptone. During growth of A. aculeatus in liquid synthetic medium, proteins were released and proteolytic activity was detected. Proteolytic activity was optimum when the sole carbon and nitrogen sources were galactose (or inositol) and peptone respectively. The proteins were separated into three peaks of absorption by gel permeation chromatography, and only one of the components exhibited proteolytic activity. The molecular weight of this protease from its elution volume on Sephadex G-100 was approximately 28,500 Daltons. Ion exchange chromatography resolved only one peak of absorption with a purification fold of approximately 309.5, a specific activity of 2.7 x 10' units/mg protein, and a Km of approximately 0.26 mg/ml for the hydrolysis of casein. The partially purified enzyme was able to hydrolyse casein, lactalbumin, egg albumin and human haemoglobin. Optimum activity of the enzyme occurred at pH 6. 5 and 40 °C. Activity of the enzyme was stimulated by low concentrations of Cu++, Ba++, Ca++, Mg++ and K+ but inhibited by Mn++, Zn +, Fe +, Hg++, iodoacetic acid and ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid. The enzyme was highly susceptible to heat, losing all its activity within 2 minutes at 70 °C. Intraperitoneal inoculation of white rats (Fisher's breed) with the crude and the partially purified enzyme caused marked histological changes resulting in cellular degeneration and local necrosis of three major organs (liver, kidney and spleen). The partially purified enzyme was more effective than the crude enzyme, and the changes produced by both enzymes were more pronounced in the male than in the female rats.
Open Access
Purification and some Biochemical and Immunological Characterization of a Protease from Serratia Marcescens
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1986) Obiallor, Nkem Nicholas; Sonukan, Olusola
An extra cellular protease purified 30-fold was induced in cultures of Serratia marcescens (NCIB 1377) during growth in liquid synthetic medium containing vitamin-free casein (sigma) as the inducer. Purification was by means of ammonium sulphate precipitation and chromatography on sephadex G-100 and DEAE-sephadex (A-50) columns. The molecular weight estimated by gel filtration was approximately 45,000. Optimum temperature and pH of activity, using casein as substrate were 40oc and 8.5 respectively. The protease was stable for 60 minutes at 30-40oC, losing all detectable activity at 60oC, even for 10 minutes. Ca++ and Mg++ did not affect the enzyme activity. Sulfhydryl reagents, IAA, dithiothreitol and L-cysteine could not inhibit its activity; and metal chelators, dithizone and NacN failed to be inhibitory to the protease activity. However, EDTA, at relatively high concentrations inhibited the protease activity. Inhibition of enzyme activity by 2,4-Dinitrophenol indicated need for metabolic energy in enzyme activity. The protease was well inhibited by PMSF indicating it is a serine enzyme. The protease digested a wide range of proteins but with a preference for the milk proteins. It possessed an apparent km of approximately 0.75mg/ml for casein. The sephadex G-100 fraction of the protease was used to raise antibodies in locally bred rabbit. The antibody to this protease was found to inhibit its enzymic activity. Ouchterlony double-diffusion tests revealed antigenic relatedness between all the enzyme fractions at the different stages of purification. The protease shares no antigenic.
Open Access
Studies on the Natural Antifungal Compounds from Yam tubers (Dioscorea Alata. L.).
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1986) Aderiye, Babatunde Idowu; Ogundana, S.K.
In order to investigate the biochemical basis of natural resistance of yam peel to fungal infection, a preliminary chromatographic bioassay of four varietal species of Dioscorea; Manihot esculentum Crantz; Solanum aethiopicum Linn.; and Xanthosoma sagittifolium Schott was undertaken. The studies revealed the presence of antifungal compounds from the peel extracts of the root crops. Four prominent antifungal components were obtained from the peels of Dioscorea alata L. out of which the component at Rf 0.38 was fully characterized. The component was identified with the aid of nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectroscopy and colour reaction as sitosterol. It is a white crystalline solid with a melting point of 138oC. The antifungal activity of the compounds against the germination of spores of four yam pathogens showed a percentage inhibition of below 57% at a concentration of 50 ug/ml while inhibition on the elongation of ferm- tubes of Fusarium moniliforme was as high as 82% at the same concentration. However, the ED50 for inhibition of germ-tube elongation in the yam compounds for the same organism was below 27 ug/ml. β- sitosterol was found to have an effective inhibitory dosage against the yam pathogens and the test fungus ranging between 1.21 - 2.4 x 10-4M. The role of the yam compounds at high concentrations in disease resistance is discussed. The antifungal compounds have weak bacteriostatic properties with no definite pattern against both gram - positive and Gram - negative bacteria.
Open Access
Field Assessment of Some Local Cowpea Rhizobium Inoculants.
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1986) Oloke, Julius Kola; Odeyemi, Olu
The effectiveness of lignite, sub-bituminous, cow manure and peat as rhizobia carriers and inoculants were assessed in a field plot. The inoculants prepared by incorporating each of three rhizobia strains (IFE CR9, IFE CR15 and R. japonicum) into each of the carrier materials were used to inoculate three cowpea varieties viz. TVU 1190, IT82E-60 and Ife brown. When lignite bearing IFE CR9 was used to inoculate TVU 1190 plants, the nitrogen content of the plants was found to be 178.12mg/plant whereas that of the uninoculated nitrate free plants was 64.07mg/plant. As a result of using lignite, sub-bituminous, peat, and cowdung as carriers for the rhizobia strains, the increases in the grain yield of the inoculated cowpea plants were 72.2%, 51.9%, 25.5% and 10.1% respectively when compared with the uninoculated ones. IFE CR9 (which is a native Rhizobium) seems to be better adapted to tropical conditions than the imported R. japonicum. When Ife brown cowpea plants were inoculated with IFE CR9 incorporated into lignite, the nitrogen content of the plants was 149.00mg/plant whereas the nitrogen content of the same plants inoculated with R. japonicum in lignite was 132.61mg/plant. TVU 1190 cowpea variety responds better to inoculation than the two other varieties. For example when TVU 1190, Ife brown and IT82E 60 were inoculated, the increases in dry weight of the plants over the uninoculated ones were 125.1%, 116% and 93.3% respectively.
Open Access
Post-infectional Production of Phytoalexin in White Yam (Discorea Rotundata Linn.) Innoculated with Botryodiplodia Theobromae Pat
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1986) Fagbohun, Dayo Emman; Ogundana, S. K.
Four phytoalexins were induced D. rotundata in post-infectionally with B. theobromae. Three of the Phytoalexins were isolated and identified with the aid of ultra-violet mass and nuclear magnetic resonance spectral data as 3,2,5 trihydroxydiphenyl 1 , 2 ethane; 3, 5 dihydroxydiphenyl 1,2 ethane; 1,5 dihydroxy-3-methoxydiphenyl 1,2 ethane and an uncharacterised. Maximum production of the phytoalexins was achieved at 30 hours of incubation. Chloroform: methanol, (96:4 v/v) gave the best separation of the phytoalexins from yam crude extract. Antifungal activities of the phytoalexins against spore germination varied according to fungal species but the pores were more sensitive to 3, 2, 5 trihydroxydiphenyl 1,2 ethane than 3, 5 dihydroxydiphenyl 1,2 ethane and the spores of B. theobromae were least affected. The ED50 values required to prevent spore germination of the pathogen varied from 45.7 µg/ml 58.9 µg/ml for 3,2, 5 trihydroxydiphenyl 1,2 ethane and 45.6 µg/ml to 81.3 µg/ml ;3,5 dihydroxydiphenyl 1,2 ethane. The ED50 value of the two phytoalexins to prevent germ tube elongation of the yam rot pathogens was highest for B. theobromae (61.07 µg/ml) and least for A.niger (46.77 µg/ml). The compound 3,2, 5 trihydroxydiphenyl 1 ,2 ethane was found to be active against the four bacterial species tested against it even at the low concentration of 10 µg/ml.
Open Access
Post-harvest Rots of Tomato Fruits
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1986) Fakorede, Adekunle; Ogundana, S. K
In a study of post-harvest fruit rot disease of tomatoes in South western Nigeria, the soft watery rot was the most prevalent accounting for more than 60% of total fruit rots during the rainy season. Aspergillus niger, Geotrichum candidum, Mucor hiemalis and Pichia kluyveri were organisms established as incitants of the rot. A. niger and G. candidum were major virulent pathogens while M. hiemalis and P. kluyveri were mild ratters. Rotting was most serious at temperatures of 25 - 30°C which, in fact, coincides with the optimum temperature for growth of the pathogens. The pathogens thrived best in tomato decoction media and at high relative humidity levels of 85 - 95%. Culture filtrates of the pathogens grown on different carbon substrates produced extracellular cellulase and Polygalacturonase (PG) enzymes. The production of cellulose was more pronounced than that of PG in all pathogens except niger which produced the two types of enzymes appreciably. Brestan, Bordeaux mixture and Thiabendazole proved effective in controlling the growth of all the pathogens at low concentrations of 250 mg/dm-3 (a.i) while Benomyl and fundazol were effective against A. niger at concentrations of 500 and 1 50 mg/dm-3 (a.i.) respectively.
Open Access
Geomagnetic Deep Sounding of Southwestern Nigeria.
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1987) Arubayi, John Blackie; Alabi, A. O.
Five modified version of Gough-Reitzel's magnetometers were operated between December 1985 and March 1986 at five locations: Ibadan (IBD), Ile-Ife (IFE), Ise-Ekiti (ISE), Igbile (IGB) and Okitipupa (OKT). The magnetometer array experiment was to aid the study of the magnetic field variations of part of south-western Nigeria, and to deduce the general geologic nature of the subsurface in this area. Five night-time and two day-time disturbance events selected from the suite of observed magneto grams were used in the analysis. To process the magnetic data a home-made digitizer was contrived and spectral analysis computer soft-ware programs were developed and implemented on a TRS-80 Radio Shack micro-computer system. Features of the computer package are described in details in the thesis. Magneto grams of the day-time events exhibit large amplitude north-south horizontal component (H) with enhanced vertical field (Z) at IBD. The H-field also decreases toward the coastal stations from IBD. These are indicative of the spatial non-uniformity in the equatorial source field. In all the night events, the spatial uniformity of the source field over the area of study is obvious from both magneto grams and the plot of the amplitude of the Fourier spectra for H and D components for all the stations. The coherence plots with IFE as reference station also confirm the uniformity of the source field. Both magneto grams and the plot of spectra amplitude also show strong correlations of the Z-field with the H-field and none with the D-field. The Z-field also diminishes inland. This is a clear exhibition of coast effect. Plots of Z/H at selected peak periods were made with H defining the horizontal field component which shows maximum correlation with Z-field component. Values of Z/H at the period of 60min. when interpreted with similar curves by White and Polatako (1978) show that the rate of decrease of the coast effect inland is more rapid than what Everett and Hyndman (1967) proposed for the shield region of Australia. A possible explanation could be the presence of a transitional region between the shield and the ocean. Similar results were obtained for South Australia by White and Polatako (ibid). Plots of induction arrows at 42min. period at all the stations point to the 500m fathom line, indicating current concentration in the deep ocean adjoining the coast. Arrows at period of 25min. however point westward at IFE. This could be due to additional inland anomaly. A two layered earth model attempted for observed data for IFE showed depth to increased conductivity as 340km. This is contrary to earlier models which obtained depth to ultimate conducting layer as less than 100km which gives erroneous impression of on-going tectonic processes in this area. To infer the detail features of geologic structure in the area from obtained data, a programme of stripping the coast effect which is the dominant anomaly recorded suggested for further studies.
Open Access
The Importance of Macrophages, T-Lymphocytes and Passive Transfer of Antibody in the Protection of Mice against Shigella Dysenteriae Type 1.
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1987) Koleosho, Tinuola; Shonukan, O.O.
The contribution of T-lymphocytes, macrophages and antibodies to protection against Shigella dysenteriae type 1 during the course of infection in mice was analysed following intraperitoneal injection of the organism into mice. Approximately 1.55 x 105 cells of Shigella dysenteriae was injected into each mouse. At intervals, the liver and spleen were dissected out to obtain fresh isolates of the organism from these organs. Ten minutes after the inoculation, ~1.59x,04 and 4.79x103 Shigella cells were recovered from the liver and spleen respectively. The number of trapped bacteria decreased from 10 mine to reach minimal levels by 6 hours and then increased to reach maximum levels by 24 hours; gradual elimination occurred after 3 days. Carrageenan (a toxic macrophage blocker) was injected into another set of mice 24hours prior to infection with Shigella. Carrageenan treatment significantly (p<0.05) enhanced the bacterial growth in the liver and spleen. This observation suggests that carrageenan sensitive macrophages are very important in the protection against Shigellosis. The role of antibody was investigated in a serum transfer experiment, AntiShigellae antibody that was raised in Rabbit was used to passively immunize another set of mice 24hours prior to the challenge with Shigellae. It was observed that although antibody was produced (titer 1:320), it had no protective role on passive transfer. The contribution of T-cells to protection was examined in another set of mice by immunosuppressing T-cells with antithymocytic serum (ATS) 24hours prior to challenge with Shigellae. The ATS was raised in Rabbit injected with thymocytes pooled from another set of mice. There was a significant (p<0.05) increase in bacterial count in ATS treated mice, showing that T-cells also play a significant role in protection against Shigella. It seems that that the protection of mice against Shigella dysenteriae depends on the synergistic action of macrophages and T-Iytphocytes.
Open Access
Man’s Unseen Allies and their Self-Synthesized Tools
(Obafemi Awolowo University Press, 1987-06-09) Olutiola, P. O
At. stage in the life of a Professor; he is called upon to deliver an inaugural lecture. A number of things immediately comes to his mind –what type of topic is he going to discuss, and .more importantly, how does he make himself understandable to such an academically heterogeneous audience as we have here today. With all these factors- at the back of my mind; I shall attempt to discuss today's chosen topic men's unseen allies and their self-synthesized tools”. There is no, doubt that the first question that strikes one's mind is "what are man's unseen allies?" With respect to this lecture, I shall define man's unseen allies as those living' creatures which are present in virtually every environment, but which are too small to be perceived by the unaided human eye. This group of organisms is collectively referred to as microorganisms, and their study is called microbiology.
Open Access
Man against Microbes: No Victor, No Vanquished
(Obafemi Awolowo University Press, 1997-09-09) Deboye, Kolawole
The topic - "MAN AGAINST MICROBES: NO VICTOR, NO VANQUISHEO" is suggestive of a battle between man and microbes, which cannot be said to have been won or lost on either side. Man is the highest of God's creation, to whom He gave dominion overall other creatures, while microbes are organisms that are too small to be seen with the naked eye, but are present in large numbers everywhere. Both man and microbes have therefore existed side by side-through the ages. With man not being able to see the microbes until in the nineteenth century, but all the while seeing and experiencing the effects of their activities, especially the harmful effects which helped to draw attention to them.
Open Access
Universality of the Enzyme Molecule
(Obafemi Awolowo University Press, 2006-09-26) Shonukan, Olusola Olusoji
Enzymes are complex proteins that cause a specific chemical change in other substances without being changed themselves. An enzyme is also a protein that is synthesized in a living cell and catalyzes or speeds up a thermodynamically possible reaction so that the rate of the reaction is compatible with the biochemical process essential for the maintenance of a cell. The enzyme in no way modifies the equilibrium constant or the AG of a reaction. As the title of the lecture states, enzymes are found in all living things and perform specific functions in them and they are applied in many disciplines including Medicine, Biochemistry, and Microbiology and in Industrial processes.
Open Access
In vitro time-kill studies of antibacterial agents from putative marine Streptomyces species isolated from the Nahoon beach, South Africa
(African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology Vol. 4(12), 2010-12) Ogunmwonyi, Isoken H.; Mazomba, Ntsikelelo; Mabinya, Leonard; Ngwenya, Elvis; Green, Ezekiel; Akinpelu, David A.; Olaniran, Ademola O.; Okoh, Anthony I.
We assessed the antibiotic production potentials of ten putative Streptomyces strains isolated from the Nahoon beach and their antibacterial activities against a wide range of bacteria including reference strains, environmental strains and clinical isolates. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the crude ethyl acetate extracts ranged from 0.039 to 10 mg/mL and the least minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) demonstrated was 0.625 mg/mL against a reference strain Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538. Time kill kinetics of all extracts revealed bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities. Average log reductions in viable cell counts for all the extracts ranged from 0.86 log10 and 3.99 log10 cfu/mL after 3 h interaction and 0.01 log10 and 4.86 log10 after 6 h interaction at MIC, 2 × MIC, 3 × MIC and 4 × MIC concentrations. Most of the extracts were speedily bactericidal at 3 × MIC and 4 × MIC resulting in over 50% elimination of most of the test bacteria within 3 and 6 h interaction. Our findings suggest that the marine Streptomyces isolated from the Nahoon beach have tremendous potential as sources of new antibacterial compounds.
Open Access
COMPARATIVE TREATMENT OF WELL AND STREAM WAGTER FOR DRINKING USING MORINGA OLEIFERA SEEDS, ALUM, SAND FILTER BEDS AND SOLAR RADIATION
(Crosshouse books, 2011) Benjamin, MOSES Ikechukwu; Babatunde, Awopetu; Odeyemi, Olu
Objectives The objective of this research work was to compare the coagulating power of Moringa oleifera seeds with that of alum. Raw water samples were collected from various wells and streams in Modakeke area, Ile-Ife, Osun state, Nigeria. Results show that Moringa oleifera seed is a better coagulating agent than alum because it had an average coagulating power of 85.3% while that of alum was 78.3%. The filter bed had 85.7% reduction in microbial load for Moringa oleifera treated water while there was 79.1% reduction in microbial load for alum treated water. Also, the effectiveness of solar disinfection for the Moringa oleifera treated clear filtrate was 98.1% while that of alum treated water was 91.5%. Hence, Moringa oleifera, sand filtration and solar energy are good alternatives for water treatment especially in rural areas that can’t afford sophisticated water treatment plant or chemicals.
Open Access
Preponderance of bacterial isolates in urine of HIV-positive malaria-infected pregnant women with urinary tract infection
(2014) Osho, Patrick; Adejuyigbe, Ebunoluwa; Ebhodaghe, Blessing Itohan; Ajibade, Kwashie; Ako, Nai
This study examined HIV and malaria co-infection as a risk factor for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in pregnancy. The study group included 74 pregnant women, 20 to 42 years of age, who attended the antenatal clinic at the Specialist Hospital at Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Forty-four of the pregnant women were either HIV seropositive with malaria infection (HIV+Mal+) or HIV seropositive without malaria (HIV+Mal-). The remaining thirty pregnant women served as controls and included women HIV seronegative but with malaria (HIV-Mal+) and women HIV seronegative without malaria. UTI was indicated by a bacterial colony count of greater than 105/mL of urine, using cysteine lactose electrolyte deficient medium (CLED) as the primary isolation medium. Bacterial isolates were characterized using convectional bacteriological methods, and antibiotics sensitivity tests were carried out using the disk diffusion method. A total of 246 bacterial isolates were recovered from the cultures, with a mean of 3.53 isolates per subject. Women who were HIV+Mal+ had the most diverse group of bacterial isolates and the highest frequency of UTIs. The bacterial isolates from the HIV+Mal+ women also showed the highest degree of antibiotic resistance. While pregnancy and HIV infection may each represent a risk factor for UTI, HIV and malaria co-infection may increase its frequency in pregnancy. The higher frequency of multiple antibiotic resistance observed among the isolates, particularly isolates from HIV+Mal+ subjects, poses a serious public health concern as these strains may aggravate the prognosis of both UTI and HIV infection.
Open Access
Preponderance of bacterial isolates in urine of HIV-positive malaria-infected pregnant women with urinary tract infection
(2014) Ebunoluwa, Adejuyigbe; Kwashie, Ajibade; Nai, Ako
Original Article Preponderance of bacterial isolates in urine of HIV-positive malaria-infected pregnant women with urinary tract infection Kwashie Ajibade Ako-Nai1, Blessing Itohan Ebhodaghe1, Patrick Osho2, Ebun Adejuyigbe3, Folasade Mubiat Adeyemi4, Olakunle O Kassim5 1 Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria 2 HIV Programme, Department of Haematology, State Specialist Hospital Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria 3 Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria 4 Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria 5 Department of Microbiology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC, United States Abstract Introduction: This study examined HIV and malaria co-infection as a risk factor for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in pregnancy. The study group included 74 pregnant women, 20 to 42 years of age, who attended the antenatal clinic at the Specialist Hospital at Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Methodology: Forty-four of the pregnant women were either HIV seropositive with malaria infection (HIV+Mal+) or HIV seropositive without malaria (HIV+Mal-). The remaining thirty pregnant women served as controls and included women HIV seronegative but with malaria (HIV-Mal+) and women HIV seronegative without malaria. UTI was indicated by a bacterial colony count of greater than 105/mL of urine, using cysteine lactose electrolyte deficient medium (CLED) as the primary isolation medium. Bacterial isolates were characterized using convectional bacteriological methods, and antibiotics sensitivity tests were carried out using the disk diffusion method. Results: A total of 246 bacterial isolates were recovered from the cultures, with a mean of 3.53 isolates per subject. Women who were HIV+Mal+ had the most diverse group of bacterial isolates and the highest frequency of UTIs. The bacterial isolates from the HIV+Mal+ women also showed the highest degree of antibiotic resistance. Conclusions: While pregnancy and HIV infection may each represent a risk factor for UTI, HIV and malaria co-infection may increase its frequency in pregnancy. The higher frequency of multiple antibiotic resistance observed among the isolates, particularly isolates from HIV+Mal+ subjects, poses a serious public health concern as these strains may aggravate the prognosis of both UTI and HIV infection
Open Access
Characterization of a Novel Thermostable Nuclease Homolog (Nuc(M)) in a Highly Divergent Staphylococcus aureus Clade
( Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2014-08) Schaumburg, Frieder; Pauly, Maude; Schubert, Grit; Shittu, Adebayo
A thermostable nuclease homologue (NucM) in an animal associated divergent clade of Staphylococcus aureus in sub-Saharan Africa has a highly divergent nucleotide sequence compared to classical nuc1 and nuc2 of S. aureus. The deduced amino acid sequences, tertiary structures nuclease activities are, however, similar.
Open Access
Characterization of a Novel Thermostable Nuclease Homolog (Nuc(M)) in a Highly Divergent Staphylococcus aureus Clade
(African Research Review. 1. 10.4314/afrrev.v1i1.40988, 2014-08) Schaumburg, Frieder; Pauly, Maude; Schubert, Grit; Shittu, Adebayo O
A thermostable nuclease homologue (NucM) in an animal associated divergent clade of Staphylococcus aureus in sub-Saharan Africa has a highly divergent nucleotide sequence compared to classical nuc1 and nuc2 of S. aureus. The deduced amino acid sequences, tertiary structures nuclease activities are, however, similar.
Open Access
Molecular identification and amylolytic potential of a thermophilic bacteria species from refuse dump in Ile-Ife, Nigeria
(International Journal of Biological Research, 2014-10) Omoboye, Olumide; Kolawole, Bakare Mufutau; Olusanjo, Adewale Isaac; Oyedeji, Olaoluwa
Molecular identification and amylolytic potential of a thermophilic bacterium species isolated from refuse dump was investigated. Bacte-rial isolates were identified by morphological and biochemical characterization while amylolytic bacterium of interest was identified by molecular analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The bacterium with the highest α-amylase activity was selected for enzyme pro-duction. The optimal conditions for α-amylase secretion were determined by varying the pH, temperature, percentage soluble starch, nitrogen sources and carbon sources. The isolated and identified bacteria were Bacillus alvei (40%) Bacillus licheniformis (40%) and Bacillus brevis (20%) while Bacillus licheniformis RD24 was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The peak of amylase production was at 20 h of incubation (925 µg/ml/min). The optimum pH and temperature for the enzyme production were 7 and 45oC respectively. Enzyme production medium with 1% starch gave highest enzyme activity of 102 ± 5.3 µg/ml/min. Peptone gave an enzyme activity of 165 ± 8.97 µg/ml/min and yeast extract gave 52.26 ± 2.86 µg/ml/min. Of the raw starches, cassava flour gave the highest specific activity of 72 ± 0.07 Units/mg proteins, while sorghum starch gave the lowest specific activity of 5 ± 1.52 Units/mg proteins. The study conclud-ed that starch-rich household waste can be employed for amylase production using Bacillus licheniformis RD24.

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