Department of Microbiology

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Open Access
Abstracts from the 6th Infection Control Africa Network Congress
(Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control, 2016) Wangai, Helen Wambui; Sikhosana, Mpho; Jombwe, Josephat
Infection prevention and control is a set of practices, protocols, and procedures that are put in place to prevent infections that are associated with health care service provision settings. It is an element of quality of care and safety in health care service delivery; health worker occupational health and safety practices; medical waste management; and is also concerned with clinical and public health surveillance and action. Healthcare facilities are ideal settings for the transmission of infections to patients (who are more susceptible), healthcare workers, their families and communities. Healthcare associated infections lead to prolonged hospital stay, increased cost of care and death. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess infection prevention and control practices in various types and levels of health facilities in Nyandarua County, Kenya. Methodology A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 47 health facilities that were sampled from a total of 153, using cluster sampling technique. The facilities were drawn from public, private and faith based organizations distributed across 5 sub-counties of Nyandarua County, Kenya. Data collection method was purely quantitative using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was done using SPSS version 17.
Open Access
Antiproliferative Activities of Fagara xanthoxyloides and Pseudocedrela kotschyi Against Prostate Cancer Cell Lines
(HHS Public Access, 2015-06-30) KASSIM, OLAKUNLE O.; COPELAND, ROBERT L.; KENGUELE, HILAIRE M.; NEKHAI, SERGEI; AKO-NAI, KWASHIE A.; KANAAN, YASMINE M.
Background/Aim—Roots of Fagara zanthoxyloides and Pseudocedrela kotchyii are used as chewing sticks and as medicinal remedies for diarrhea, cough and fever in West Africa. Extracts of the two plants also possess anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-malarial activities. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of such extracts on the growth, proliferation and induction of apoptosis in four prostate cancer cell lines. Materials and Methods—Androgen-independent PC3 and DU-145 and androgen-dependent LNCaP and CWR-22 prostate cancer cell lines were cultured for five days with different concentrations of the extracts and examined for growth inhibition and evidence of apoptosis. Results—Irrespective of their androgen dependence, all four cancer cell lines exhibited a dosedependent decrease in cell proliferation and viability by the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl]-2,5diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and in induction of apoptosis. The results also show that LNCap cells were the most sensitive to the two extracts, with highest inhibition at day 3 and exhibiting the highest rate of apoptosis. Conclusion—These observations suggest that F. zanthoxyloides and P. kotchyii could serve as potential chemopreventive agents in the treatment of prostate cancer
Open Access
Assessment of Programmed Cell Death of Aspergillus flavus by Triggered Cysteine-dependent Aspartate-directed Proteases (Meta-caspase3) Lethality Mechanism of Novel Compounds Isolated from Ethyl Acetate Extract of Spondias mombin
(Biochemistry and Modern Applications, 2019-04) Osuntokun, Oludare Temitope; Omotuyi, Olaposi I; Oluduro, Anthonia O; Idowu, Thomas O
Spondias mombin is a plant that has been traditionally noted for its medicinal with a preliminary results report a wide range of antibacterial and antifungal properties. Meta-caspases and Caspases are essential in cells for programmed cell death, in development and most other stages of adult life, and have been termed "executioner" proteins for their roles in the cell. A 12 hours old culture of each microorganism was re-suspended in plant extract at 1000 μg mL in a total volume of 500 μl for 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 180 minutes. The cells were pelleted by centrifugation at 5000 g for 5 minutes. The pellets were rinsed twice in phosphate buffer saline (PBS). Then 1/10 volume of 95% ethanol plus 5% saturated phenol were added to the pellets to stabilize cellular RNA. The cells were then re-harvested by centrifugation (8200 g, 4°C and 2 minutes). The supernatant was aspirated and pellets re-suspended in 800 μl of lysis buffer (10 mMTris, adjusted to pH 8.0 with HCl, 1 mM EDTA) and 8.3 U/ml Ready- LyseTM Lysozyme Solution. After the pellets were re-suspended, 80 μl of a 10% SDS solution was added, mixed and incubated for 2 minutes at 64 °C. Then 88 μl of 1 M NaOAc (pH 5.2) was mixed with the lysate followed by an equal volume of water and saturated phenol was added. Total RNA was quantified using Spectrophotometric absorbance at 260 nm DNA was removed with Turbo DNA-free (Ambion, Inc.). Reverse Transcription-PCR reaction was performed in a 15.0 μl final volume (kit number-DNA-PCR739288). Assessment of Polymerase Chain Reaction products (amplicons) were electrophoreses in 0.5% of agarose gel using 0.5 × TBE buffer ( 2.6 g of Tris base, 5 g of Tris boric acid and 2 ml of 0.5M EDTA and adjusted to pH 8.3 with the sodium hydroxide pellet) with 0.5 μl ethidum bromide. The mechanism of action of isolated novel compounds using Metacaspase3 to programme the death of test organism (Aspergillus flavus) between 0 and 180 minutes interval. It was observed that cell (via DNA) were completely destroyed at 180 minutes with all the isolated compounds. The purpose of this research work is to evaluate the programmed cell death (PCD) of Aspergillus flavus by triggered Cysteine-dependent Aspartate-directed proteases (meta-caspase3) lethality mechanism of novel compound isolated from ethyl acetate extract of Spondias mombin.
Open Access
An assessment on DNA microarray and sequence-based methods for the characterization of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus from Nigeria
( Frontiers in Microbiology, 2015-10-20) Shittu, Adebayo O; Oyedara, Omotayo; Onko, Kenneth; Raji, Adeola; Peters, Georg; Müller, Lutz von; Schaumburg, Frieder; Herrmann, Mathias; Rufﬁng, Ulla
Staphylococcus aureus is an important human pathogen causing nosocomial and community-acquired infections worldwide. In the characterization of this opportunistic pathogen, DNA microarray hybridization technique is used as an alternative to sequence based genotyping to obtain a comprehensive assessment on the virulence, resistance determinants, and population structure. The objective of this study was to characterize a deﬁned collection of S. aureus isolates from Nigeria using the microarray technique, and to assess the extent that it correlates with sequence-based genotyping methods. The clonal diversity and genomic content of 52 methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA)wereinvestigatedby spa typing,MLSTandDNAmicroarrayhybridization. More than half (55.8%) of these isolates were associated with clonal complexes (CCs) typically associated with methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) clones i.e., CC1, CC5, CC8,CC30,andCC45.Certaingeneslinkedwithvirulence(hlgAandclfA)andadherence (ebpS, fnbA, sspA, sspB, and sspP) were detected in all isolates. A number of genes or gene clusters were associated with distinct clonal types. The enterotoxin gene cluster (egc) was linked with CC5, CC25, CC30, CC45, and CC121, enterotoxin H gene (seh) with CC1, exfoliative toxin D gene (etd) with CC25 and CC80, and the epidermal cell differentiation inhibitor B gene (edinB) with CC25, CC80, and CC152. The excellent agreement between data from DNA microarray and MLST in the delineation of Nigerian MSSA isolates indicates that the microarray technique is a useful tool to provide information on antibiotic resistance, clonal diversity and virulence factors associated with infection and disease.
Open Access
Bacteriological Studies of Open Fractures at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (O.A.U.T.H.C), Ile-Ife
(2015-06-26) Daniels, Folashade Victoria
This study was aimed at isolating the bacteria associated with open fractures, enumerating the antibiotic sensitivity profiles and production of enzyme with virulent potential which could increase the virulence/pathogenicity of such microorganism. Fractures were examined according to Gustilo and Anderson's classification as grade I (2.1%), grade II (29.8%), grade IIIa (36.2%) and grade IIIb (31.5%). Samples were taken from superficial swab, superficial biopsies, deep swabs as well as deep biopsies making a total of four samples per patient at presentation, A total of 180 samples obtained on day 1, 42 samples were obtained on day 3 and 26 were obtained on day 7.Each sample was introduced onto thioglycolate broth to enhance the growth of anaerobic organism. Serial dilutions were made from these samples and plated out on nutrient agar. Incubation was allowed for 24 hrs at 37°C for the viable cell counts at each presentation. The samples in thioglycolate broth were then incubated for 24h at 37°C. Positive samples were plated out onto differential medium so as to identify some of the isolates and selective medium. Negative cultures that demonstrated fowl smells were plated out onto lactose egg yolk milk agar and neomycin blood agar and incubated anaerobically using Gas Pak for 24h at 37°C and extended to seven days and beyond to aid the growth of strict anaerobes. Discrete colonies were further characterized by standard methods. The results showed the prevalence of open fractures was higher in male 37(78.7%) than in females (21.3%).The results showed that tibial fractures constituted 66.1% and were mainly from road accident (RTA). A total of 203 bacterial isolate were cultured from the forty-seven patients with 53 from superficial swabs, (52) from superficial biopsies, (52) from deep swabs and (46) from deep biopsies were cultured. Gram negative bacteria isolates constituted 53.2% of total bacterial, Escherichia coli was the commonest with 26 (12.8%) followed by Salmonella spp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa occurring at the rate of 8.9%. Gram positive cocci constituted 58(28.6%) with Staphylococcus aureus constituting 31(15.3%) and S. epidermidis constituting 27(13,3%). A high incidence of antibiotic resistance was observed against penicillins such as amoxicillin and cloxacillin with values 72(68.6%) and 28(58.3%) respectively for superficial specimens and 57(58.2%) and 15(31.9%) for deep samples. Bacteria isolates cultured were relatively resistant to tetracycline with values 57(54.%) and 41(41.8%) in superficial and deep samples respectively but considerably sensitive to gentamycin and nutrofurantoin while quinolones especially ofloxacin were noted for high effectiveness and against screened bacterial isolates. 75% and 87.5% of Staphylococcus aureus cultured produced lipase and DNase respectively from deep samples while all the Pseudomonas aeruginosa stains produced DNase with 77.5% and 75% lipase production in superficial and deep samples respectively. In conclusion, both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms were relatively sensitive to gentamycin especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa which is known for high resistance against most antimicrobials. Ofloxacin was also highly effective against Gram negative organisms.
Open Access
Biocidal effects of stem bark extract of Chrysophyllum albidium G. Don on vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
(BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016-04-14) Akinpelu, David A; Odewade, Joseph O.; Aiyegoro, Olayinka A.; Ashafa, Anofi O. T.; Akinpelu, Oluseun F.; Agunbiade, Mayowa O.
Background: Staphylococcus aureus causes variety of infections in humans and animals worldwide and predominates in surgical wound infections. This study assessed the antimicrobial potential of the stem bark extract of Chrysophyllum albidum against an array of vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) isolated from clinical samples. Methods: The methanolic crude extract of the plant was preliminary screened for the presence of phytochemicals; after then, the extract was partitioned into n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and butanol fractions. A range of concentrations of the plant extract fractions was prepared to assess its antimicrobial potency; the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs); the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs); the rate of killing; the potassium ion leakage potential and nucleotides leakage ability against the VRSAs. Results: The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, reducing sugars and terpenoids as major phytoconstituents resident in the crude plant extract. The two active fractions (n-hexane and butanol) at a concentration of 10 mg/ml exhibited antibacterial activities with the MIC and MBC values for the fractions ranged between 0.63–10 mg/ml and 1.25–10 mg/ml respectively. The time kill assay revealed that the antibacterial action of the two fractions are time and concentration dependent; the n-hexane and butanol fractions achieved 100 % kill on the test isolates at a concentration of 3×MIC and 2×MIC respectively after 120 min of reaction time. Varying amount of potassium ions as well as nucleotides were leaked from the test cells by n-hexane and butanol fractions. Conclusions: This study has established the possibility of developing antimicrobial agents of natural origin to manage possible infection from vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus that are now developing multi-resistance against many antibiotics.
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
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
The Effects of Bacterial Enzymes and Biosurfactants on Hydrocarbon Degradation in a Crude Oil Polluted Fresh Water
(2015-05-05) Olajide, Patience Orobosa
The present work was designed to identify extracellular enzymes and biosurfactants from five bacterial isolates and investigate their actions on crude oil degradation as a means of bioremediation of hydrocarbon pollution. The Five bacterial isolates including Proteus vulgaris, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Sarcinae litoralis, and Alcaligenes viscolatis were selected for the study based on their relatively high efficiency for crude oil utilisation and their wide occurrence in the Niger Delta basin of Nigeria. The types of enzymes produced by the selected isolates were determined using standard API ZYM kit they were produced in spent media. The activity of the enzymes on crude oil biodegradation was investigated using the enzyme inhibition method. Biosurfactants were extracted from cultures grown in a neutral medium (pH 7.0) containing 2% glucose, shaken at 150 rpm at 37°C for 7 days. Qualitative drop-collapse, blue agar plate, haemolytic, emulsification activity (E24), oil spreading techniques as well as the swirling beaker test were used to confirm the production of biosurfactant. The effect of pH, temperature and salinity concentration on biosurfactant production was evaluated using standard instrumental methods. Biosurfactants were evaluated using acid-precipitation followed by extraction using chloroform-methanol (2:1). The anthrone positive fraction of the biosurfactants was identified by measuring extract absorption in an iodine-polysaccharide complex using a spectrophotometer NOVASPEC II, (Pharmacia Biotech) at wavelengths range of 380 to 700 μm. Enzyme systems detected with the API ZYM kit varied depending on the growth substrate used. Enzyme inhibition slowed down degradation of crude oil and the enzyme activity behaved similarly over time whereas the effect of catalase, cytochrome c oxidase and lipase increased the biodegradation of crude oil in the enzyme cultures medium. All the microorganisms investigated produced highest biosurfactant in glycerol medium (1.26-1.64) mg/1 during a 48 h of growth. Biosurfactants production was optimum at pH 6.2 and 7.2 and temperature of 37°C and 2% NaCl. All biosurfactants emulsified oil to varying degrees with varying emulsification index (E24) with over 60% emulsification activity. They were all stable with temperature between 15 and 90°C and pH range of 4.2-10.2. Only three isolates haemolysed blood agar and formed dark blue halos on agar plates indicating the production of glycolipids. The complex formed between the reaction of iodine with the polysaccharide of the biosurfactants had a maximum absorption wavelength between 380 to 420 μm. In conclusion, the enzymes and biosurfactants produced by the investigated bacterial isolates were effective in degrading crude oil.
Open Access
Effects of different substrates on the morphological characteristics and proximate content of Pleurotus pulminarius. Food Science and Quality Management
(international journal of proximate content of Pleurotus pulminarius, 2014-10) Bakare, Mufutau Kolawole; A. O., Oluduro; Omoboye, Olumide; Leramo, Adefemi Joseph
Morphological characteristics and proximate content of Pleurotus pulminarius cultivated on different substrates were investigated. The substrates used are cotton waste, sawdust, palm fruit waste, paper, mixture of sawdust and palm fruit waste and mixture of cotton waste and paper (1:1) were sterilized and inoculated with Pleurotus pulminarius spawn (sorghum-produced) aseptically, incubated under controlled temperature and humidity before exposure to sunlight. Length and, diameter of stalk and pileus were measured during stages of harvest.Protein, fat, carbohydrate, crude fibre, ash and moisture content were determined by standard methods. Pleurotus pulminarius appeared on saw dust and cotton waste; paper, combination of saw dust and palm fruit waste, mixture of paper and cotton waste; and palm fruit waste after 2 days, 3 days and 5 days respectively. For the first stage of harvest, Saw dust had the highest length of stalk (cm) of 5.40 ± 0.63 and the lowest value of2.70 ± 0.14 was obtained from palm fruit waste only. Mixture of paper waste and cotton waste has the highest diameter of stalk (3.25 ± 0.61 cm) (second harvest), the lowest diameter of stalk (0.4 ± 0.1 cm) was recorded for palm fruit (third harvest). Cotton waste had the highest diameter of pileus (7.88 ± 1.29 cm) (first harvest) while the lowest value (1.78 ± 0.63 cm) was obtained from mushroom harvested on the mixture of paper and cotton waste (second harvest). Pleurotus pulminarius harvested on mixture of paper and cotton waste has the highest percentage protein of 40.54% while the least value 28.79% protein was obtained from mushroom harvested on saw dust. Mushroom harvested on saw dust has the highest percentage fat content of 0.99% and palm fruit waste gave the lowest percentage fat of 0.74%. Palm fruit waste displayed the highest percentage ash and crude fibre contents of 4.38% and 4.81% respectively while cotton and paper wastes had the least ash and crude fibre content of 1.81% and 0.47% respectively. Saw dust gave the highest percentage carbohydrate of 62.54%. Moisture content of 0.51% was obtained for mushrooms harvested on Palm fruit waste, Sawdust and mixture of sawdust and palm fruit waste as the least value while the mixture of paper and cotton waste has the highest moisture content of 3.49%. The study concluded that mushroom can serve as cheap source of food supplements such as protein, crude fibre, ash (micro and macro nutrients), fat, carbohydrate and moisture with beneficial bioconversion of agricultural and other wastes materials in the environment
Open Access
EFFICACY OF SAND FILTRATION, Moringa oleifera SEED AND ALUM TREATMENT IN REDUCTION OF COLIFORMS AND TOTAL BACTERIA IN STABILIZATION POND EFFLUENT
(Department of Microbiology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, 2016-12-29) Babatunde A, Awopetu; Ikechuwkw, Moses; Odeyemi, Olu
Objectives A slow sand filter was designed and constructed with decreasing sizes of sand layers. Granulations were made out of the seeds of Moringa oleifera. Their turbidity clarification, coliform and total bacteria reduction were tested. Their abilities to reduce the densities of Salmonella typhi, Bacillus cereus, Shigella dysenteriae, Escherichia coli in waste water were also tested. Coliform number reduction was 78% by sand filtration, 78% alum treatment and 98% by M. oleifera ground seed treatment. The sand filter reduced total bacteria population by 4%, alum and M. oleifera treatments by 33% and 84% respectively. There was a 12% reduction in Shigella dysenteriae numbers by the slow sand filter, 57% reduction by alum and 76% reduction Moringa oleifera treatment. Sand filtration reduced Salmonella typhi population by 29%, alum and Moringa oleifera treatments did so by 43% and 71% respectively. Escherichia coli numbers were reduced by 10% by sand filtration, 27% by alum treatment and 56% by M. oleifera treatment. Bacillus cereus population was reduced by 9% by both sand filtration and alum treatment while Moringa oleifera application gave a 32% reduction. M. oleifera ground seed treatment was the best at coliform population reduction (98% reduction) of the three treatments. Sand filtration and alum treatment were found to be equal in coliform reduction rate since they both reduced coliform numbers by 78%. M. oleifera treatment was the most efficient in total bacteria population reduction, with an 84% reduction rate. Slow sand filtration was most effective on S. typhi (29% reduction) of the four organisms tested
Open Access
Fecal Carriage of Staphylococcus aureus in the Hospital and Community Setting: A Systematic Review
( Frontiers in Microbiology, 2016-05-16) Claassen-Weitz, Shantelle; Shittu2, Adebayo O; Ngwarai, Michelle R; Thabane, Lehana; Nicol, Mark P.; kaba, Mamadou
Africa Background and rationale: Staphylococcus aureus fecal carriage has been identiﬁed as a potential source for nosocomial transmission and a risk factor for disease development. This systematic review determined the overall S. aureus [including methicillin susceptible and resistant S. aureus (MSSA and MRSA)] fecal carriage rates within the community and healthcare settings. Methodology: Peer-reviewed articles indexed in Medline, Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Africa-Wide Information, CINAHL, and Web of Science were identiﬁed using applicable and controlled vocabulary through to 11 November 2015. Eligible studies were ascertained by three independent reviewers. Random-effects meta-analyses of proportions were performed to determine S. aureus, MSSA and MRSA fecal carriage rates reported by eligible studies. Results: Twenty six studies were included in this review. The pooled estimates for S. aureus, MSSA and MRSA fecal carriage were 26% (95% conﬁdence interval (CI): 16.8–36.3%), 86% (95% conﬁdence interval (CI): 65.9–97.9%) and 10% (95% CI: 0.7–27.0%), respectively. Fecal S. aureus carriage rates increased on average from 10 to 65% during the ﬁrst 8 weeks of life, followed by an average carriage rate of 64% at 6 monthsand46%at1yearoflife.Genotypingtechniqueswereemployedmainlyinstudies conducted in developed countries and comprised largely of gel-based techniques. Six studies reported on the role of S. aureus fecal strains in diarrhea (n = 2) and the risk for acquiring infections (n = 4). Eight of the 26 studies included in this review performed antibiotic susceptibility testing of S. aureus fecal isolates. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that screening for S. aureus fecal carriage, at least in populations at high risk, could be an effective measure for the prevention of S. aureus transmission and infection in the healthcare and community setting. More well-structured studies need to be conducted and sequence-based genotyping techniques should be employed for the comparison of isolates on a global scale in both developing and developed countries.
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
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
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.
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Improving paediatric diarrhoea management through development of nanoparticle based rotavirus diarrhoea diagnostic kits
(Department of Microbiology, Obafemi Awolowo University, 2024-01-31) Japhet, Margaret O.
This dataset is for this study titled: Improving paediatric diarrhoea management through the development of nanoparticle-based rotavirus diarrhoea diagnostic kits. For more information or access, please contact mojaphet@oauife.edu.ng
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
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.

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