KNOWLEDGE OF MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION OF SPHYGMOMANOMETERS IN HEALTHCARE FACILITIES IN BENIN CITY

Nosocomial infections are infections that patients acquire while receiving treatment for other health conditions within a healthcare setting or facility. This study aims to determine the level of awareness of healthcare providers on the role sphygmomanometers play in the spread of nosocomial infections and to isolate microorganisms in sphygmomanometer cuffs used in healthcare facilities. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was designed and administered to healthcare practitioners of two tertiary hospitals and community pharmacies in Benin City. Microbial contamination of sphygmomanometer cuffs was investigated following the standard isolation and identification techniques for microorganisms. A total of 217 responded; 27.2% pharmacists, 33.2% doctors and 39.6% nurses. The majority (50.2%) were between the ages of 20 – 30 years. 65.4% were females and 51.6% were single. Ninety-four percent (94%) of the total respondents said that microorganisms are present in the inner cuffs of sphygmomanometers, 76% said microorganisms on the cuffs are sources of nosocomial infections while 80.6% said patients can be infected with the use of sphygmomanometers. A total of 192 swabbed samples were collected from 64 cuffs in the healthcare facilities, 46.5% were bacteria and 53.5% fungi. The most isolated organisms were candida species 42(21%), Staphylococcus aureus 41(20.5% of which 28(68.3%) were methicillin resistant.), Mucor 34(17%), Aspergillus species 23(11.5%). Ninety four percent (94%) of respondents had good knowledge that blood pressure cuffs play a role in the spread of nosocomial infections. The sphygmomanometer cuffs were contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms implicated in nosocomial infections.

PARASITIC NEMATODE INFECTIONS OF ANURANS FROM A DERIVED SAVANNA BIOTOPE IN EDO STATE, NIGERIA

As part of a broader study to increase the information of parasite infections of anurans from the savanna biotope, an investigation of the nematode parasites of anurans in Agbede, a location in the derived savanna of Edo State, Nigeria was undertaken from August 2007 to July 2008. Anurans were collected at night using the visual acoustic encounter survey (VAES) sampling method, dissected and examined for nematode infections. A total of 329 anurans belonging to sixteen taxa, were examined, of which 235 were infected with an overall prevalence of 71.43%. Seasonal prevalences were 85.63% for wet season and 52.48% for the dry season (p<0.05). Ten nematode species, namely: Amplicaecum africanum, Cosmocerca ornata, Oswaldocruzia hoeplii, Physaloptera sp., Rhabdias africanus, Rhabdias sp., Camallanus dimitrovi, an unidentified oxyurid nematode, Ophidascaris larva, and an unidentified nematode were recovered from the hosts examined. The most common nematode species was Amplicaecum africanum (31.31%), whereas the least common was an unidentified oxyurid nematode (0.30%).Physaloptera sp. is a new record for the anurans of the derived savanna.

ASSOCIATION OF DIETARY AND LIFESTYLE FACTORS ON BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL AMONG ADULT HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS ATTENDING A UGANDAN TERTIARY HOSPITAL

Hypertension is an important worldwide public-health challenge due to its high prevalence and being a risk factor for cerebrovascular, cardiovascular, and chronic renal diseases. Despite these risk factors, blood pressure control among hypertensive patients is still poor. The main objective was to assess dietary and lifestyle factors associated with uncontrolled blood pressure control among Ugandan hypertensive patients at Kiruddu hospital. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study involving 271 adult hypertensive patients attending the outpatient hypertensive clinic was enrolled. Data were obtained on dietary, lifestyle factors (alcohol intake, smoking status, and level of physical activity), social demographics, Body Mass Index (BMI), comorbidities, and adherence to hypertensive medication. An average of the current and previous two Blood pressure readings was recorded. Factors associated with uncontrolled blood pressure were assessed using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: The mean age of study participants was 57 ± 0.76 years, with female dominance (77.9%). Among the study participants, 121 (44.7%) had uncontrolled BP. Dietary factors that were associated with uncontrolled blood pressure with adjusted OR (95%CI) included consumption of raw salt: 4.18 (1.32-13.24) and inadequate fruit consumption: 2.18 (1.26-3.75) while clinical factors included being overweight: 2.51 (1.27-4.95) and poor adherence to antihypertensive medications prescribed: 1.82 (1.03-3.21). Conclusion: The proportion of hypertensive patients with uncontrolled Blood Pressure was high (44.7%). Consumption of raw salt, inadequate fruit consumption, being overweight and poor adherence to antihypertensive medication were significantly associated with uncontrolled BP. From these findings, factors that were associated with the control of blood pressure are modifiable.

BIODEGRADATION POTENTIAL OF RHIZOSPHERIC MICROORGANISMS OF RHIZOPHORA RACEMOSA IN CRUDE OIL CONTAMINATED MANGROVE SWAMP IN THE NIGER DELTA

Rhizophora racemosa (red mangrove tree) belongs to the family Rhizophoraceae; it is an important constituent of the mangrove swamp in Niger Delta, an oil producing region in Nigeria. The remediation of soils containing organic pollutants is possible with the use of microbial communities when the ecology is understood for potentials maximization. This study investigated the biodegradation potential of rhizospheric microorganisms of Rhizophora racemosa in crude oil- contaminated mangrove swamp in the Niger Delta.The total microbial count was determined by the serial dilution method. The hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria and fungi were enumerated using Mineral Salts Agar containing crude oil as the sole carbon source. The biodegradation potential of these rhizomicrobes was determined using screen test, shake flask degradation tests, Total Organic Gas (TOG) and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) InfraCal Analyzer (HATR-T2 and CH). The turbidity, total organic gas (TOG-N) and total petroleum hydrocarbon were measured weekly for twenty-eight days. Hydrocarbon-degrading microbes isolated from the rhizosphere were identified as Marinococcus sp., Azotobacter sp., Acinetobacter sp. Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans. The highest rate of TPH reduction was recorded in Acinetobacter sp. (from 150 mg/L on day 1 to ˂0.0031 mg/L on day 14). This was followed by Candida albicans (148mg/L on day 1 to 2.68mg/L on day 28) and Aspergillus flavus (150mg/L on day 1 to 4.21mg/L on day 28) In conclusion, it can be inferred that the some rhizospheric microbes of Rhizophora racemosa can efficienctly degrade hydrocarbon up to 100% rate over a period of 28 days.

ACCESSIBILITY AND USE OF ANTIBIOTICS AMONG PATIENTS VISITING COMMUNITY PHARMACIES IN BENIN CITY, NIGERIA

Antibiotic resistance is an increasing problem worldwide. Among contributory factors is increasing easy access to antibiotics which is a trend in developing countries. The objective of this study is to determine the accessibility and use of antibiotics. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in eight community pharmacies in Benin City, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Administrative approval was obtained from the superintendent pharmacists, while informed consent was sought from all study participants. The data obtained from the study were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 22. Of the 450 participants in the study, most [329 (73.11%)] had used antibiotics in the last six months before their current visit to the pharmacy, 207 (46%) of them took the antibiotic without laboratory investigation. Many [274 (60.89%)] of the participants had an antibiotic among the medications they got from the pharmacy on their current visit. More than half [289 (64.22%)] of the participants sometimes got antibiotics without prescription. More Pharmacists recommended antibiotics for participants compared to doctors (44.11%: 24.44%), while more than half of the study population (62.89%) got their antibiotics from pharmacies. Many [295 (65.56%)] of the participants think that the country should regulate antibiotic use. This study has shown that community pharmacy is a major outlet where patients source antibiotics sometimes without a prescription, thus denoting that many patients self-medicate with antibiotics. The need for incorporating community pharmacists in developing guidelines for prescribing and using antibiotics is crucial.

INCIDENCE OF TOXIGENIC MOULDS IN FOOD SPICES SOLD IN OPEN MARKETS IN BENIN CITY, NIGERIA

Spices are parts of plants or plant substances primarily used for flavouring and preservation of food. Spices can be exposed to microbial contamination and toxic substances such as mycotoxins during processing storage and distribution. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of toxigenic moulds in food spices sold in open markets in Benin City. A total of 35 samples were obtained from three markets. Potato dextrose agar (PDA) and Aspergillus flavus and parasiticus agar (AFPA) were employed for the isolation, characterization and identification of fungal isolates using standard microbiological procedures. The pH was determined using an electronic pH meter, titratable acidity and moisture content were also determined using appropriate methods. Fungi isolated in this study included; Fusarium sp., Alternaria sp., Rhizopus sp., Geotrichum sp., Cladosporium sp., Aspergillus niger and Penicillium sp. The most occurring fungus was Fusarium sp. (26%) while Alternaria sp. (2%) was the least occurring fungus. The fungal load ranged from 0.33 - 28.67 x 103 sfu/g and the pH values of samples ranged from 4.83 – 5.67. The titratable acidity ranged from 0.037 – 0.521 mg/l, while the moisture content ranged from 2.0 – 28.0%. The study revealed the presence of toxigenic moulds such as Fusarium and Penicillium species in food spices sold in open markets. This may have resulted from improper storage, handling and poor sanitary conditions in the open markets.

EFFECTS OF SOIL SOLARIZATION ON FUNGAL AND BACTERIAL POPULATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH AMARANTHIS VIRIDIS L. (AFRICAN SPINACH) IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Soil solarization is increasingly used to control soil-borne pathogens because it is environment-friendly. However, performance varied geographically, necessitating experimental trials before its introduction. This study assessed the effects of solarization on soil-borne bacteria and fungi, growth, and proximate composition of Amaranthus viridis (African spinach) in Lagos, Nigeria. Two raised beds were solarized for six weeks with a transparent and black polyethylene sheet, and a non-solarized (control) bed was equally made. The vegetable seeds were planted and their growths were recorded for four weeks. Soil samples at 15-20cm deep and leaves were obtained for microbiological and proximate analysis, respectively. The mean temperature of transparent xxpolyethylene’s soil was 45.33 oC, black polyethylene (35 oC), and non-solarized (33.50 oC). The mean height and width of transparent polyethylene’s A. viridis were 24 and 3cm, black polyethylene (19 and 2.2 cm), and non-solarized (17 and 1.6cm). The transparent polyethylene’s soil had 3100 and 250 cfu/g bacterial and fungal colonies, black polyethylene (3200 and 1900 cfu/g), and non-solarized (37000 and 1900 cfu/g), respectively. The proximate contents of the transparent polyethylene’s A. viridis were (70 moisture, 10 ash, 4.24 protein, 1.45 fat and 9.94 % fibre), black polyethylene (73.35 moisture, 8.36 ash, 3.1% protein, 1.23 fat, and 6.77 % fibre), and non-solarized (76.09 moisture, 5.91 protein, 3.15 ash, 1.31 fat and 6.75 % fibre). Overall, statistical differences (p ≤ 0.05) existed between the solarized and non-solarized and between transparent and black polyethylene (transparent>black>non-solarized). Thus, solarization could be an effective strategy for controlling soil-borne bacteria and fungi of A. viridis in the area studied.

EVALUATION OF ANTICONVULSANT ACTIVITY OF CALLISTEMON CITRINUS (CURTIS) SKEELS (MYRTACEAE) VOLATILE OIL

The use of medicinal plants is on the rise due to the increase of various diseases and shortcomings of orthodox medicine. For many ailments including convulsion, conventional medicine has not been able to find a lasting solution. This study was directed towards assessing the ethnomedicinal use of Callistemon citrinus leaves in the management of convulsion. The volatile oil of the leaves was extracted and an acute toxicity test was carried out following Lorke’s description. Maximal electroshock (MES), strychnine and pentylenetetrazol anticonvulsant methods were used. Separate groups of albino mice were given 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg doses of the volatile oil. Drug solutions; 30 mg/kg phenobarbitone for MES and 2 mg/kg diazepam for strychnine and pentylenetetrazol models were administered as a positive control. The start of tonic leg extension, duration and percentage mortality was recorded. Doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly (P<0.05) inhibited seizure in the mice with scores of 40 % each in the MES model. There was a dose-dependent reduction in the duration of seizures with 68.47, 70.27 and 81.08 % reductions in the pentylenetetrazol model. No significant coverage was given in the strychnine model. C. citrinus oil protected the mice against pentylenetetrazol and maximal electroshock-induced convulsion hence could contribute to the medical treatment of epilepsy.

FUNGAL COMPOSITION AND PROXIMATE ANALYSIS OF POULTRY FEEDS SOLD IN BENIN CITY, NIGERIA

Poultry farming contributes significantly to poverty alleviation by providing employment opportunities to Nigerians. Feed quality is the most prominent challenge of the poultry sector. This study was aimed at assessing the fungal and proximate qualities of poultry feeds sold in Benin City, Nigeria. Poultry feed samples (starter, grower and finisher) were obtained from five stores in Benin City. Enumeration and isolation of fungi was carried out using the spread plate method on potato dextrose agar and Aspergillus flavus and parasiticus agar (AFPA). Identification of fungal isolates was based on cultural and morphological characteristics. Proximate composition was determined by standard methods. The total fungal counts of starter, grower and finisher feeds ranged from 0.10 – 8.50 x 105 sfu/g. Fungal species isolated were Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium spp., Saccharomyces spp., Trichoderma spp., Rhizopus spp. and Mucor spp. The results from proximate analysis were as follows: 36.50±0.92 - 70.92±0.51% (protein), 3.53±0.04 - 8.45±0.16% (fibre), 11.61±0.72 - 13.91±0.27% (fat), 2.70 - 8.60% (moisture content) and 3.65 - 37.83% (carbohydrate). The temperature and relative humidity of storage ranged from 33.90oC - 35.20oC and 69% - 75% respectively. Results showed that poultry feeds sampled have diverse fungi present in them. Control measures should be adhered to in poultry industries and stores to prevent microbial contamination.

TOXICOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF METHANOL SEED EXTRACT OF HUNTERIA UMBELLATA ON REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTIONS OF TREATED WISTAR RATS

Ethnomedicinal survey have shown that the different parts of Hunteria umbellata plant are used in Western and Southern parts of Nigeria in managing various human diseases such as sexually transmitted infections and to induce or augment labor. This is however, without information on its effect on reproductive functions. This study was therefore designed to ascertain if there is any health benefit or risk in the ingestion of Hunteria umbellata on reproductive functions. In this study, qualitative phytochemistry, acute toxicity test and the sub-chronic toxicity effects of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day of Hunteria umbellata (HU) methanol seed extract on reproductive functions in male and female Wistar rats were investigated for 90 days. To achieve this, effect of repeated doses of methanolic extracts of Hunteria umbellata seed were investigated on selected reproductive parameters of the test animals. Eighty (80) (40 male and 40 female) Wister rats, were randomly divided into 4 groups of 10 rats each. The first group received 10 ml/kg/day of distilled water and served as the control, while the second, third and fourth groups received 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day of the extract for 90 days respectively. Blood samples were collected by retro-orbital puncture and delivered into plain tubes for hormonal assay, using ELISA hormone test kits (Biotec Laboratories Ltd, UK). After 90 days, the rats were anesthetized using chloroform. The histology of the testes and ovaries were also carried out. Result revealed that the prolonged treatment with methanol seed extracts of Hunteria umbellata for 90 days, caused minimal decreases (p>0.05) in testosterone, estrogen, progesterone level in all the extract treated groups as compared with the control group. Also, no significant distortions were observed in the histology of testes and ovaries. The results suggests that the prolonged oral treatment with 250-1000 mg/kg/day of the methanol extract of the seed of Hunteria umbellata did not have any effect on the reproductive functions as well as the reproductive organs in males and females’ rats treated, and could be safe following repeated use.