<strong>Background:</strong> Overexpression of efflux pumps is the drug resistance and adaptation mechanism employed by some eukaryotes and bacteria to transport endogenous and chemotherapeutic compounds f...<strong>Background:</strong> Overexpression of efflux pumps is the drug resistance and adaptation mechanism employed by some eukaryotes and bacteria to transport endogenous and chemotherapeutic compounds from the intracellular to the extracellular environment. <strong>Aim:</strong> The study aimed at establishing a fluorescent cell-based assay to monitor the efflux activities of an ABC-transporter, multi-drug resistance protein 4 (MRP4). <strong>Methods:</strong> DH5α competent <em>E. coli</em> cells were transformed with pcDNA-MRP4 by the heat-shock process. The presence of the MRP4 gene was analyzed by the digestion of plasmid using EcoRI and analyzed on a 1% agarose gel. HEK 293 cells were transfected with purified pcDNA-MRP4 under optimized conditions using a Polyethylenimine (PEI) protocol. The level of MRP4 in the HEK 293 cells was characterized by western blotting analysis using M4I-10 anti-MRP4 and anti-Rat IgG (whole molecule)-Alkaline phosphatase antibodies. The fluorescent uptake study was performed by the incubation of 0.02 mM 8-[fluo-cAMP] with the MRP4-transfected and control HEK 293 cells for 1 h. The level of fluorescence was analyzed using fluorescence microscopy and spectrometer. <strong>Results:</strong> The agarose gel analysis showed a plasmid of 9.4 kb and restriction product of 5 kb, which correspond with the pcDNA and MRP4 sizes respectively. The western blot results of the transfection showed 4 μg pcDNA-MRP4 and the N/P ratio of 9 was the optimized condition to transfect our HEK 293 cells as it showed the broadest band. In the efflux studies, the fluorescence images of the MRP4-transfected HEK 293 cells were very low compared to the untransfected control. The level of fluorescence accumulation was significantly (P ≤ 0.0001) higher 228.6 ± 13.1 RFU in the untransfected cells than the MRP4-transfected cells 8.6 ± 1.8 RFU. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The higher levels of fluorescence detected in the control in both the fluorescent microscopy and spectrophotometer showed that MRP4-transfected cells had effluxed the 8-[fluo-cAMP] substrate out of the cell. This method could be employed in the detection of MRP4 functions in bacteria and cancer cells.展开更多
<strong>Background:</strong> The need to identify and characterize new antimicrobial agents is important due to the increasing development of resistance by microorganisms to the existing antimicrobial agen...<strong>Background:</strong> The need to identify and characterize new antimicrobial agents is important due to the increasing development of resistance by microorganisms to the existing antimicrobial agents. <strong>Aim:</strong> This study examined the efficacies of <em>Mangifera indica</em> on <em>Escherichia coli</em> and <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>. <strong>Method: </strong>Three parts (leaf [L], root [R], and bark [B]) of the plant were analyzed. The extraction of the samples was performed by aseptically grinding the samples, dissolving in absolute ethanol, and filtering through whatman filter paper. The efficacy of the extracts bothsingle and combined was determined using agar well diffusion assay with gentamycin [10 <em>μ</em>l] (<em>E. coli</em>) and vancomycin [30<em> μ</em>l] (<em>S. aureus</em>) as control antibiotics. <strong>Results: </strong>The higher concentration (C<sub>2</sub> = 3.0 g/ml) showed more antibacterial effectiveness than the lower concentration (C<sub>1</sub> = 1.5 g/ml) against both bacterial isolates with significant differences (<em>P</em> < 0.05) in all extracts except for single extracts (<em>E. coli</em> dry leaf extract;fresh bark extract), double extracts (<em>S. aureus</em>: dry and fresh leaf extracts) and triple extract (<em>E. coli </em>and <em>S. aureus</em> dry extracts). For the single extracts the bacteria has the following significant results: <em>E. coli</em> L (dry 6.3 ± 2.5 mm, fresh 14.7 ± 0.6 mm, <em>P</em> = 0.0050), R (dry 11.3 ± 1.5 mm, fresh 7.3 ± 1.5 mm, <em>P</em> = 0.0327);for<em> S. aureus</em> L (dry 7.0 ± 1.7 mm, fresh 11.0 ± 1.0 mm, <em>P</em> = 0.0257), R (dry 7.0 ± 2.0 mm, fresh 11.7 ± 1.5 mm, <em>P</em> = 0.0325), and B (dry 5.0 ± 1.0 mm, fresh 16.0 ± 1.0 mm, <em>P</em> = 0.0002). For the double extracts the bacteria has the following significant results: <em>E. coli </em>L + R (dry 15.7 ± 2.3 mm, fresh 1.7 ± 1.5 mm, <em>P</em> = 0.0070), R + B (dry 18.7 ± 1.5 mm, fresh 9.7 ± 1.5 mm, <em>P</em> = 0.0020), and L + B (dry 9.7 ± 1.5 mm, fresh 6.3 ± 0.6 mm, P = 0.0241);<em>S. aureus</em> L + R (dry 14.7 ± 1.5 mm, fresh 7.0 ± 1.0 mm, <em>P</em> = 0.0019), R + B (dry 15.3 ± 1.5 mm, fresh 11.7 ± 1.5 mm, <em>P</em> = 0.0424). For the triple extracts, the fresh leaves showed significantly higher levels of efficacy than the dry for both<em> E. coli</em> L + R + B (<em>P</em> = 0.0101) and <em>S. aureus</em> (<em>P</em> = 0.0307). The fresh extracts showed higher levels of efficacy than dry extracts against both bacteria for all the single and three combined conditions. <strong>Conclusions: </strong>Fresh extracts show better efficacies against <em>E. coli </em>while dry extracts show greater efficacies against <em>S. aureus</em> for both single and triple combined extracts. The reverse is true for double combined extracts.展开更多
Background: Bacteria virulence is modulated by different factors in the gut and other host environments. Aim: This study was to quantitatively determine some virulence factors produced in <i>Escherichia coli<...Background: Bacteria virulence is modulated by different factors in the gut and other host environments. Aim: This study was to quantitatively determine some virulence factors produced in <i>Escherichia coli</i> when exposed to different conditions. Method: The different conditions of temperature and pH were used. The growth response and biofilm production of <i>E. coli</i> in these conditions was quantified. The production of secretory molecules was analyzed using the thin layer chromatography (TLC) method. The isolates exposed to these conditions were analyzed for antibiotic susceptibility using the disk diffusion method. Results: For the acidic condition, the comparisons of the growth in the other temperatures were lower than the neutral pH and significant results were noted in 25°C (P = 0.0036), 4°C (P = 0.0006) and -5°C (P = 0.0011), while non-significant result was seen in 37°C (P = 0.2453). In the alkaline condition, at 37°C the degree of significance was P = 0.0102, 25°C (P = 0.0007), 4°C (P = 0.0009), and at -5°C (P = 0.0006). The formation of biofilm, when compared to the normal body temperature of 37°C, was significantly higher at 4°C (P = 0.0382). TLC showed production of bands at -5°C, (Rf = 0.5), at 25°C two bands in both the acidic and alkaline condition (Rf = 0.4) and at 37°C, two bands were seen: one in the acidic condition with an Rf of 0.6 and 0.5 in the alkaline condition. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed varying zones of susceptibility and resistance in the different conditions to the antibiotics used. In the temperature condition, the isolates became resistant to Cefotaxime (CTX) and ColistinSulphate (CT) at -5°C, Ceftolozane/Tazobactam (CT) at 4°C, Cefotaxime (CTX) at 25°C, and at 37°C, it was resistant to Ceftolozane/Tazobactam (CT). Resistance was also seen in the pH condition of Cefotaxime (CTX) in the alkaline condition. Conclusion: Exposure to these different conditions shows an increase in growth, biofilm, antibiotic resistance, and susceptibility in some conditions which indicates that these conditions promote virulence. The results in the study showed that different conditions of temperature and pH induce some virulence factors such as growth and biofilm. Different secretory proteins were found in different treatment conditions. These observations could be responsible for the resistance to some antibiotics seen in this study.展开更多
Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a severe public health issue that affects a wide range of people around the world with Klebsiella pneumoniae accounting for up to 25% of all urinary tract infections. The h...Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a severe public health issue that affects a wide range of people around the world with Klebsiella pneumoniae accounting for up to 25% of all urinary tract infections. The higher rate of UTI associated with uropathogenic Klebsiella species has been associated with the emergence of hypervirulent and antibiotic-resistant strains facilitated by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics as well as other sociodemographic and behavioural practices of susceptible individuals. This study was aimed at investigating the prevalence and associated risk factors of uropathogenic Klebsiella species in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Methodology: The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design comprising 300 subjects clinically suspected of having urinary tract infections attending the Rivers State University Medical Centre and the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital between March to August 2022. A standard urine culture procedure was used to ascertain significant bacteriuria after which Klebsiella colonies were isolated and identified using standard bacteriological techniques. The data generated from this study was represented as frequency and percentages, and inferential statistics were carried out using Chi-square with the aid of GraphPad Prism Software Version 9. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value of less than 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval. Result: The prevalence of uropathogenic Klebsiella sp. was 16%, with sex, pregnancy status, and religion of the individuals substantially linked (p p Klebsiella species. Conclusion: This study reports a relatively high prevalence of uropathogenic Klebsiella species at 16%, with the sex and pregnancy status of the subjects being significantly associated (p Klebsiella species in the current study. Health promotion and awareness efforts should be prioritised to inform susceptible demographics about their risks for urinary tract infections associated with uropathogenic Klebsiella species via targeted educational campaigns, collaboration with healthcare providers, use of social media and online platforms, workplace wellness programs, and community outreach programs amongst others. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing before prescriptions and treatment should be emphasized and upheld in all clinical settings.展开更多
Background: Infectious diseases associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) continue to pose significant public health challenges that necessitate continuou...Background: Infectious diseases associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) continue to pose significant public health challenges that necessitate continuous surveillance and interventions. This study investigates the prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV infections within the academic community of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Given the potential for transmission in university settings and the importance of early detection and intervention, this research explores the extent of these infections and evaluates the outcomes of a medical outreach program aimed at addressing them. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was employed to recruit 513 participants using a convenience sampling approach between the 20<sup>th</sup> and 22<sup>nd</sup> of April 2022. Participants included students and staff members who voluntarily consented to the medical outreach and study. Serological assays were utilized to identify HIV, HBV and HCV infections. The medical outreach program’s design, implementation, and outcomes were evaluated, focusing on testing uptake, counselling utilization, and linkage to care. Statistical analysis employed GraphPad Prism version 9 software. Result: The study revealed low prevalence rates of HIV (0.6%), HBV (1.2%), and HCV (0.6%) infections within the university population. Age-based analysis indicated a slightly higher prevalence in the 15 - 24 age group. Gender-wise, HBV showed a marginal difference, with 1.3% among females and 0.9% among males. The medical outreach program achieved a testing uptake of 80.8%, with 75% utilizing counselling services, and 75% of those identified with infections successfully linked to care. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of infections and the effectiveness of a medical outreach program within a university community. While low prevalence rates are encouraging, the findings emphasize the continued importance of awareness and prevention efforts. The success of the outreach program in encouraging testing, providing counselling, and facilitating care linkage underscores its potential as a model for future interventions. Further research should delve into determinants of infection prevalence and barriers to care linkage for a more comprehensive understanding and improved intervention strategies.展开更多
<b>Background:</b> The antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial interaction with soot, a by-product of incomplete combustion of fossil fuel, has not been established. <b>Aim:</b> The study aimed ...<b>Background:</b> The antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial interaction with soot, a by-product of incomplete combustion of fossil fuel, has not been established. <b>Aim:</b> The study aimed to establish the antibiotics susceptibility of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and <i>Escherichia coli</i> exposed to soot. <b>Method:</b> The bacteria were exposed to 12.5%, 25%, and 50% concentrations of soot at different time intervals. Control bacterial cultures without exposure to soot were also carried out. These cultures were incubated for 24 hrs. The numbers of surviving bacteria were determined by analyzing 10 μL of the incubated cultures at 6 hrs and 24 hrs on tryptone soy agar. Again, the bacteria were inoculated on Mueller Hinton agar and subjected to antibiotics susceptibility testing using the disk diffusion method. <b>Results:</b> After 6 hrs of exposure, the number of <i>E. coli</i> in the absence of soot was 102.50 ± 3.54 × 10<sup>3</sup> CFU/mL while at 12.5%, 25%, and 50% of soot, the surviving <i>E. coli</i> were 26.00 ± 1.41 (<i>p</i> = 0.0012), 21.00 ± 1.41 (<i>p</i> = 0.0011) and 5.50 ± 2.12 (<i>p</i> = 0.0009) × 10<sup>3</sup> CFU/mL respectively. Similarly, the population of <i>S. aureus</i> without soot was 122.5 ± 3.53 × 10<sup>4</sup> CFU/mL while at 12.5%, 25.0% and 50.0% of soot, the surviving <i>S. aureus</i> 46.00 ± 2.83 (<i>p</i> = 0.0017), 23.00 ± 1.41 (<i>p</i> = 0.0007) and 11.50 ± 2.12 (<i>p</i> = 0.0007) × 10<sup>4</sup> CFU/mL respectively. Similar results were obtained after 24 hrs of exposure. The soot shows some level of potency in reducing the number of <i>E. coli</i> and <i>S. aureus</i> significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.05). After 24 hrs, almost all treatment conditions (except for the Gentamicin for <i>S. aureus</i>), there was resistance to all the antibiotics while at 0 hr there was sensitivity to these drugs. <b>Conclusion:</b> These results suggest that while soot has some potency on <i>E. coli</i> and <i>S. aureus</i>, their exposure to soot could induce resistance.展开更多
<b><span style="font-family:;" "="">Background:</span></b><span style="font-family:;" "=""> Medicinal plants have been in use since the o...<b><span style="font-family:;" "="">Background:</span></b><span style="font-family:;" "=""> Medicinal plants have been in use since the origin of man. Many important chemical substances with biological functions that could be used for treatment and prevention of attack from bacteria, fungi, herbivorous mammals and insects are produced by different plants. Such compounds with useful properties have been recorded in their numbers, about 12,000 accounting for about 10% of total plant species. <b>Aim: </b>The aim of the study was to determine the antimicrobial efficacies of herbal extracts on some clinical pathogens. <b>Methods:</b> The antimicrobial activities of pressed juices of <i>Allium</i> <i>sativum</i> (garlic), <i>Bryophyllum</i> <i>pinnatum</i> and <i>Garcinia</i> <i>kola</i> neats and their <span>dilutions were tested on pathogens such as <i>Escherichia</i> <i>coli</i>, <i>Klebsiella</i> <i>pneumoniae</i>, <i>Proteus</i> <i>mirabilis</i>, <i>Staphylococcus</i> <i>aureus</i> and <i>Candida</i> <i>albicans</i> to determine their susceptibility to the juices and their combinations. Agar well diffusion method was employed on Muller-Hinton agar to determine their </span>antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. The phytochemical analysis of the plants’ juices were also determined. <b>Results:</b> At 100% (neat) the juices of <i>G.</i> <i>kola</i>, <i>B.</i> <i>pinnatum</i> and <i>Garcinia</i> <i>kola</i> showed substantial zones of inhibition against <span>the pathogens with a zone diameter of about 22.0 mm and above. At 75% concentrations, the juices inhibited the pathogens tested against them. <i>A.</i> <i>sativum</i> (gar</span><span>lic) inhibited <i>K.</i> <i>pneumonia</i>, <i>P.</i> <i>mirabilis</i>, and <i>S.</i> <i>aureus</i> even at 50% concentration. <i>C.</i> <i>albicans</i> isolates were 60% susceptible to <i>G.</i> <i>kola</i> juice, 40% at 100% concentration. At 75% concentration of the juice, <i>C.</i> <i>albicans</i> isolates were also 60% susceptible to the juices. At 50% - 100% concentrations, <i>C.</i> <i>albicans</i> isolates were 100% sensitive to <i>A.</i> <i>sativum</i> extract. <b>Conclusions:</b> The medicinal plant juices tested against the pathogens possess some potentials worth exploiting as </span>potent <span>antimicrobial agents on gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria and the fun</span>gus.</span>展开更多
文摘<strong>Background:</strong> Overexpression of efflux pumps is the drug resistance and adaptation mechanism employed by some eukaryotes and bacteria to transport endogenous and chemotherapeutic compounds from the intracellular to the extracellular environment. <strong>Aim:</strong> The study aimed at establishing a fluorescent cell-based assay to monitor the efflux activities of an ABC-transporter, multi-drug resistance protein 4 (MRP4). <strong>Methods:</strong> DH5α competent <em>E. coli</em> cells were transformed with pcDNA-MRP4 by the heat-shock process. The presence of the MRP4 gene was analyzed by the digestion of plasmid using EcoRI and analyzed on a 1% agarose gel. HEK 293 cells were transfected with purified pcDNA-MRP4 under optimized conditions using a Polyethylenimine (PEI) protocol. The level of MRP4 in the HEK 293 cells was characterized by western blotting analysis using M4I-10 anti-MRP4 and anti-Rat IgG (whole molecule)-Alkaline phosphatase antibodies. The fluorescent uptake study was performed by the incubation of 0.02 mM 8-[fluo-cAMP] with the MRP4-transfected and control HEK 293 cells for 1 h. The level of fluorescence was analyzed using fluorescence microscopy and spectrometer. <strong>Results:</strong> The agarose gel analysis showed a plasmid of 9.4 kb and restriction product of 5 kb, which correspond with the pcDNA and MRP4 sizes respectively. The western blot results of the transfection showed 4 μg pcDNA-MRP4 and the N/P ratio of 9 was the optimized condition to transfect our HEK 293 cells as it showed the broadest band. In the efflux studies, the fluorescence images of the MRP4-transfected HEK 293 cells were very low compared to the untransfected control. The level of fluorescence accumulation was significantly (P ≤ 0.0001) higher 228.6 ± 13.1 RFU in the untransfected cells than the MRP4-transfected cells 8.6 ± 1.8 RFU. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The higher levels of fluorescence detected in the control in both the fluorescent microscopy and spectrophotometer showed that MRP4-transfected cells had effluxed the 8-[fluo-cAMP] substrate out of the cell. This method could be employed in the detection of MRP4 functions in bacteria and cancer cells.
文摘<strong>Background:</strong> The need to identify and characterize new antimicrobial agents is important due to the increasing development of resistance by microorganisms to the existing antimicrobial agents. <strong>Aim:</strong> This study examined the efficacies of <em>Mangifera indica</em> on <em>Escherichia coli</em> and <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>. <strong>Method: </strong>Three parts (leaf [L], root [R], and bark [B]) of the plant were analyzed. The extraction of the samples was performed by aseptically grinding the samples, dissolving in absolute ethanol, and filtering through whatman filter paper. The efficacy of the extracts bothsingle and combined was determined using agar well diffusion assay with gentamycin [10 <em>μ</em>l] (<em>E. coli</em>) and vancomycin [30<em> μ</em>l] (<em>S. aureus</em>) as control antibiotics. <strong>Results: </strong>The higher concentration (C<sub>2</sub> = 3.0 g/ml) showed more antibacterial effectiveness than the lower concentration (C<sub>1</sub> = 1.5 g/ml) against both bacterial isolates with significant differences (<em>P</em> < 0.05) in all extracts except for single extracts (<em>E. coli</em> dry leaf extract;fresh bark extract), double extracts (<em>S. aureus</em>: dry and fresh leaf extracts) and triple extract (<em>E. coli </em>and <em>S. aureus</em> dry extracts). For the single extracts the bacteria has the following significant results: <em>E. coli</em> L (dry 6.3 ± 2.5 mm, fresh 14.7 ± 0.6 mm, <em>P</em> = 0.0050), R (dry 11.3 ± 1.5 mm, fresh 7.3 ± 1.5 mm, <em>P</em> = 0.0327);for<em> S. aureus</em> L (dry 7.0 ± 1.7 mm, fresh 11.0 ± 1.0 mm, <em>P</em> = 0.0257), R (dry 7.0 ± 2.0 mm, fresh 11.7 ± 1.5 mm, <em>P</em> = 0.0325), and B (dry 5.0 ± 1.0 mm, fresh 16.0 ± 1.0 mm, <em>P</em> = 0.0002). For the double extracts the bacteria has the following significant results: <em>E. coli </em>L + R (dry 15.7 ± 2.3 mm, fresh 1.7 ± 1.5 mm, <em>P</em> = 0.0070), R + B (dry 18.7 ± 1.5 mm, fresh 9.7 ± 1.5 mm, <em>P</em> = 0.0020), and L + B (dry 9.7 ± 1.5 mm, fresh 6.3 ± 0.6 mm, P = 0.0241);<em>S. aureus</em> L + R (dry 14.7 ± 1.5 mm, fresh 7.0 ± 1.0 mm, <em>P</em> = 0.0019), R + B (dry 15.3 ± 1.5 mm, fresh 11.7 ± 1.5 mm, <em>P</em> = 0.0424). For the triple extracts, the fresh leaves showed significantly higher levels of efficacy than the dry for both<em> E. coli</em> L + R + B (<em>P</em> = 0.0101) and <em>S. aureus</em> (<em>P</em> = 0.0307). The fresh extracts showed higher levels of efficacy than dry extracts against both bacteria for all the single and three combined conditions. <strong>Conclusions: </strong>Fresh extracts show better efficacies against <em>E. coli </em>while dry extracts show greater efficacies against <em>S. aureus</em> for both single and triple combined extracts. The reverse is true for double combined extracts.
文摘Background: Bacteria virulence is modulated by different factors in the gut and other host environments. Aim: This study was to quantitatively determine some virulence factors produced in <i>Escherichia coli</i> when exposed to different conditions. Method: The different conditions of temperature and pH were used. The growth response and biofilm production of <i>E. coli</i> in these conditions was quantified. The production of secretory molecules was analyzed using the thin layer chromatography (TLC) method. The isolates exposed to these conditions were analyzed for antibiotic susceptibility using the disk diffusion method. Results: For the acidic condition, the comparisons of the growth in the other temperatures were lower than the neutral pH and significant results were noted in 25°C (P = 0.0036), 4°C (P = 0.0006) and -5°C (P = 0.0011), while non-significant result was seen in 37°C (P = 0.2453). In the alkaline condition, at 37°C the degree of significance was P = 0.0102, 25°C (P = 0.0007), 4°C (P = 0.0009), and at -5°C (P = 0.0006). The formation of biofilm, when compared to the normal body temperature of 37°C, was significantly higher at 4°C (P = 0.0382). TLC showed production of bands at -5°C, (Rf = 0.5), at 25°C two bands in both the acidic and alkaline condition (Rf = 0.4) and at 37°C, two bands were seen: one in the acidic condition with an Rf of 0.6 and 0.5 in the alkaline condition. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed varying zones of susceptibility and resistance in the different conditions to the antibiotics used. In the temperature condition, the isolates became resistant to Cefotaxime (CTX) and ColistinSulphate (CT) at -5°C, Ceftolozane/Tazobactam (CT) at 4°C, Cefotaxime (CTX) at 25°C, and at 37°C, it was resistant to Ceftolozane/Tazobactam (CT). Resistance was also seen in the pH condition of Cefotaxime (CTX) in the alkaline condition. Conclusion: Exposure to these different conditions shows an increase in growth, biofilm, antibiotic resistance, and susceptibility in some conditions which indicates that these conditions promote virulence. The results in the study showed that different conditions of temperature and pH induce some virulence factors such as growth and biofilm. Different secretory proteins were found in different treatment conditions. These observations could be responsible for the resistance to some antibiotics seen in this study.
文摘Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a severe public health issue that affects a wide range of people around the world with Klebsiella pneumoniae accounting for up to 25% of all urinary tract infections. The higher rate of UTI associated with uropathogenic Klebsiella species has been associated with the emergence of hypervirulent and antibiotic-resistant strains facilitated by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics as well as other sociodemographic and behavioural practices of susceptible individuals. This study was aimed at investigating the prevalence and associated risk factors of uropathogenic Klebsiella species in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Methodology: The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design comprising 300 subjects clinically suspected of having urinary tract infections attending the Rivers State University Medical Centre and the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital between March to August 2022. A standard urine culture procedure was used to ascertain significant bacteriuria after which Klebsiella colonies were isolated and identified using standard bacteriological techniques. The data generated from this study was represented as frequency and percentages, and inferential statistics were carried out using Chi-square with the aid of GraphPad Prism Software Version 9. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value of less than 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval. Result: The prevalence of uropathogenic Klebsiella sp. was 16%, with sex, pregnancy status, and religion of the individuals substantially linked (p p Klebsiella species. Conclusion: This study reports a relatively high prevalence of uropathogenic Klebsiella species at 16%, with the sex and pregnancy status of the subjects being significantly associated (p Klebsiella species in the current study. Health promotion and awareness efforts should be prioritised to inform susceptible demographics about their risks for urinary tract infections associated with uropathogenic Klebsiella species via targeted educational campaigns, collaboration with healthcare providers, use of social media and online platforms, workplace wellness programs, and community outreach programs amongst others. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing before prescriptions and treatment should be emphasized and upheld in all clinical settings.
文摘Background: Infectious diseases associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) continue to pose significant public health challenges that necessitate continuous surveillance and interventions. This study investigates the prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV infections within the academic community of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Given the potential for transmission in university settings and the importance of early detection and intervention, this research explores the extent of these infections and evaluates the outcomes of a medical outreach program aimed at addressing them. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was employed to recruit 513 participants using a convenience sampling approach between the 20<sup>th</sup> and 22<sup>nd</sup> of April 2022. Participants included students and staff members who voluntarily consented to the medical outreach and study. Serological assays were utilized to identify HIV, HBV and HCV infections. The medical outreach program’s design, implementation, and outcomes were evaluated, focusing on testing uptake, counselling utilization, and linkage to care. Statistical analysis employed GraphPad Prism version 9 software. Result: The study revealed low prevalence rates of HIV (0.6%), HBV (1.2%), and HCV (0.6%) infections within the university population. Age-based analysis indicated a slightly higher prevalence in the 15 - 24 age group. Gender-wise, HBV showed a marginal difference, with 1.3% among females and 0.9% among males. The medical outreach program achieved a testing uptake of 80.8%, with 75% utilizing counselling services, and 75% of those identified with infections successfully linked to care. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of infections and the effectiveness of a medical outreach program within a university community. While low prevalence rates are encouraging, the findings emphasize the continued importance of awareness and prevention efforts. The success of the outreach program in encouraging testing, providing counselling, and facilitating care linkage underscores its potential as a model for future interventions. Further research should delve into determinants of infection prevalence and barriers to care linkage for a more comprehensive understanding and improved intervention strategies.
文摘<b>Background:</b> The antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial interaction with soot, a by-product of incomplete combustion of fossil fuel, has not been established. <b>Aim:</b> The study aimed to establish the antibiotics susceptibility of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and <i>Escherichia coli</i> exposed to soot. <b>Method:</b> The bacteria were exposed to 12.5%, 25%, and 50% concentrations of soot at different time intervals. Control bacterial cultures without exposure to soot were also carried out. These cultures were incubated for 24 hrs. The numbers of surviving bacteria were determined by analyzing 10 μL of the incubated cultures at 6 hrs and 24 hrs on tryptone soy agar. Again, the bacteria were inoculated on Mueller Hinton agar and subjected to antibiotics susceptibility testing using the disk diffusion method. <b>Results:</b> After 6 hrs of exposure, the number of <i>E. coli</i> in the absence of soot was 102.50 ± 3.54 × 10<sup>3</sup> CFU/mL while at 12.5%, 25%, and 50% of soot, the surviving <i>E. coli</i> were 26.00 ± 1.41 (<i>p</i> = 0.0012), 21.00 ± 1.41 (<i>p</i> = 0.0011) and 5.50 ± 2.12 (<i>p</i> = 0.0009) × 10<sup>3</sup> CFU/mL respectively. Similarly, the population of <i>S. aureus</i> without soot was 122.5 ± 3.53 × 10<sup>4</sup> CFU/mL while at 12.5%, 25.0% and 50.0% of soot, the surviving <i>S. aureus</i> 46.00 ± 2.83 (<i>p</i> = 0.0017), 23.00 ± 1.41 (<i>p</i> = 0.0007) and 11.50 ± 2.12 (<i>p</i> = 0.0007) × 10<sup>4</sup> CFU/mL respectively. Similar results were obtained after 24 hrs of exposure. The soot shows some level of potency in reducing the number of <i>E. coli</i> and <i>S. aureus</i> significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.05). After 24 hrs, almost all treatment conditions (except for the Gentamicin for <i>S. aureus</i>), there was resistance to all the antibiotics while at 0 hr there was sensitivity to these drugs. <b>Conclusion:</b> These results suggest that while soot has some potency on <i>E. coli</i> and <i>S. aureus</i>, their exposure to soot could induce resistance.
文摘<b><span style="font-family:;" "="">Background:</span></b><span style="font-family:;" "=""> Medicinal plants have been in use since the origin of man. Many important chemical substances with biological functions that could be used for treatment and prevention of attack from bacteria, fungi, herbivorous mammals and insects are produced by different plants. Such compounds with useful properties have been recorded in their numbers, about 12,000 accounting for about 10% of total plant species. <b>Aim: </b>The aim of the study was to determine the antimicrobial efficacies of herbal extracts on some clinical pathogens. <b>Methods:</b> The antimicrobial activities of pressed juices of <i>Allium</i> <i>sativum</i> (garlic), <i>Bryophyllum</i> <i>pinnatum</i> and <i>Garcinia</i> <i>kola</i> neats and their <span>dilutions were tested on pathogens such as <i>Escherichia</i> <i>coli</i>, <i>Klebsiella</i> <i>pneumoniae</i>, <i>Proteus</i> <i>mirabilis</i>, <i>Staphylococcus</i> <i>aureus</i> and <i>Candida</i> <i>albicans</i> to determine their susceptibility to the juices and their combinations. Agar well diffusion method was employed on Muller-Hinton agar to determine their </span>antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. The phytochemical analysis of the plants’ juices were also determined. <b>Results:</b> At 100% (neat) the juices of <i>G.</i> <i>kola</i>, <i>B.</i> <i>pinnatum</i> and <i>Garcinia</i> <i>kola</i> showed substantial zones of inhibition against <span>the pathogens with a zone diameter of about 22.0 mm and above. At 75% concentrations, the juices inhibited the pathogens tested against them. <i>A.</i> <i>sativum</i> (gar</span><span>lic) inhibited <i>K.</i> <i>pneumonia</i>, <i>P.</i> <i>mirabilis</i>, and <i>S.</i> <i>aureus</i> even at 50% concentration. <i>C.</i> <i>albicans</i> isolates were 60% susceptible to <i>G.</i> <i>kola</i> juice, 40% at 100% concentration. At 75% concentration of the juice, <i>C.</i> <i>albicans</i> isolates were also 60% susceptible to the juices. At 50% - 100% concentrations, <i>C.</i> <i>albicans</i> isolates were 100% sensitive to <i>A.</i> <i>sativum</i> extract. <b>Conclusions:</b> The medicinal plant juices tested against the pathogens possess some potentials worth exploiting as </span>potent <span>antimicrobial agents on gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria and the fun</span>gus.</span>
