UnizikSpace Collection: Scholarly Works

The Bacteriology and Its Virulence Factors in Neonatal Infections: Threats to Child Survival Strategies

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The Bacteriology and Its Virulence Factors in Neonatal Infections: Threats to Child Survival Strategies Authors: Ejiofor, Obiora Shedrach; Ajunwa, Onyinye Mercy; Ezeudu, Chijioke Elias; Emechebe, George Ogonna; Okeke, Kenneth Nchekwube; Ifezulike, Christian Chukwuemeka; Ekejindu, Ifeoma Mercy; Okoyeh, Jude Nnaemeka; Osuala, Eunice Ogonna; Oli, Angus Nnamdi Abstract: Background. Neonatal infection refers to the infection of the newborn during the fjrst twenty-eight days of life. It is one of the causes of infant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Tie aim of the study is to determine the relative contribution of the difgerent pathogens to the overall disease burden. It will also determine the mechanisms of virulence of these pathogens that cause neonatal infections at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka. Methods. Biological samples were collected from 30 neonates admitted at the special care baby unit (SCBU) of COOUTH and cultured using selective media and nutrient agar. Tie isolates were identified using microbiological and biochemical tests. Tie antibiogram study was determined using Kirby-Bauer disc difgusion method on Mueller Hinton Agar. Several methods previously reported in literature were used for the characterization of the virulence factors. Results. From the 30 blood samples collected, Pseudomonas spp. (19.7%), Escherichia coli (23%), Salmonella spp. (24.6%), and Staphylococcus aureus (32.8%) were isolated. Male to female ratio of study population was 1.5: 1. Tie isolates were 100 % resistant to ticarcillin, cephalothin, cefuazidime, and cefuroxime but appreciably susceptible to only levofmoxacin (88.85%). Tiey were moderately susceptible to cefuriaxone/sulbactam (39 .05%) and azithromycin (26.46%). Common virulence factors identified among the isolates (up to 90 %) were hemolysin, biofilm formation, and acid resistance. Less common virulence factors were proteases (50 %), deoxyribonucleases (50 %), enterotoxins (63%), and lipopolysaccharide (70%). Tie virulence factors were found mostly among the S. aureus isolates. Conclusions. Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus were implicated in neonatal infections in the center and most of them were resistant to conventionalantibiotics. Tie organisms showed marked virulence and multidrug resistance properties. Levofmoxacin, a fmuoroquinolone, had superior activity on the isolates compared to other antibiotics used in the study. Description: Scholarly Work

Preparing for the storm: mitigating the effect of SARS-CoV-2 induced hypercytokinemia

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Preparing for the storm: mitigating the effect of SARS-CoV-2 induced hypercytokinemia Authors: Rowaiye, Adekunle B.; Okpalefe, Okiemute Ajiroghene; Ajiroghene, Okiemute; Onuh, Olukemi Adejoke; Ogidigo, Joyce Oloaigbe; Oladipo, Oluwakemi Hannah; Ogu, Amoge Chidinma; Oli, Angus Nnamdi; Olofinase, Samson Ayodeji; Onyekwere, Onyekachi Abstract: With increasing fatalities, the COVID-19 pandemic constitutes a formidable global health challenge. The causative agent, SARS-CoV-2 constantly tests the efficacy of the immune system of its victims. The protective ability of the innate immune system as the first responder largely determines the progression of disease and its clinical prognosis. Evidence suggests that mortalities associated with COVID-19 are largely due to hyperinflammation and a dysregulated immune response. Consequently, the degree of the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL1, IL-6, and TNF alpha remarkably distinguishes between mild and severe cases of COVID-19. The early prediction of a cytokine storm is made possible by several serum chemistry and hematological markers. The prompt use of these markers for laboratory tests, and the aggressive prevention and management of a cytokine release syndrome is critical in determining the level of morbidity and fatality associated with COVID-19. With respect to the SARS-CoV-2 and the host cell, this literature review focuses on the dynamics of the COVID-19 disease highlighting on the pathogenesis, and the markers of Cytokine Storm. It also proffers solutions by critically looking at the current and potential pharmacological agents that are or can be used to mitigate and manage cytokine storms. Description: Scholarly Work

Chemical and microbial evaluation of water samples obtained from itinerant water vendors in Idi –Araba, Lagos State, Nigeria

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Chemical and microbial evaluation of water samples obtained from itinerant water vendors in Idi –Araba, Lagos State, Nigeria Authors: Igbokwe, Nwamaka Henrietta; Ofomata, Chijioke; Oli, Angus Nnamdi Abstract: This study was carried out to investigate the potability of vendor waters mostly used by the urban dwellers in Idi-Araba, Lagos State, Nigeria. Sixteen water samples were analyzed, eleven from water vendors and four from source (Pumped Wells). One water sample from Nigerian bottling company was used as a control standard. Chemical analysis of the various water samples showed that they contained little and insignificant amount of toxic metals such as cadmium, nickel, lead and silver. Microbiological studies showed that vendor water was more contaminated than the source water and the contamination involved indicator and pathogenic organisms. All the organisms found in source water and more were found in vendor water. Susceptibility studies showed that of all the antibiotics used, the quinolones (Ofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin) and also aminoglycoside (Gentamycin) were the most effective antibiotics against the isolated microorganisms while Cloxacillin was the least active. The results of this investigation therefore suggests that the use of vendor and source waters in Idi-Araba appear unsafe for human consumption and domestic use. There is therefore the need for government and relevant authorities/organizations to provide potable water, stage awareness campaign and mass education on hygienic principles amongst the inhabitants of Surulere and the water vendors in particular. Description: Scholarly Work

The Prevalence and Distribution of Human Onchocerciasis in Two Senatorial Districts in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Wed, 01 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The Prevalence and Distribution of Human Onchocerciasis in Two Senatorial Districts in Ebonyi State, Nigeria Authors: Okoro, Nworie; Ukpabi, Nkechinyere; Oli, Angus Nnamdi; Okonkwo, Chuma Innocent; Okoli, Chukwudum Somadina; Ejiofor, Obiora Shedrack Abstract: There has been a recent increase in the number of human Onchocerciasis cases in hospitals in Ebonyi Central. This study therefore sets out to determine the prevalence of the disease in Ebonyi North and Central Senatorial Zones of Ebonyi State as well as determine the age groups and sex most affected. Methods:This study was carried out in Ebonyi North and Central Senatorial Zones of Ebonyi State between January 2011 and April 2012, among subjects of 20-59 years. Diagnosis was by skin examination for onchocercal lesions, ocular examination for ocular lesion and parasitological examination for the presence of microfilariae of Onchocerca volvulus in skin biopsies and adult filariae in excised nodules. Results: Out of the 250 persons randomly examined in each zone, 82 (32.8%) persons in Ebonyi Central zone comprising of 60 (38.7%) males and 22 (23.1%) females were found positive for Onchocerca volvulus while 73 (29.2%) persons in Ebonyi North Zone comprising 48 (32.0%) males and 25 (25.0%) females. Chi-square test shows that male subjects had significantly higher diseases prevalence (p < 0.05) than their female counterparts in the two zones but combined prevalence among male and female do not differ significantly in the two zones. The age group most affected was 50-59 years with the prevalence of 40.0% in Ebonyi Central and 38.6% in Ebonyi North Zones. Out of the 155 (30.8%) persons infected in the two zones, 28 (5.6%) males and 14 (2.8%) females had Onchocercal skin lesions, 57 (11.4%) males and 22 (4.4%) females had low vision. Partial blindness was observed in 16 (3.2%) males and 8 (1.6%) females. However, 7 (1.4%) males and 3 (0.6%) females had complete blindness. Farmers were mostly affected than any other occupational group. Conclusion: The findings obtained from this work suggested that Ebonyi Central and North Senatorial Zones are Onchocerciasis hypo-endemic Zones having the prevalence rate of 32.8% and 29.2% respectively. Sex, age and occupation are related to Onchocerciasis infections in both Zones. Males are more infected than females. Massive distribution of insecticides to destroy the vector Simulium damnosum (black fly), provision of adequate antiflarial drugs - ivermectin and mass health education targeted on preventive measures are highly recommended. Description: Scholarly Work