Claim Missing Document
Check
Articles

Found 14 Documents
Search

Hygienic Status and Microbial Profile of Locally Produced Fermented Milk in Wukari North-East, Nigeria Mohammed, Ikrimah Usman; Brown, Samuel Tamunoiyowuna Cockeye; Onyemaechi, Emmanuel
African Journal of Sciences and Traditional Medicine Vol 2 No 2 (2025): African Journal of Sciences and Traditional Medicine
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajstm.v2i2.5386

Abstract

Background: Milk and its derivatives are widely consumed for their nutritional benefits; however, their improper handling and processing can lead to contamination with pathogenic microorganisms, posing significant public health risks. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the microbial quality of locally fermented milk products, sold in Wukari, North-East, Nigeria. Methods: A total of fifteen (15) fermented milk samples were collected from five different retail locations and analyzed for microbial contamination using standard microbiological techniques. Results: The results revealed high levels of bacterial contamination across all sampling sites, with total viable counts ranging from 0.3 × 10⁶ to 2.4 × 10⁶ CFU/mL. Coliform bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, were detected, indicating fecal contamination and poor sanitary conditions during processing and distribution. Staphylococcus aureus, a major foodborne pathogen, was identified in 27.1% of the total bacterial isolates, highlighting a potential risk of food poisoning. Other bacterial isolates included Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Enterobacter spp., and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the unhygienic handling of fermented milk contributes to its microbial contamination, making it unfit for human consumption. This study emphasizes the need for improved hygiene practices, proper pasteurization, and strict regulatory measures to ensure the safety of locally produced dairy products. Public awareness campaigns should be conducted to educate dairy vendors and consumers about the health risks associated with contaminated milk.
Prevalence of Helicobater pylori Among Suspected Ulcer Patients Attending General Hospital Wukari, Taraba State Brown, Samuel Tamunoiyowuna Cockeye; Mohammed, Ikrimah Usman; Umaru, Isaac John; Mijinyawa, Ibrahim Jamilat; Daniel, Benjamin Nanisi; Melvin, Ugwuala Chimaobi; Abdulkadir, Nurudeen Umar
African Journal of Clinical Medicine and Pharmacy Research Vol 1 No 1 (2024): African Journal of Clinical Medicine and Pharmacy Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajcmpr.v1i1.4110

Abstract

H. pylori are microaerophilic organism and a Gram negative bacterium which is found in the alimentary canal. It causes chronic gastritis and gastric ulcers. It is also linked to the development of duodenal ulcers and stomach cancer, conditions that were not previously believed to have a microbial cause. These study aim to determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among suspected peptic ulcer patients attending General Hospital Wukari, Nigeria. A total of one hundred (100) blood samples were collected from consenting patient attending General Hospital, Wukari. Demographic information such as age and sex of each participant was obtained. Blood samples were collected by venipuncture. 5mL of blood was collected from each patient into well labelled ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) vacutainer tube. The Rapid Test kit was used for the qualitative detection of H. pylori surface antigen in serum/plasma. It utilises a combination of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to selectively detect elevated levels of H. pylori in serum/plasma. Consenting patients who participated in the study were between the age ranges of 1 to 95 years. Total prevalence of H. pylori was observed is 66%. The male gender was more infected with H. pylori infection 71.9% than the female counterparts with 58.13%. Out of the total patients 66% of the study patients tested positive for H. pylori. Among them, 60% were male and 40% were female. The age breakdown showed most patients were between 16-35 years old. It shows that the prevalence of H. pylori infection by sex among outpatient which 60% of the patients were male while 40% were female. With this the prevalence of H. pylori infection among patients attending General Hospital Wukari is 66%. Despite the high prevalence of H. pylori infection among the study subjects, these infections are threats to the human health. Hence, strategies should be adopted to help combat and control these infections and their spread within the population.
Antimicrobial Activity of Paw-paw (Carica papaya) Leaves and Seed Extracts on Shigella and Salmonella Species Brown, Samuel Tamunoiyowuna Cockeye; Mohammed, Ikrimah Usman; Umaru, Isaac John
African Journal of Clinical Medicine and Pharmacy Research Vol 1 No 1 (2024): African Journal of Clinical Medicine and Pharmacy Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajcmpr.v1i1.4111

Abstract

This study investigates the antimicrobial properties of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Carica papaya leaves and seeds against Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. The extracts were evaluated for their antibacterial activity using the agar well diffusion method, with zones of inhibition measured to assess efficacy. Results revealed that the ethanolic extract of Carica papaya leaves exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Salmonella spp., with a zone of inhibition of 14 mm at a concentration of 200 mg/mL, whereas no activity was observed against Shigella spp. The aqueous extracts, as well as both types of extracts from the seeds, showed no significant antibacterial effects against the tested organisms. The study highlights the superior extraction capability of ethanol over water for bioactive compounds and suggests potential therapeutic applications for Carica papaya extracts in treating Salmonella infections. However, further research is needed to explore higher concentrations and isolate specific active compounds. This work supports the traditional medicinal use of Carica papaya and indicates its potential as a source of new antibacterial agents.
Antibacterial Potential of Lactobacillus-Derived Bacteriocin-Like Inhibitory Substances (BLIS) Against Group B Streptococcus (GBS): A Biotherapeutic Approach Brown, Samuel Tamunoiyowuna Cockeye; Mohammed, Ikrimah Usman; Onyemaechi, Eze Emmanuel
African Journal of Clinical Medicine and Pharmacy Research Vol 2 No 2 (2025): African Journal of Clinical Medicine and Pharmacy Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajcmpr.v2i2.5387

Abstract

Background: Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are a diverse group of Gram-positive, non-spore-forming bacteria known for their ability to produce antimicrobial substances such as bacteriocins and bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances (BLIS). Aim: This study aimed to isolate, characterize, and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of BLIS produced by LAB against Group B Streptococcus (GBS) from vaginal samples of pregnant women attending Federal University Teaching Hospital Wukari, Nigeria. Methods: Vaginal swabs were collected from 50 pregnant women and processed for the isolation of LAB and GBS using selective media and biochemical characterization. Bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances were extracted from LAB isolates and tested against GBS using the disk diffusion method. The effects of temperature and pH on BLIS activity were also evaluated. Results: The results revealed that LAB isolates exhibited varying degrees of antimicrobial activity against GBS. The BLIS produced were found to be moderately heat-stable, retaining activity up to 90°C but showing loss at 100°C. BLIS produced by selected isolates (S8, S4, and S2) maintained antimicrobial activity across a broad temperature range (30°C –100°C) and different pH conditions (5.5–8.0). The inhibitory effects of BLIS remained stable across different pH levels, reinforcing their potential as alternative antimicrobial agents. There was no significant difference in activity between crude and partially purified BLIS, suggesting they may be low-molecular-weight peptides. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that GBS isolates were resistant to levofloxacin, amoxicillin, and ampiclox, while ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, chloramphenicol, and streptomycin remained effective. Conclusion: This study underscores the potential of LAB-derived BLIS as natural antimicrobial agents for managing GBS infections. The effectiveness and stability of Lactobacillus-derived BLIS in various environmental conditions suggest its suitability for pharmaceutical and food industry applications. Further research on purification and molecular characterization could enhance its use in antimicrobial therapy.