UnizikSpace Community: Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing

Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of Methanol and Chloroform Extracts of Alchornea Cordifolia Leaves

2013-11-09T00:00:00Z

Title: Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of Methanol and Chloroform Extracts of Alchornea Cordifolia Leaves Authors: Okoye, E. L.; Uba, B. O.; Uhobo, P. C.; Oli, A. N.; Ikegbunam, M. N. Abstract: Alchornea cordifolia (Schum & Thonn) Muell Arg. is a member of a plant family called the Euphorbiaceae. It is widely distributed in West and central African countries with the common names: Christmas bush, Christmas tree, dovewood (in English), Arbre de djeman (in French) and Bugi-bugi, bunce, pô d’arco in Portuguese languages [1]. The plant has also been found in other parts of the world including Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, Oceania and North, Central and South Americas. Alchornea cordifolia has been extensively studied and shown to have some activity, in vitro, against seventy four bacterial strains [2,3,4 5]. The antibacterial activities of most medicinal plants depend on certain active principles such as alkaloids, saponnins, tannins, flavonoids and various oils [6]. In south-east Nigeria, the root epidermis is a good bitter while the leaf is used to treat eyes conditions. The leaves or leafy stems have sedative and antispasmodic activities and are used to treat a variety of respiratory problems such as sore throat, cough and bronchitis, to treat genital-urinary problems such as venereal diseases and female sterility, and intestinal problems such as gastric ulcers, diarrhoea, amoebic dysentery and worms [1]. The use of herbs in the treatment of man and animal disease has been practiced before the advent of modern antibiotics [7, 8]. For a plant to be described as a medicinal plant, the species of the plant from which the drugs are obtained, the chemical nature of the extracts from the plants and the purpose for which the plant species is used must be known [9]. In Nigeria, there appears to be an overwhelming increase in the public awareness and usage of herbal medical products in the treatments and/or prevention of diseases [10]. Some parts of plants contain substances that kill or inhibit the growth of some bacteria and so are said to have antibacterial activity [8]. The oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) was shown to have good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Moraxella catarrhalis and has been used in the treatment of bronchitis and sinusitis [11]. In Nigeria, there is virtually no documentation of the isolation, selection, and preparation of medicinal plants in the earliest times. Information about them was passed from generation to generation through oral tradition [12]. Iwu [13,14], reported that over 207 herbal remedies from 188 plants genera and Edeoga et al. [15] about 10 medicinal plants from different families have been implicated in Ibo tribal ethno medicine. Suck [16], reported the use of more than 75 pure compounds derived from higher plants as herbal medicines. Aliyu et al. [17] reported the activity of some plant extracts against methicillin-resistance S. aureus. The present study aims at evaluating the antibacterial activity of the leaves of Alchornea cordifolia. Description: Scholarly work

Detection and Prevalence of Methicillin and Vancomycin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus among Clinical Isolates in ESUTH, Enugu State, Nigeria

2022-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Detection and Prevalence of Methicillin and Vancomycin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus among Clinical Isolates in ESUTH, Enugu State, Nigeria Authors: Okoye, Ebele Linda; Omeje, Munachimso Janefrances; Ugwuoji, Emmanuel Tobechukwu Abstract: The increasing rate of drug resistance associated with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and the emergence of vancomycin resistant trait is a great problem in human disease treatment and management. The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility profile of MRSA, and vancomycin resistant S. aureus among patients at ESUT Teaching Hospital, Enugu. Four hundred and fifty (450) Clinical samples were collected between April and November 2018. All S. aureus were recovered using standard laboratory method. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern was determined using modified Kirby Bauer disc agar diffusion method. Methicillin and vancomycin resistance were determined using cefoxitin (30µg) and vancomycin (30µg) disc diffusion, respectively. Penicillin binding protein 2a was detected through rapid latex agglutination assay while nitrocef stick was used for screening of beta lactamase production. Eighty three (18.4%) isolates out of 450 clinical samples were confirmed and characterized as Staphylococcus aureus. Twenty three (27.7%) of the isolates were MRSA. All (100%) the MRSA isolates were susceptible to vancomycin. The result of antibiotic susceptibility test showed much resistance to β-lactam antibiotics. The multiple antibiotics resistance index (MARI) showed that 66 (79.5 %) were resistant to 3 or more antibiotics (MARI ≥ 0.4). Seventy two percent of the MRSA were multi drug resistant. Seventy four (89.1%) isolates produced beta-lactamase while Penicillin binding protein 2a was detected in 13.2% of MRSA isolates. The results suggest the need for methicillin resistance S. aureus regular surveillance studies as well as institution of infection control measures, antibiotic stewardship programme and amendment of antibiotic regimen guidelines for MRSA infections. Description: Scholarly works

Harnessing phages as biocontrol agents against common bacterial blight diseases in plants

2024-07-27T00:00:00Z

Title: Harnessing phages as biocontrol agents against common bacterial blight diseases in plants Authors: Anakwenze, Vivian Nonyelum; Enukorah, Esther Chidera; Adewale, Kazeem Shakiru; Nnadi, Emmanuel Nnaemeka; Isiaka, Amarachukwu Bernaldine; Anaukwu, Chikodili Gladys; Ekwealor, Chito Clare; Ezemba, Chinyere Constance; Anyaoha, Victoria Ihedinachi; Amailo, Emmanuela Nneamaka Abstract: Bacterial blight diseases in plants are caused by various bacterial pathogens such as Dickeya, Pectobacterium, Xanthomonas, and others. They infect a wide range of crops including potatoes, tomatoes, apples, and citrus. The impact of these diseases includes reduced crop yields, lower quality produce, and economic losses for farmers. Traditional control methods like antibiotics and copper-based compounds are becoming less effective due to the development of resistance and environmental concerns. As a result, there is growing interest in alternative strategies such as biocontrol agents (BCAs), particularly bacteriophages. Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria, they offer a promising solution to agricultural disease management. Their specificity and ability to target pathogenic bacteria make them an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical interventions. By optimizing phage formulations and application protocols, bacteriophages have the potential to contribute to healthier crops, increased yields, and a more sustainable agricultural system. Description: scholarly works

Heavy metal application of response surface optimized‑lipopeptide biosurfactant produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain CGA‑02 in low‑cost substrate

2024-05-07T00:00:00Z

Title: Heavy metal application of response surface optimized‑lipopeptide biosurfactant produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain CGA‑02 in low‑cost substrate Authors: Chikodili Gladys Anaukwu1, Chikodili Gladys; Ekwealor, Chito Clare; Anakwenze, Vivian Nonyelum; Orji, Chinedu Christian; Ogbukagu, Chioma Maureen; Anyaoha, Victoria Ihedinachi; Isiaka, Amarachukwu Bernaldine; Green, Stefan Joshua; Ekwealor, Ikechukwu Amechi Abstract: Cost-efective methods of biosurfactant production with minimal environmental impact are needed as global demand continues to increase. This study evaluated lipopeptide biosurfactant production in a Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain CGA-02 using a low-cost carbon substrate. The structural properties of the biosurfactant and applicability of the biosurfactant in heavy metal removal were evaluated. Response surface methodology (RSM) involving central composite design (CCD) was used to optimize process parameters to maximize biosurfactant production. The study identifed sugar cane molasses and sodium nitrate as carbon and nitrogen sources of choice for bacterial growth and biosurfactant production, with a relatively 2.64-fold increase in biosurfactant yield under optimized conditions. Analysis of the biosurfactant measured a surface tension reduction of water from 72.2±0.26 to 30.5±0.2 mN/m at 40 mg/L critical micelle concentration. GC–MS and FTIR analysis revealed structural properties of the lipopeptide biosurfactant, with fatty acid components predominantly 9-octadecenoic acid (oleic acid), n-hexadecanoic acid, cyclotetrasiloxane and trimyristin, and infrared peaks belonging to amine, carboxyl, nitrile, alkanol, ether and carbonyl groups. Capture of heavy metals using the biosurfactant was evaluated in soil microcosms. Removal rates of 80.47, 100, 77.57, 100, and 97.57% were recorded for As, Pb, Hg, Cd and Cr respectively after 12 weeks of incubation. There was no signifcant diference (p<0.05) in the removal efciency of the biosurfactant and an analogous chemical surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulphate. First and second-order kinetic models described heavy metal removal rates by the biosurfactant. We demonstrate the production of a useful biosurfactant using low-cost waste carbon. Description: scholarly works