UnizikSpace Community: Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Surface Engineering of Recombinant RNA Coliphage Qβ to Display gp41 MembraneProximal External-Region Epitopes from HIV-1

2025-07-16T15:06:45Z

Title: Surface Engineering of Recombinant RNA Coliphage Qβ to Display gp41 MembraneProximal External-Region Epitopes from HIV-1 Authors: Waffo, Alain Bopda; Ngu, Lovelin N.; Singleton, Rana L.; Egbo, Timothy; Sanders, Carrie A.; Ambada, Georgia E.; Nji, Nadesh N.; Ngoh, Apeh A.; Matthews, QianaL.; Robertson, Boakai K.; Tchouangueu, Thibau F.; Lissom, Abel; Bawage, Swapnil; Tchadji, Colince; Okoli, Arinze S; Esimone, Charles O.; Chukwuanukwu, Rebecca; Mbacham, Wilfred; Kaptue, Lazare; Nchinda, Godwin W. Abstract: The membrane proximal external region (MPER) of HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein-41 (gp41) is targeted by several broadly neutralizing antibodies whose conserved linear epitopes are promising targets for vaccine design. However, a formidable challenge has remained the difficulty to design and deliver MPER based immunogens for the efficient induction of such broadly neutralizing HIV-1 specific antibodies (bnAb). This is mainly because the linear bnAb MPER epitopes are poorly accessible to the immune system. The overall objective of this study therefore was the development of a novel RNA Qβ phage display system not only for monitoring anti-MPER specific antibody responses but equally as potential immunogens in future HIV-1 vaccine designs. Description: Scholarly works

Anti-mycobacterial activity of root and leaf extracts of Anthocleista djalonensis (Loganiaceae) and Diospyros mespiliformis (Ebenaceae)

2025-07-16T14:21:56Z

Title: Anti-mycobacterial activity of root and leaf extracts of Anthocleista djalonensis (Loganiaceae) and Diospyros mespiliformis (Ebenaceae) Authors: Esimone, Charles O.; Nworu, Chukwuemeka S.; Onuigbo, Ebere B.; Omeje, Justina U.; Nsirim, Kelechi L.; Ogbu, Joy C.; Ngwu, Maria I.; Chah, Kennedy F. Abstract: We screened the aqueous and methanol leaf and root extracts of Anthocleista djalonensis, Diospyros mespiliformis, and their combinations for possible anti-mycobacterial activities using Mycobacterium smegmatis as a surrogate screen. These plants are reputed among folk practices as potent remedy in the management of tuberculosis and leprosy cases. In the sensitivity screening study, only the methanol extracts of A. djalonensis and D. mespiliformis showed anti-mycobacterial activity, while the aqueous extracts exhibited no inhibitory activity on M. smegmatis. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the methanol leaf and root extract of A. djalonensis against M. smegmatis were 125 μg/ml. The MIC of the methanol leaf and root extracts of D. mespiliformis is 167 and 250 μg/ml, respectively. In the interaction studies, four out of nine decimal combinations of the two medicinal plant extracts exhibited synergism with fractional inhibitory concentration indices <1 and a negative activity index values. The 8:2 ratio of D. mespiliformis and A. djalonensis exhibited the greatest degree of antimycobacterial synergy against M. smegmatis. The result of this study supports the claims of efficacy reported in the folk use of these plants in mycobacterial infection and the plants could therefore be investigated further and harnessed as potent antimycobacterial agents Description: scholarly works

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

2023-04-14T14:30:24Z

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

2023-04-14T14:17:42Z

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