School of Biological Sciences

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Open Access
Antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli in a government piggery farm in Owerri, Nigeria
(International Formulae Group, 2008) Akujobi, C. O.; Ogbulie, J. N.; Umeh, S. I.; Abanno, N. U.
The acquisition of antibiotic-resistant commensal Escherichia coli was examined in a cohort of newborn pigs. Faecal samples were collected weekly from young pigs over a 2 month period and screened for E. coli resistant to ampicillin, nalidixic acid, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin at concentrations of 16, 8, 8 and 8mg/l, respectively. E. coli viable counts were also performed on the samples. All the pigs acquired gentamicin-nalidixic acid- and ampicillin-resistant E. coli, while 80% acquired ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli during the study. Sixty-five per cent of samples were resistant to at least one of the four antibiotics. The prevalence of the antibiotics declined significantly with age and time (p<0.05). Total counts and antibiotic resistant counts declined with age (p<0.05), with the rate of decline in antibiotic resistant counts being greater than that for total counts (p<0.05). The cohort pigs rapidly acquired antibiotic-resistant bacteria shortly after birth and the carriage of resistant bacteria was associated with age.
Open Access
Antifungal properties of Musa paradisiaca (Plantain) peel and stalk extracts
(International Formulae Group, 2012-08) Okorondu, I. S.; Akujobi, C. O.; Akujobi, C. O.
Effect of plantain (Musa paradisiaca (L) AAB genomic group) peel and stalk extracts were investigated using percentage inhibition test. Complete inhibition of growth (100%) was observed for Aspergillusniger, Aspergillus oryzae and Rhizopus stolonifer at 1.0 mg/ml concentration of stalk extract. Peel extract inhibited A. niger 100%, A. oryzae 76.67% and R. stolonifer 56.67% at the same concentration. As concentration reduces, growth inhibition reduces also up to the minimum inhibitory concentration. The results of this work justify that the plant extracts were able to inhibit and kill the growth of spoilage fungi and this implies that the extract in appropriate doses can be used in food preservation and to treat infections caused by this spoilage fungi. The results further justify the claim that Musa paradisiaca (L) stalk and peel extract demonstrated antifungal action in which methanol was seen to be a better solvent for extracting active ingredients from medicinal plants considering the high susceptibility of test organisms to methanol extract than ethanol extract used in this study. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of hydrogen cyanide, tannin, alkaloid, steroid, saponin and flavonoid. The growth inhibition of A. niger, A. oryzae and R. stolonifer by Musa paradisiaca peel and stalk methanol and ethanol extract in this study suggest the presence of antifungal substance in the plant tissue and the possibility of using the extract to control plant pathogens especially where the spoilage fungi used in this study are involved.
Open Access
Antimicrobial activity of the leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera and Jatropha curcas on pathogenic bacteria
(International Formulae Group, 2013-02) Okorondu, S. I.; Akujobi, C. O.; Okorondu, J. N.; Anyado-Nwadike, S. O.
This study evaluates the antimicrobial activity of the leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera and Jatropha curcas against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Different concentrations of the extracts were subjected to these organisms in which Moringa oleifera showed a higher zone of inhibition on Staphylococcus aureus (2.8 cm) while on E. coli (2.4 cm) while Jatropha curcas showed a higher zone of inhibition on E. coli (2.6 cm) while on S. aureus (1.80 cm). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Moringa oleifera extract on E. coli and S. aureus were 0.250 mg/ml and 0.125 mg/ml respectively while MIC of Jatropha curcas extract on test organisms was 0.125 mg/ml. The quantitative phytochemical screening in g/kg revealed the presence of flavonoid 36 and 21, alkaloids 92 and 39, tannins 7.4 and 5.6, saponins 115.0 and 53.5, cyanogenic glycosides 8.4 and 14.5 for M. oleifera and J. curcas respectively. The observed antimicrobial properties could be due to the presence of these bioactive compounds and further substantiates the use of Moringa oleifera and Jatropha curcas leaf extracts in medicine. The extracts in correct doses can successfully be used in vivo to inhibit and eventually kill the test bacteria used in this study.
Open Access
Asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women at the outpatient clinic of some governmental hospitals in Imo State, Nigeria
(International Formulae Group, 2009) Akujobi, C. O.; Ogbulie, J. N.; Umeh, S. I.; Abanno, N. U.; Nwachukwu, I. N.
Asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women in Imo State, Nigeria was studied. All pregnant women attending antenatal at Federal Medical Center, Owerri, General Hospital, Okigwe, and Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu, between January and April 2006 and who agreed to enter the study were clinically evaluated to exclude signs of urinary tract infection. Samples of 10-15 ml urine were examined for bacteria, pus cells and parasitic ova. The samples were further cultured on cysteine lactose electrolyte deficient agar and colony counts yielding bacterial growth of 105 or more of pure isolates were deemed significant. Of the 630 pregnant women, 111 had significant bacteriuria giving a prevalence rate of 17.6%. The highest age specific prevalence was found in the 31-40 year-olds and the lowest in the 41-50 year-olds. Socioeconomic status of the respondents had effect on the prevalence of bacteriuria and also, there was an increase in the prevalence with increase in age of gestation. The dominant isolates were Staphylococcus species and Klebsiella species with most of the isolates obtained in respondents from Owerri and Okigwe study areas.
Open Access
Bacterial contamination of some edible shellfish harvested from Kalarugbani Creek, River State, Nigeria
(Tapas Institute of Scientific Research and Development, 2011) Odu, N. N.; Njoku, H. O.; Igwiloh, N. J. P.; Akujobi, C. O.
The bacteriological quality of raw shucked oyster (RSO), raw extracted periwinkle (REP), overlying water (OLW) and mud flat samples (MFS) obtained from Kalarugbani Creek in Rivers State was investigated. The parameters investigated were the total viable count (TVC), salmonella-Shigella counts (SSC), total faecal coliforms (TFC) and total coliform counts (TCC). There were variations in the values of these parameters analyzed, which were sample dependent. Of all the samples analyzed, RSO had the highest microbial counts except for TFC and TCC in which periwinkle has higher counts. Statistical analysis of the mean total viable counts showed high significant differences among the four samples across various months at (p≤0.05). The microbial counts were lower in the wet season and higher in the dry season. Correlation analysis of the seasonal variations of the total viable count for the various samples showed a very weak correlation between the two seasons for MFS and OLW (r= 0.499 and r= 0.515, respectively), while those of REP and RSO were strongly correlated between the two seasons (r= 0.69 and r= 0.607, respectively). The microbial counts obtained from this study were found to be higher than the specified standard limits (1x105 cfu/g) for bacteria by International Commission on Microbiological Specification for Foods (ICMSF) and United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). The results of this study show the presence of organisms of public health concern and highlight the need for maintenance of quality standards in the processing of these shellfish. The data obtained will be useful for the development of food safety schemes and policies.
Open Access
Bioaccumulation of lead by Bacillus species isolated from pig waste
(Ficus Publishers, 2012-02-07) Akujobi, C. O.; Odu, N. N.; Okorondu, S. I.
Heavy metals, such as lead, copper, cadmium, chromium and mercury are important environmental pollutants, particularly in areas with high anthropogenic pressure. Their presence in the atmosphere, soil and water, even in traces, can cause serious problems to all organisms. Living organisms are exposed in nature to lead commonly in their ionized forms, which at different concentrations affect microbial population. Microorganisms are known to interact with heavy metals through a number of mechanisms including intracellular accumulation. Bacillus species isolated from pig waste was exposed to different concentrations of lead solution within 24 hours. The percentage log survival / growth rate in the different concentrations of lead was determined periodically. Bioaccumulation of lead by the test isolate was determined in the graded lead concentrations (0, 1.10, 100. 500 µg/ml). The result showed that the growth of the isolate was progressively inhibited by lead in a dose dependent fashion. The isolate showed a potential to survive lead intoxication and accumulated the toxicant. Therefore, Bacillus species isolated from pig waste shows a promise for its use in bioremediation of lead polluted environments. This can be applied as organic manure together with the microorganism in heavy metal-polluted site to prevent heavy metal toxicity and to enhance the growth of plants.
Open Access
Bioelectricity production and treatment of Abattoir wastewater in a ferricyanide catholyte H-type microbial fuel cell
(Society for Advancement of Sciences, 2016) Egbadon, E. O.; Nweke, C. O.; Akujobi, C. O.; Braide, W.; Akaluka, C. K.; Adeleye, S. A.
Dual-chamber Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) were constructed using non-reactive polyacrylic containers of 1100ml with a working volume of 1000ml. 1000ml of the abattoir wastewater was fed into the anode chamber while equal volume 100mM Potassium Ferricyanide solution was fed into the cathode chamber. An Agar-salt Bridge (2% Agar and 1% NaCl) with dimension 10cm×3cm (length and radius) served as Proton Exchange Membrane. Rod-shaped carbon electrodes of length and diameter 12 cm × 1.2 cm were used. The Open circuit voltage, current, power density and physicochemical parameters were monitored. An initial Open circuit voltage of 459 mV, Current of 0.22 mA, and Power density of 22.10mW/m2 were recorded, which increased to give maximum Open Circuit Voltages of 736 mV, Current of 0.46mA, and Power density of 66.43mW/m2.The results also shows a 56.09%, 92.31%, 56.27%, 89.92%, 73.29% and 75.46% decrease for Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Organic Carbon, Total Soluble solids (TSS), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Nitrate, and Nitrate-Nitrogen respectively, while a -3.58%, -3.51%, -4.21%, -228.76%, -226.07% and -226.16% increase was observed for Phosphates, Phosphorus, Orthophosphates, Ammonia, Ammonium Nitrogen and Ammonium respectively. The bacterial isolates identified were Bacillus species, Streptococcus species, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
Open Access
cLead bioaccumulation by pseudomonas species isolated from pig waste
(U. P., 2012) Odu, N. N.; Akujobi, C. O.
Living organisms are exposed in nature to lead commonly in their ionized forms, which at different concentrations affect microbial population. This can have significant impact given that many microorganisms are essential parts of the decomposing food chain. Their presence in the atmosphere, soil and water, even in traces, can cause serious problems to all organisms. Microorganisms are known to interact with heavy metals through a number of mechanisms including intracellular accumulation. Pseudomonas species isolated from pig waste was exposed to different concentrations of lead solution within 24 hours. The percentage log survival / growth rate in the different concentrations of lead was determined periodically. Bioaccumulation of lead by the test isolate was determined in the graded lead concentrations (0, 1.10, 100. 500 μg/ml). The result showed that the growth of the isolate was progressively inhibited by lead in a dose dependent fashion. The isolate showed a potential to survive lead intoxication and accumulated the toxicant. Therefore, Pseudomonas species isolated from pig waste shows a promise for its use in bioremediation of lead polluted environments and can be used remedy the toxic effect of heavy metals on plants. This can be applied as organic manure together with the microorganism in heavy metal-polluted site to prevent heavy metal toxicity and to enhance the growth of plants.
Open Access
Effect of different organic nutrient supplements on the total heterotrophic counts and diesel oil degradation in diesel polluted soil
(International Formulae Group, 2009-12) Akujobi, C. O.; Njoku, H. O.; Abanno, N.; Okorondu, S. I.; Ogbulie, J. N.
The effect of graded quantities of different organic nutrient supplements on the total heterotrophic counts and diesel oil degradation in diesel-polluted soil was studied. Soil samples were mixed with different volumes of diesel to obtain heavy and moderate pollution, which was subsequently amended with different quantities of organic nutrient supplements. Total heterotrophic counts were determined at two weeks intervals for 16 weeks and the oil and grease content were determined at the beginning and at the end of the study. The result showed a general increase in microbial count with increase in the quantities of supplement. Poultry waste-amended samples had the highest count in all the samples followed by pig waste and cow dung-amended samples. Diesel oil degradation followed the same order with the highest percentage oil degradation obtained in poultry waste-amended samples. It therefore, showed that poultry waste is the best organic waste to be applied in a bio degradation process.
Open Access
Gari agar as culture media for mycological studies
(International Formulae Group, 2013-06) Okorondu, S. I.; Akujobi, C. O.; Okorondu, J. N.; Okorondu, M. M. O.
Gari agar was prepared by weighing 28 g of Gari, 14 g of agar powder and 8 g of Hibiscus rabdariffa powder to 1 L of sterile water. A conventional media, Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) was prepared as control according to manufacturer’s procedure. Aliquot of appropriate dilutions of 1 g of agricultural soil was inoculated onto SDA and Gari agar by pour plate technique and spread plate technique. After 2 days and 4 days of inoculation, the growth of moulds was examined. Fungal colonies on Gari agar were very healthy and compared favourably with fungal growth on Sabouraud dextrose agar which is a conventional medium. Gari agar produced healthy moulds as determined by diameter of growth. Furthermore, conventional media (SDA) supported the growth of bacteria while Gari agar inhibited the growth of bacteria and promoted that of fungi. Cassava can be successfully grown in poor soils with low labour requirement, low capital and ease of cultivation. Gari extract agar can now be used successfully for quantitative count of moulds. The result of this study will go a long way in solving the problem of high cost of conventional media used as culture media for mycological studies.
Open Access
Potential production of lipases by pseudomonas and staphylococcus species isolated from palm oil contaminated tropical soil
(U. P., 2012-05-20) Odu, N. N.; Akujobi, C. O.
This study reports on the potential production of lipases by Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus species isolated from palm oil contaminated tropical soil. The lipase activities of Pseudomonas species and Staphylococcus species at 37oC and pH 7 were evaluated. Both organisms grew well and produced lipases at the prevailing assay conditions. The lipase activity by Pseudomonas species was significantly higher than that of Staphylococcus species at P< 0.05. Effect of pH on the enzyme activities of the isolates showed that lipase production varied according to the pH of the assay medium. This shows that pH is a determinant factor in lipase production. There were increases in lipase activities with increase in pH up to optimum pH of 7 in both organisms. The lipase activities decrease progressively after this optimum pH till the last pH of exposure (pH 10). At pH 7 and 8, the two organisms had equal lipase activities (0.64 and 0.63 U/ml/min, respectively), after which, the lipase activity of Pseudomonasspecies reduced gradually with increase in pH unlike Staphylococcus species whose lipase activity abruptly decreased with increase in pH. Lipase activities in both organisms were affected differently by varying temperature changes. In Pseudomonas species, there was a steady increase in lipase activity with increase in temperature up to the optimum at temperature of 30 oC (0.67 U/ml/min). The activity decreased slightly at temperature of 35 oC but effect of temperature against the activity was more pronounced at the temperatures of 40 and 45 oC. The lipase activity of Staphylococcus species was also affected by temperature changes. There was a steady increase in the activity up to the optimum at temperature of 35 oC. The activity started decreasing steady with further increase in temperature. In conclusion, the study showed that Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus species isolated from palm oil contaminated tropical soil has a great potential for the production of lipases.
Open Access
Preliminary phytochemical screening and antibacterial activities of leaf extracts of terminalia catappa
(Scholarlink Research Institute Journals, 2012) Opara, F. N.; Anuforo, H. U.; Okechukwu, R. I.; Mgbemena, I. C.; Akujobi, C. O.; Adjero, A.
Various parts of Terminalia catappa, the Indian almond, are claimed useful in trado-medicine for the treatment of bacterial infections and some other ailments. The development of resistance to the antibiotics in current clinical use is a big concern. In view of this, the phytochemical screening and antibacterial activities of the leaf extracts of Terminalia catappa were evaluated using ethanol and hot water as solvents to determine the active components, antibacterial potency of the leaf extracts and the minimum effective concentration so as to reduce harm. Cold maceration method was adopted in extracting the active principle, having pulverized the leaves. Phytochemical analysis of the crude extracts indicated the presence of carbohydrates, saponins, tannins, steroids and terpenes. Antibacterial screening with 24hours cultures of clinical isolates of Salmonella typhi, and type cultures of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, using agar-cup diffusion method indicated that P. aeruginosa was the most sensitive while S. typhi the least; ethanolic extract was relatively more active than water extract. Minimum bactericidal concentration test showed that ethanolic extract exerted bactericidal effect at 62.5mg/ml on S.aureus, but was static on the rest test microorganisms at the said concentration. Water extract exhibited bactericidal activity at 125mg/ml on S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, but was static on E. coli and inactive on S. typhi. From the activity obtained, S.aureus and P.aeruginosa were more sensitive to ethanolic extract than water extract. The concentration should be higher than applied in this study to probably achieve marked activity. The results obtained suggest that T. catappa can be used in the treatment of ailments caused by the test microorganisms, and thus lends credence to the application of the plant in traditional medicine as remedy for various infections.
Open Access
Prevalence and antibiotic sensitivity profile of urinary tract infection pathogens among pregnant and non pregnant women
(International Formulae Group, 2013-08) Okorondu, S. I.; Akujobi, C. O.; Nnadi, C. B.; Anyado-Nwadike, S. O.; Okorondu, M. M. O.
The prevalence and antibiotic sensitivity profile of urinary tract infection isolates from 100 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Owerri General Hospital, Nigeria was assessed. The prevalence of UTI isolates from the pregnant women was compared with that in non-pregnant women. The organisms isolated include: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase negative Staphylococcus, Klebsiella spp, Pseudomonas spp, Proteus spp and Streptococcus spp. Antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the isolates were also determined using disk diffusion test. One hundred (100) women were tested; 40% had bacteriuria as against 31% in non-pregnant women. The most sensitive isolate was E. coli, while the least was Streptococcus spp. The most effective antibiotics were Gentamycin, Tarivid and Ciprofloxacin, while the least occurred with Chloramphenicol, Ampicillin, Septrin, Ampiclox. Improvement on personal hygiene and diagnostic screening and treatment will help to reduce the prevalence of bacteriuria in pregnancy. There is also the need for regular antibiotic survey as this will ensure up to date information on the usefulness of the various antibiotics to treat infection thereby avoiding drug resistance as a result of continuous usage of drugs that are not sensitive to some microorganisms.
Open Access
Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of enterohemorrhagic escherichia coli O157:H7 isolated from various samples obtained from three different areas of Rivers State, Nigeria
(U. P., 2015) Odu, N. N.; Akujobi, C. O.; Iwuji, C. O
Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of enterohemorrhagic escherichia coli 0157:H7 isolated from various samples obtained from three different areas of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria were investigated.Two hundred and forty (240) samples of fresh beef, dung, cabbages and carrots were obtained from three different areas of Port Hartcourt viz: Rumuokoro, Rumuji and Oginigba. Isolates were obtained on Sorbitol MacConkey Agar (SMAC) supplemented with cefixime and potassium tellurite following pre-enrichment on Triptycase Soy Broth supplemented with novobiocin and cefixime and incubated at 37˚C for 24h. Following routine biochemical tests, confirmation was carried out with the Wellcotex E. coli 0157:H7 specific antiserum (Oxoid, Uk). Both E.coli 0157 and E.coli 0157:H7 strains were isolated depending on the sample and sample site. Determination of beta lactamase enzyme production ability of the isolates revealed that most isolates produced Metallo β-lactamase enzyme while none of them produced Extended Spectrum β-lactamase enzyme (ESBL). The antibiotic susceptibility screening revealed that Nitrofurantoin, Ceftazidime, Gentamicin and Ciprofloxacin were effective against the isolates obtained with the isolates being most sensitive to Ciprofloxacin. Due to its public health importance, although the prevalence level was very low, only the presence of one positive sample can serve as a source of a major chain of events. It is therefore very important to develop proper sanitary hygiene within and outside the home, vegetable farms and slaughter houses. The need for proper education of farm workers by the relevant government agencies cannot be overemphasized.
Open Access
Protease production capabilities of micrococcus luteus and bacillus species isolated from abattoir environment
(Scientific & Academic Publishing, 2012) Odu, N. N.; Akujobi, C. O.
The study investigated the optimum conditions of temperature, pH, inoculum size and time of incubation on bacterial protease production. Protease producing bacterial species were isolated from abattoir soil and identified as Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus species. The optimum conditions observed for protease production was 37℃ at pH 7, with 1% inoculum in the medium for 24 h of incubation in Micrococcus luteus while in Bacillus species, the optimum conditions observed was 47℃ at pH 9, with 2% inoculum concentration in the medium for 96 h of incubation. Generally, temperature and pH had more effect on the protease activity of Micrococcus luteus while inoculum concentration and time of incubation had more effect on the protease activity of Bacillus species. The study gave evidence that these bacterial isolates could be potentially applied in biotechnological processes.
Open Access
Protein and chlorophyll contents of solanum melongena on diesel oil polluted soil amended with nutrient supplements
(Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2011-09-10) Akujobi, C. O.; Onyeagba, R. A.; Nwaugo, V. O.; Odu, N. N.
The study investigated the remediation effect of nutrient amendments of diesel oil polluted soil on protein and chlorophyll contents of eggplant (Solanum melongena). Soil samples were polluted and amended separately with different weights of poultry waste, pig waste, cow dung and inorganic fertilizer. Soil samples were also polluted with diesel oil without amendment to achieve 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% pollution. Samples were analyzed at two weeks interval for sixteen weeks. The plant protein and chlorophyll were affected adversely by the diesel oil pollution and the higher the level of pollution, the more the effect. The nutrient amendments were able to remedy the effect of the diesel oil pollution. The remediation effect was nutrient weight dependent and the best remediation effect was observed in poultry waste amended samples. This study has shown that diesel oil contaminated soil may have adverse effect on the protein and chlorophyll contents of plants, but this can be remedied by addition of organic nutrient supplements especially poultry waste.

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