Bayero Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences

PREVALENCE AND ANTIBACTERIAL RESISTANCE PROFILE OF Escherichia coli AND Klebsiella species ISOLATES OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION TO COMMON ANTIBIOTICS

Musa, F.M., — 2025-04-27

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is caused mainly by both Gram positive and negative bacteria including Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species. Urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria is increasing worldwide and has become a major public health concern that requires global attention. In order to promote better treatment outcome of UTI and increase awareness of antibiotic resistance, this study was conducted among UTI patients of Barau Dikko teaching hospital Kaduna to determine the prevalence and analyze the antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species to common antibiotics being used for their treatment. Result from this study shows the prevalence of Escherichia coli to be 75% while Klebsiella species was 59.85%. Escherichia coli was resistance to the common antimicrobial drugs like Chloramphenicol 30µg (100%), Septrin (30µg)(100%), Sparfloxacin (10µg)(43%) Gentamycin 30µg (60%), Ciprofloxacin 30µg (40%), Pefloxacin (30µg)(55%), Augumentin (10µg)(100%), Amoxacillin (30µg)(100%), Streptomycin (30µg)(10%) and Tarivid (10µg)(80%). Klebsiella species was resistant to Chloramphenicol 30µg (60%), Septri (30µg)(100%), Sparfloxacin (10µg) (25%), Ciprofloxacin 30µg (65%), Pefloxacin (30µg)(50%), Augumentin (10µg)(100%), Amoxacillin (30µg)(30%), Streptomycin (30µg)(30%) and Tarivid (10µg)(100%). Both uropathogens analysed had P-values less than 0.05 indicating that their resistance to antibiotics is statistically significant. The occurrence of bacterial Urinary tract infection with a higher resistance rate for commonly used antimicrobials leaves the clinicians with very few options to choose drugs used for empirical treatment of UTIs. Therefore, there is the need for scientists to put more efforts in exploring alternative drugs or herbs to tackle UTI infection effectively.

QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF HERBAL APHRODISIAC PRODUCTS; PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS

Saidu, M. — 2025-04-27

A huge population is using herbal products for the treatment of various ailments such as erectile dysfunction, hypertension, cancer, and asthma. Substantial amounts of these products have been reported to have poor quality. The aim of this study is to assess the quality of some herbal aphrodisiac products vis-à-vis their physicochemical properties and phytochemical constituents, a total of 22 samples were collected. Weight uniformity, moisture content, water and ethanol extractable substances, total ash values, water-soluble ash and acid-insoluble ash values were determined using standard methods. Phytochemical constituents of the products were also determined using standard methods. Only three samples passed the weight uniformity test as none of the dose units deviated by more than 7.5 % as stipulated by British pharmacopoeia. The moisture content of the samples ranged from 3.67 – 9.33 % with two samples being more than the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) limit. Only 13 % of the ethanol extractive values were found to be above the minimum limit while none of the water extractable values of the sample is above the minimum limit. The range for total ash values (3.67 - 9.33) of all the samples were within the European pharmacopoeia (EP) limit. The water-soluble ash and acid-insoluble ash values were within the ranges of 7.33 – 14.00 % and 2.83 - 13.17 % respectively. Alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates and steroids were found in all the samples. The analyzed samples contain alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids and carbohydrates which are vital in enhancing penile erection however, none of the samples passed all the quality assessments, hence are of poor quality.

COMPARATIVE SOFT CHEESE PRODUCTION FROM COW AND CAMEL MILK USING PURIFIED ENZYME PRODUCED BY Aspergillus niger

Yusuf, I. — 2025-04-27

This study evaluates the potential of purified enzyme from Aspergillus niger as an alternative to commercial rennet for production of soft cheese from cow and camel milk. The yield and texture of the cheese were compared. Milk samples from cows and camels were collected from Sidi Mamman Assarakawa farm and Hankom farm Kasarawa and transported to the microbiology laboratory Sokoto State University, in a sealed container with ice pack. A. niger was subjected to solid-state fermentation (SSF) on wheat bran supplemented with skim milk powder and mineral solution, incubated at 30^oC for 120 hrs. The crude enzyme was extracted by aqueous shaking and purified via ammonium sulfate precipitation. Milk clotting Activity (MCA) was assessed using a standard skim milk coagulation assay, while proteolytic activity was determined via casein hydrolysis and spectrophotometric analysis at 660 nm. Soft cheese was produced using fungal enzyme (1.0 %) and commercial rennet as a control. The results showed that cow milk cheese produced with A. niger enzyme has a yield of 10.32± 0.03 g/100 ml and 11.96±0.10 g/100 ml by commercial rennet. However, camel milk cheese produced with A. niger enzyme has a yield of 9.4± 0.02 g/100ml and 10.5±0.30 g/100ml by commercial rennet. There is significance differences of the yield between fungal enzyme and commercial rennet (control) at p|>0.05 level of significance This study demonstrates that cow milk showed higher overall yield and firmness, the enzyme from A. niger demonstrated comparable performance to commercial rennet, especially with cow milk, highlighting its potential in sustainable cheese production. These findings suggest a promising alternative for region where rennet availability is limited.

PREVALENCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF INTESTINAL PARASITES ASSOCIATED WITH THE SPOILAGE OF RAW VEGETABLES IN SOME MARKETS AND IRRIGATION SITES IN KANO METROPOLIS

Sule, H. — 2025-04-27

Parasitic diseases linked to consumption of fresh vegetables, is a form of food-borne parasitic disease of common occurrence this days. Utilization of untreated wastewater and animal dung as fertilizers in vegetable cultivation is associated with contamination of these farm products. The aim of this study was to determine the burden of intestinal parasites in vegetables sold in some local markets (Tarauni and Yankaba markets) and irrigation sites [(Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) and Sharada)] in Kano metropolis. A total of 152 samples of vegetable were collected. Four types of vegetables were used for the study from two markets and two irrigation sites. The vegetables were washed, the water allowed to settled and later examined using by microscopy. The finding showed that parasites ova, larvae and cysts can be found at harvest time on vegetables grown with human/animal manure and/or by irrigation with pond water. Of the 152 samples of vegetable that were collected, processed, and examined, 21 (13.8%) of them were contaminated with parasites. Based on the results it was concluded that vegetable crops are contaminated with different types of parasites in their various developmental stages, especially cyst, trophozoites and ova and Sharada irrigation site had more of the parasites compared to other site used in the study. But in terms of the most contaminated vegetable, lettuce had higher burden of the parasite while cucumber samples from all the sites used were free from parasitic contamination.

ON A NEW WEIBULL LOMAX DISTRIBUTION WITH FIVE PARAMETERS

Mashood, L.O. — 2025-04-27

This study introduces the "New Weibull Lomax Distribution (NWLD)," a five-parameter distribution developed by extending the Weibull-G family and integrating an additional parameter into the existing four-parameter Weibull Lomax distribution. The NWLD aims to provide a robust alternative for modelling that enhances the practical applicability and efficiency of traditional models in statistical analysis. The NWLD's cumulative distribution function and probability density function are shown in this paper. However, the unique distribution's validity was demonstrated. The approach is grounded in the established frameworks of generalized classes of distributions, contributing to the ongoing evolution of probabilistic modelling techniques.

ON HOMOMORPHISM OF FREE SEMIGROUP

Rafiat, B.A. — 2025-04-27

This paper discussed homomorphism of free semigroups. The concept of freeness, 0-free, properties of homomorphic images, criterion for freeness in the area of characterization, factorization and injectivity criterion, freeness semigroup structure, freeness as a homomorphism problem are showcased. Result reveal that homomorphism of free regular semigroups is regular and 0-free.

EFFECT OF GARLIC (Allium sativum) EXTRACT ON SERUM LIPID PROFILE OF ATORVASTATIN INDUCED DYSLIPIDAEMIC ALBINO RATS FED WITH HIGH FAT DIET (HFD)

Ahmad, A. — 2025-04-27

Hyperlipidaemia is an established risk factor for coronary heart disease. The use of whole plants or their parts in lowering raised lipid levels has continue to draw attention of researchers. Therefore, this research was carried out to assess the effect of garlic (Allium sativum) extract on serum lipid profile. Thirty five (n=35) Albino rats of both sexes weighing 50-90g were divided into seven groups of five rats per group. Hyperlipidemia was induced through feeding the rats with high fat diet (HFD). Group I labeled as negative control and fed on a standard diet and water. Group II (positive control) was fed on high fat diet (HFD) and clean water for six weeks. Group III (standard control) fed on high fat diet and (HFD) and administered 10mg/kg atorvastatin for two weeks. Remaining groups IV, V, VI and VII were fed on high fat diet (HFD) for 42 days and orally administered with garlic extract of varying amounts (100, 200, 300 and 400mg/kg body weight/day) respectively for two weeks. The results showed that mortality was not observed in phase one and phase two. The LD50 by oral route in rat was greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight. Atorvastatin and garlic extract significantly increased (p< 0.05) the level of plasma HDL-cholesterol and decreased plasma total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol and triglycerides (TG) for group III rats when compared with negative and standard control (I and II). Rats orally administered with high and low doses of garlic extract showed significant difference (p< 0.05) in serum LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol in group IV, V, VI and VII. This indicates that the Garlic extract has a good hypolipidemic activity.

INVESTIGATING THE CONTAMINATION LEVELS, BACTERIAL DIVERSITY AND SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERN OF BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM POINT OF SALE (P.O.S) DEVICES IN KANO METROPOLIS

Yusha’u, M. — 2025-04-27

Point of Sale (POS) devices are frequently handled surfaces that may serve as reservoirs for bacterial contamination, posing potential public health risks. This study investigated the bacterial load on POS devices in Kano Metropolis, analyzing contamination levels, bacterial diversity, and antibiotic susceptibility patterns. A total of 30 samples were collected from Supermarkets, School Markets, Car Parks, Neighborhood markets and Cash Withdrawal Kiosks. Samples were collected using swab stick moistened in sterile normal saline and processed using standard Microbiological procedures. The lowest and highest aerobic mesophilic bacterial counts (AMBC) ranged from 1.84 × 10³ CFU/cm² in neighborhood shops to 6.68 × 10³CFU/cm² in school markets, with contamination levels influenced by location and hygiene practices. Bacterial isolates identified included Staphylococcus aureus (26.56%), Escherichia coli (18.75%), Bacillus subtilis (17.19%), Streptococcus spp. (15.63%), Klebsiella spp. (14.07%), Salmonella spp. (4.69%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. (3.13%), with Gram-negative bacteria (57.14%) being more prevalent. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed high susceptibility to Ofloxacin (83%), Imipenem (83%), Ceftriaxone (79%) and Azithromycin (75%), while resistance was observed against Ampiclox (79%) and Cefuroxime (73%). These findings highlight the role of POS devices as fomites for bacterial transmission and the potential risk of antimicrobial resistance. Regular disinfection, improved hygiene practices, and antibiotic stewardship are recommended to mitigate contamination and prevent the spread of resistant strains.

PATHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF FOOD ADDITIVES (SODIUM BENZOATE AND ASCORBIC ACID) ON SELECTED ORGANS OF WISTAR RATS

Ajileye, A.B. — 2025-04-27

Food additives are substances added to food to preserve flavor or enhance its taste and appearance. To meet the demand of the rising population, chemical based preservatives and additives are added to the edible items. This study examined the pathological effects of food additives (sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid) on selected organs of Wistar rats. About twenty-eight Wistar rats of both males and females were procured from Osogbo, Osun-state, Nigeria. They were fed on standard rat chow and water having unrestricted access and acclimatized for two weeks, after which they were divided into four groups of 7 rats each. Group A (control) was administered distilled water. Group B was orally administered sodium benzoate at a dose of 100mg/kg body weight. Group C was orally administered ascorbic acid at a dose of 150mg/kg per body weight. Group D was orally administered both sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid at a dose of 100 and 150mg/kg per body weight. At day 28, the rats of each group was allowed to fast overnight, blood samples were taken into EDTA bottles for haematological analysis and the rats were consecutively anaesthetized with ketamine-hydrochloride and then sacrificed. Tissue samples were harvested and fixed immediately with 10% formal saline, thereafter processed using the Automatic Tissue Processor for the histological analysis. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the PCV and monocytes of Wistar rats administered with Sodium-benzoate (SB) additive when compared with the control group but a statistical difference was recorded in all other haematological parameters. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) observed in the hematological parameters of Wistar rats administered with commonly used food additive (Ascorbic Acid) when compared with the control group. Histological morphology of the kidney, liver, and stomach revealed necrosis, atrophic changes, inflammation, and ulceration. This calls attention to the potential risks associated with consuming foods that contain sodium benzoate. Conclusively, Sodium benzoate (SB) administration is the main trigger that causes effects on gastrointestinal organs and haematological parameters.

THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF Hyphaene thebaica METHANOL FRUIT EXTRACT IN MITIGATING GENTAMICIN-INDUCED HEPATO-RENAL TOXICITY IN WISTAR RATS

Bako, H.Y. — 2025-04-27

Liver and kidney dysfunctions are closely interconnected pathologies caused by oxidative stress and inflammation, often exacerbating disease progression. The present study investigates the therapeutic potential of Hyphaene thebaica methanol fruit extract in mitigating gentamicin-induced hepato-renal toxicity in Wistar rats. Liver and kidney function markers were significantly (P<0.05) elevated in the hepato-renal toxic control group (HRTC), confirming severe liver and kidney damage after intraperitoneal administration of gentamicin injection for 14 days. Treatment with H. thebaica at 250 mg/kg (HT250) and 500 mg/kg (HT500) significantly (P<0.05) ameliorated these biochemical alterations. The extract's hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effect might be attributed to its rich polyphenolic composition. Notably, the lower dose (HT250) exhibited greater therapeutic benefits, suggesting a non-linear dose-response relationship. The results highlight H. thebaica as a promising natural candidate for managing hepato-renal toxicity, emphasizing its potential integration into therapeutic strategies for liver and kidney disorders.

CHITOSAN NANOPARTICLES LOADED WITH Mimusops elengi L. STEMBARK EXTRACT AMELIORATE ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION DISORDER BY INHIBITION OF PRO-ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION ENZYMES

Ukwubile, C. A. — 2025-04-27

Mimusops elengi L., a medicinal tree, has traditionally been used to manage male erectile dysfunction. This study investigated the potential of chitosan nanoparticles to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of its stembark extract against enzymes linked to erectile dysfunction. Phytochemical screening, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and quantification of total phenolic and flavonoid contents were conducted using standard methods. Acute toxicity was assessed according to OECD guidelines. The chitosan-loaded extract was formulated using spray-drying, and characterized for particle size, zeta potential, drug entrapment, and release profile. Enzyme inhibition studies were performed using CyFlow fluorescence microscopy. The extract showed high levels of phenolics (406.12 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g) and flavonoids (66.04 mg rutin equivalent/100 g). LC-MS identified 15 major metabolites, including fatty acids and nitrogenous compounds. The nanoparticles exhibited sizes between 202.00 ± 1.01 to 306.01 ± 1.01 nm, zeta potential around 24.03 ± 0.02 mV, 88.62 ± 1.01% drug entrapment, and 98.14% drug release within 24 hours. Chitosan-loaded extract inhibited key erectile dysfunction enzymes in a dose-dependent manner, with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀) of 0.02 ± 0.01 µg/mL (phosphodiesterase-5), 0.08 ± 0.01 µg/mL (acetylcholinesterase), 0.12 ± 0.01 µg/mL (ecto-5’-nucleotidase), and 2.01 ± 0.01 µg/mL (arginase). These findings support the hypothesis that M. elengi stembark extract, when delivered via chitosan nanoparticles, exhibits significant inhibitory activity against enzymes implicated in erectile dysfunction, suggesting its potential as an alternative therapeutic strategy.

INCIDENCE OF MYCOTIC INFECTION AMONG INMATES IN CORRECTIONAL CENTRES IN KANO AND JIGAWA STATES – NIGERIA

Sani, Z. — 2025-04-27

A survey was conducted to assess incidence of mycoses among inmates in selected correctional facilities in Kano and Jigawa States. This study was aimed at determining the occurrence of mycosis infection with objective to identifying causal agents, determining antifungal susceptibility patterns, and explore demographic factors influencing the spread of aetiological agents within these facilities. A total of 300 inmates were enrolled, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire that recorded information on age, gender, marital status, living conditions, and history of previous mycotic infections. Additionally, 507 samples including skin scrapings, nail clippings, urine, hair strand, sputum, high vaginal, wound, and mouth swabs were collected. These samples were cultured on Sabourauds Dextrose Agar, microscopically examined using direct potassium hydroxide, and stained with lactophenol cotton blue to observe fungal hyphae. Positive fungal isolates were identified using various biochemical methods, including Gram staining, Germ tube tests, and Analytical Profile Index (API) identification kits. Antifungal susceptibility was tested using the agar-well diffusion method. Out of the 507 samples, 24.3% (123/507) were positive for mycosis. Candida species were the most common isolates 76(61.70%), with Candida albicans being the most prevalent at 33.3%. Dermatophytes accounted for 27 cases (22.00%), and Aspergillus species were identified in 20 cases (16.30%). Drug resistance was observed among the isolates against fluconazole with (73.2%), clotrimazole with 67.5%, and ketoconazole with 46.3%. In conclusion, the study provides updated information on the occurrence of mycosis and associated demographic factors in the study areas. It indicates a potential localized mycosis epidemic with 24.3%, incidence rate, highlighting the need for enhanced health awareness campaigns, periodic mycological screenings, and ongoing surveillance with prompt supportive treatment.

ANTIBACTERIAL EFFICACY OF FROZEN AND UNFROZEN Ziziphus mauritiana LEAF EXTRACTS ON SELECTED CLINICAL BACTERIA

Ibrahim, N.L. — 2025-04-27

Ziziphus mauritiana, commonly known as Magarya, is a widely recognized traditional medicinal plant believed to have antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of both frozen and unfrozen leaf extracts of Z. mauritiana against clinical bacterial isolates, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Fresh leaves were collected, dried, and subjected to extraction using ethanol and distilled water via the percolation technique. The resulting extracts were analyzed for phytochemical content and antimicrobial activity. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) tests through broth microdilution. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, steroids, and flavonoids in both ethanolic and aqueous extracts. The extracts exhibited dose-dependent antibacterial activity, with zones of inhibition ranging from 0 to 15mm, indicating moderate to strong effects. Both freeze-dried and unfreeze-dried extracts showed substantial effectiveness, particularly at higher concentrations. Additionally, a toxicity assessment using healthy laboratory rats demonstrated that the extracts are safe at doses up to ≤5000 mg/kg, supporting their safe use in traditional medicine. The study confirms the long-standing traditional use of Z. mauritiana for treating infections and highlights its potential as a natural source of antimicrobial agents, warranting further investigation for pharmaceutical development.

VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION OF SOIL CARBON STOCK IN A TEAK (Tectona grandis) PLANTATION IN THE TROPICAL RAINFOREST ZONE OF NIGERIA

Ogeh, J.S. — 2025-04-27

The change in carbon stock with the dynamics of land-use changes may result in either carbon emission or sequestration. Forests are therefore both sources and sinks of carbon. They are sources when they release carbon stored in their biomass to the atmosphere through deforestation and degradation, and they sink carbon from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and store it as biomass as they grow Soil organic carbon (SOC) is key indicator of soil quality and health. Soils of planted or natural forests have a large carbon (C) storage capacity and can act as net sinks for atmospheric CO₂.There is need to quantify Carbon storage in the tropical Rainforest zone of Nigeria. The aim of study is to investigate/quantify the soil carbon stock and distribution in Teak plantation of Tropical Rainforest. The study was carried out on a 300ha land at Odighi in Edo State, Nigeria. A detailed survey procedure was carried out where five mapping units were identified and out of these mapping units five pedons were selected for soil sampling. A total of 131 soil samples were obtained within the study area. Soil samples were air-dried and passed through a 2mm sieve before analysis. Total organic carbon (TOC) was measured using the Walkley-Black wet oxidation method. Other soil properties among which are pH, particle size distribution, bulk density, total Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, Calcium, Magnesiun were measured. Data were analyzed statistically using Classical descriptors such as mean for carbon stock and correlation was used to isolate the soil properties under the five pedon. The results showed that the soil carbon stocks were significantly different (p<0.05) across the five pedons. The carbon stock from all the pedon decreased generally with increasing depth. While the major portion of organic carbon in the soil was concentrated in the upper 30 cm of the soil profile. Data showed that significant quantities of SOC can also be found at lower depths even in mineral soils. The subsoil layer of 30-100 cm layer is estimated to contain as much organic carbon as the topsoil layer. The highest carbon stock in the soil was recorded at Pedon 3 (55.63 tC/ha), followed by Pedon 5 (46.31 tC/ha) and pedon 4 (42.44 tC/ha) respectively. The study demonstrated that within the same field, carbon stock may vary in the land area among different soil mapping units, hence the need to encourage the planting of trees like teak in order to maintain a reliable estimate of organic carbon storage capacity and act as net sinks for atmospheric CO₂.