Total Fungal Counts Research Articles

PHARMACEUTICO -ANALYTICAL STUDY OF RUDRA TAILA

Sneha kalpana is one of the unique and commonly prescribed Ayurvedic dosage forms in day-to-day practice having increase potency, palatability, shelf life etc. Although varities of Snehas are described in Ayurvedic texts, the most common amongst them are Taila & Ghrita kalpana. The research work entitled “A Pharmaceutico - Analytical Study of Rudra Taila and Its Clinical Efficacy on Vicharchika W.S.R. To Eczema.” was planned to standardize as per the reference of Bhaishajya Ratnavali. the sample was analyzed based on Organoleptic Parameters, i.e., Appearance, Colour, Odour, Touch, etc. and Physico-chemical Parameters i.e., Foreign Matter, Specific gravity, Saponification Value, Peroxide Value, Mineral oil Test, Viscosity, Total fatty Matter, Refractive Index, Rancidity, Acid Value, Iodine Value. The findings for these parameters were found to be satisfactory for quality assurance. Assay of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As, Hg), Total bacterial count and Total fungal count are under the permissible limit depicted in the study. Specific pathogens and aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2) are absent in all samples. HPTLC is an important tool to generate the standardization parameter for quality control purposes. Sample was analysed on different wavelengths 510 nm, 366 nm (Long) & 254 nm (Short). It confirmed 2 distinct spots at 510 nm, 5 distinct spots at 366 nm and 11 spots at 254 nm of Rudra Tail.

Microbiology and Physicochemical Characteristics of Surface Water from a Local Refinery Site in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Water plays a vital role in maintaining human health but due to an increase in industrialization, urbanization and other anthropogenic activities, surface water pollution is on an increase. This research was carried out to investigate the microbiological and physicochemical status of a crude oil polluted surface water in Iwofe River, Rumuolemini, Port Harcourt. Samples were collected from two points (Upstream and Downstream) bi-monthly for a period of three months. The THB counts for the upstream and downstream samples were 1.7 × 108cfu/ml and 1.4 × 108 cfu/ml, respectively while the THF counts for the samples were 3.0 × 106cfu/ml and 1.4 × 106 cfu/ml, respectively. Hydrocarbon utilizing bacterial (HUB) counts were higher in the upstream (1.5 × 106cfu/ml) than downstream (4.3 ×105cfu/ml) location of the Iwofe River. The Hydrocarbon utilizing fungal (HUF) count ranged from 1.0 × 105cfu/ml to 1.4 × 105 cfu/ml in the upstream and downstream water samples, respectively. The results of all the microbiological parameters analyzed indicated that the total heterotrophic bacterial (THB) and Total heterotrophic fungal (THF) counts were higher in the upstream than in the downstream location. The Most Probable Number (MPN) method used for the determination of coliform counts revealed the presence of coliforms both upstream and downstream, with an MPN index of 1,600/100ml of each sample. Some of the bacterial species isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae while the fungal isolates included Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium species and Alternaria species. The high level of oil contamination poses a great health threat and there is a need for remediation of the aquatic ecosystem.

Assessment of microbial contamination of naira notes in Idah Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria

Currency notes could become potential vehicles for the transmission of pathogenic microorganism to man due to repeated circulation for transactions as they change hands from one person to another. The study was carried out to investigate the microbial contamination of Nigeria Currency notes in circulation in Idah Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. A total of 400 hundred used bank notes of different denomination (N1000, N500, N200, N100, N50, N20, N10 and N5) were collected and analyzed for microbial contamination using standard microbiological methods of total viable count, isolation and identification microorganisms to determine the percentage prevalence of fungi and bacteria associated with the currency notes. The results revealed the presence of bacteria isolates which include Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella sp and Bacillus sp. The fungi isolated include Aspergillus niger, Mucor sp and Fusarium sp. The N100 banknotes among the higher denominations recorded the highest contamination by bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and fungi (Aspergillus niger) with percentage prevalence of 36.7% and 45.9% and least percentage prevalence of 8.6% and 17.4% for Bacillus sp and Fusarium sp respectively. The total bacterial and fungal count range from 1.0 x 104 cfu/ml to 7.2 x104 cfu/ml. The result of the investigation revealed the need for awareness sensitization and caution in the handling of the Nigeria Currency notes against transmission of infectious diseases as well as proper hygiene to mitigate possible cross- contamination between currency notes and food stuff.

Evaluation of Fungal Contamination on Livestock Feed Ingredients of Plants origin Stored for Five Years

The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the extent of Fungal contamination of livestock feed stuffs of plants origin stored for five years at Plateau State College of Agriculture, Garkawa. The feed ingredients were: wheat offals, cowpea husks, cotton seeds, kidney beans seeds, baobab seeds, bambara nut husks, palm kernel cake, baobab seed meal, rice offals, yam peels, ground nut cake and sweet orange peels. Microbiological quality of these feedstuffs were conducted using standard microbiological technique for food and animal feeding stuffs at Microbiology Unit of Central Diagnostic Laboratory at National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria. The study revealed a total of eight fungi spp: Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillum spp, Rhizopus spp, Mucor spp, Trichophyton rubrum, Aspergillus spp and Aspergillus flavus. From the findings, cowpea husks, cotton seed, kidney beans seed, baobab seed and bambara nut husks were contaminated by Aspergillus niger (28.57%) as the dominant species of fungi followed by: Aspergillus fumigatus (19.05%) (baobab seed, bambara nut husks, blood meal, and baobab seed meal) and baobab seed (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus and Penicillium spp). Wheat offals and palm kernel cake had the highest total fungi counts of 4.0 x 102 cfu/g followed by yam peels, sweet orange peel and bone meal with 3.0 x 102 cfu/g and baobab seed meal had 2.2 x 102 cfu/g. To reduce the growth of mould on livestock feed ingredients stored over long periods of time, regular monitoring of moisture levels of these ingredients should be checked before embarking on storage.

Microbiological Status, Physico-chemistry and Plant Performance in Spent Lubricating Oil (SLO) Polluted Soils Amended with Spiked Organic Fertilizer

Soil contaminations by spent lubricating oil (SLO) have been reported to be threatening as it can negatively impact soil macro/micro-flora, destroy the food chains, disrupt biogeochemical cycling of elements, thus reducing soil fertility/productivity, with attendant economic implications. This study evaluated the changes in microbial population and performance of plant in SLO polluted soils amended with different organic fertilizers. The fertilizers were produced from organic waste materials using aerobic composting technique; pollution was simulated in potted soils; soil toxicity were determined using Zea mays L. as test crop; microbial counts and physicochemical properties of the test soils were determined using standard microbiological and chemical protocols respectively. Apart from significant (P˂0.05) decrease in population of total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) and total fungal counts (TFC) (2.6×108 to 6.1×107 cfu/g and 2.3×105 to 1.7×105 cfu/g respectively), and increase in populations of hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria (HUB) and hydrocarbon utilizing fungi (HUF) (7.3×103 to 4.6×104 cfu/g and 8.0×103 to 1.7×104 cfu/g respectively) following contamination of soil with SLO at pollution level., results also revealed increase (improvements) in counts of all microbial groups at the end of remediation treatments. Mean microbial count in soils amended with different levels of fertilizer treatments (5%, 10%, and 15%) reflected a dose-dependent increase as follows: Ft2 ˃ Ft0 ˃ Ft4 for the 5% (3.7×108 cfu/g), 10% (9.2×107 cfu/g) and 15% (6.9×107 cfu/g) respectively. At 5% application, post remediation pH increased following the order: Ft0 ˃ Ft2 ˃ Ft4 (6.00, 5.34, and 4.90 respectively). The test crop, Zea mays L. recorded 100% and 62.5% germination in amended and unamended soils respectively. Leave length and chlorophyll index of Z. mays L. grown on remediated soils ranged between 35.10±0.40 – 52.85±0.05 (at 5% treatments); 32.60±0.10 – 56.55±0.35 (at 10% treatments); and 35.35±0.15 – 42.45±0.25 (at 15% treatments), compared with 30.30±0.80 – 50.55±0.75 (for PS) and 18.05±0.85 – 25.50±0.70 (for unamended CS). All test crops yielded except those grown on unamended soils. Conclusively, application of organic fertilizers to SLO polluted soils increased population of different groups of soil microbes, leading to increased breakdown of the pollutant and reduced soil toxicity.

Production And Quality Evaluation of Wine from Soursop (Annona Muricata) And Water Melon (Citrullus lanatus) Fruit Juice Blend

In this study, the production and quality evaluation of wine from soursop (Annona muricata) and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) fruit juice blend was studied. A preliminary was carried out to ascertain the optimum blend acceptable level of soursop and watermelon wine production using 0-50 % v/v juice, samples were subjected to sensory evaluation, and the most acceptable samples were chosen. Hence, in the main study, the level of watermelon juice was varied using 0, 20, 40, and 60 % w/w inclusion giving rise to four samples. Physico-chemical properties, selected mineral and vitamin C content, total phenols, antioxidant properties, microbiological content, and sensory evaluation were done using standard methods. The effects of fermentation on physicochemical properties were also studied. pH and Brix value decreased while TTA and specific gravity increased with increasing fermentation days beginning from day 1 to day 7. Na, K, Fe, and vitamin C ranged from 82.52-107.50, 208.20-282.20, 2.04-2.84, and 15.0-316.30 mg/100g respectively, there were significant differences (P<0.05) in mean samples. Potassium and sodium were the predominant minerals in the formulated wine while Iron and magnesium were found in low concentrations. The values of total phenol and anti-oxidant ranged from 0.90 to 1.34 mg/100g and 82.52-107.50 % (DPPH), 13.37-15.93 mmol/GAE (FRAP), 208.20-282.08 % (OH. Radical) and 2.04 to 2.84 % (Chelation metal) as the proportion of watermelon juice increases from 0 to 60 % in the blends used in wine preparation. The results for total bacteria count and fungi count for wine samples from soursop wine (control) were 2.71x10 2 and 1.81x10 2 CFU/ml respectively. The corresponding values for wine from 40 % soursop juice and 60 % watermelon were 2.28 x 10 2 and 1.43 x 10 2 CFU/ml respectively. Blend formulation 40:60 soursop: watermelon was mostly acceptable. This study therefore has presented a way of increasing consumption and utilization of soursop: with low economic value and high nutritional content yet is underutilized increasing food security, creating varieties of wine from locally available food sources, and further converting waste to wealth.

Exploring the Influence of Locations on Cyanide, Moisture and Microbial Loads of Gari Produced from five Major Processing Areas in Abia State, Nigeria


 This study investigated the cyanide, moisture and microbial content of white and yellow gari sampled from the five market locations using standard analytical methods. Cyanide levels of white gari samples from Ndoki market location was least (0.122mgHCN) and highest (0.429mgHCN) in Isialangwa market location. Yellow gari samples had the least cyanide content (0.121mgHCN) in Ndoki market location and highest (0.373mgHCN) in Isialangwa market location. Moisture content of white gari samples was least (6.32%) in Ndoki market location and highest (10.16%) in Ndoro market location while yellow gari was least (5.82%) in Uzuakili market location and highest (11.26%) in Ariara market location. Total bacterial count of white gari was least (2.15cfu/g) in Ndoki market location and highest (3.10cfu/g) in Ariara market location. Yellow gari sample was least (2.40cfu/g) in Ndoki market location and highest (3.20cfu/g) in Ariara market location. Total fungi count of white gari was least (1.16cfu/g) in Ndoki market location and highest (2.70cfu/g) in Ariara market location while the yellow gari cyanide was least (1.07cfu/g) in Ndoki market location and highest (2.90cfu/g) in Ariara market location. All the quality indexes evaluated varied significantly (p<005) with market locations and lower than recommended safe limits.

Responses of Selected Soil Properties to Mixed Tree Plantation and Cassava Land Use in Southern Nigeria

Responses of some selected soil properties to mixed tree plantation and cassava land use in southernNigeria were evaluated in this study. The objectives were to examine variations in the selected soilproperties among the different agricultural land use types; ascertain relationships between the soilproperties; and evaluate cause-effect relationships between the soil properties. A total of 54 soil samplesat 0-15 and 15-30 cm depths were collected from mixed tree plantation, cassava land use and secondaryforest using transect sampling method. Soil samples were analysed for selected physical, chemical andbiological properties following standard laboratory methods. The results revealed significant variations(p ≤ 0.05) in the values of sand, silt, bulk density (BD), total porosity (TP), pH, total heterotrophic bacteriacounts (THB) and total heterotrophic fungi counts (THF) in soils of the three land use types. The valuesof BD and TP did not exceed the respective critical limits of 1.75 g cm-3 and 40% for productive soils.However, pH, available phosphorous (Avail. P), soil organic carbon (SOC), soil organic matter (SOM),THB and THF responded negatively to mixed tree and cassava cultivation in the 0-15 cm soil depth astheir values were lower than that of the control site. Significant positive (e.g., silt versusSOM/SOC/TN/Avail. P, and TP versus pH) and negative (e.g., clay versus SOC/SOM/Avail. P)relationships as well as significant cause and effect relationships (such as Avail. P versussilt/clay/TP/SOC/SOM/TN) were observed between some of the soil properties across the three land usetypes and soil depths. The study concluded that the examined soil quality indicators responded differentlyto the evaluated land use types.

Physical parameters influence the microbial quality of indoor air in research laboratories: A report from Malaysia

The quality of air conditioning and ventilation systems in laboratories is vital to ensure optimum health of the users and guarantee the accuracy of experiments conducted. Moreover, recent studies show that the average quality of air conditioning and ventilation systems in labs can pose health risks to occupants. The study aims to examine the relationship between physical parameters and microbial pollutants in research laboratories' indoor air quality (IAQ) by quantifying and characterising the bacteria and fungi in the indoor environment of research laboratories using the settle plate method; whereby our Petri dishes containing media are exposed to the air for sample collection. This study was conducted over the course of 3 ​day ​at three different research laboratories: Virology Lab (VL), Genetic Lab (GL), and Aquatic Lab (AL). The physical parameters such as air temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide were measured using FLUKE 975 air meter, whereas the microbial parameters were assessed using the settle plate method with Tryptone Soya agar and Sabouraud Dextrose agar for the bacterial and fungal count, respectively. Our results showed that the high temperature and relative humidity, exceeded the standard threshold for temperature (23–26 ​°C) and relative humidity (40–70%) set by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). Additionally, because of poor air conditioning and ventilation system maintenance, there were high total bacterial counts in GL (CFU/m3 234.34 ​± ​30.93) and total fungal counts in VL (CFU/m3 589.34 ​± ​53.03). We also showed that the most commonly isolated bacteria and fungi in research laboratories were Staphylococcus spp. (72.2%) and Cladosporium spp. (76.7%). In conclusion, we reported that there was a correlation between the physical parameters and microbial pollutants in the research laboratories. Therefore, regular monitoring of indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters and maintenance of the air conditioning and ventilation system should be carried out to ensure a good and safe indoor environment in research laboratories.

Spontaneously growing fungi on the surface and processing areas of matured sheep ham and volatile compounds produced

Raw ham is a dried and matured product traditionally made from pork leg, but other animals, such as sheep, can be used. The natural presence of bacteria and fungi in this product influences its characteristics throughout the process. This study analysed the fungal populations present during raw sheep hams' processing. Two types of products were developed: without and with the addition of seasonings. Mycological analyses were carried out from the ingredients, seasonings, facilities air, as well as on the surfaces of the hams and the air in the chamber throughout the maturation period (0, 45, 90, and 180 days) using 18 % dichloran glycerol agar and the data were submitted to Principal Component Analysis. Volatile compounds were evaluated at the end of the sheep ham manufacturing process through a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer. At 45 days of aging, a more remarkable similarity was observed between the fungi present on the non-seasoned hams and those in the ripening chamber’s air, while the seasoned hams showed a more evident relation with those fungi present in the spices. With time, the fungi in the air of the ripening chamber started to be influenced by Aspergillus ser. Aspergillus and Aspergillus ser. Rubri already installed in the seasoned hams at 45 days, and then it probably dispersed the non-seasoned ones due to the airborne spores, becoming the most prevalent in both treatments at 90 days. At the end of ripening, the mycobiota of both raw hams was composed mainly by xerophilic species of Aspergillus section Aspergillus. The total fungal count was 5.78 log CFU/cm2 for the non-seasoned and 7.19 log CFU/cm2 for the seasoned ones. A potentially ochratoxigenic Aspergillus ser. Circumdati was detected at the end of aging in raw, unseasoned hams. In conclusion, seasoning directly influences the species developing on the surface of seasoned hams throughout the ripening process, and indirectly affects the mycobiota of the non-seasoned hams when sharing the same ripening chamber. The presence of fungi in the matured sheep ham seems to contribute to the formation of volatile compounds, which are related to the sensory quality of these products.

ZnO nanoparticles in combination with Zn biofertilizer improve wheat plant growth and grain Zn content without significantly changing the rhizospheric microbiome

Zinc-deficient diet and poor bioavailability are leading to Zn deficiency a major form of hidden hunger affecting millions across the globe with significant economic and health consequences. Agronomic Zn-fortification of cereals using Zn-solubilizing bacteria based biofertilizers (Zn biofertilizer) can be an effective, economic, and socially acceptable solution. This field study explores the prospect of using a combination of ZnO-nanoparticles (5 kg ha-1) with Zn-biofertilizer (20 g kg-1 of seeds) for agronomic fortification of wheat. Culture-dependent technique and Illumina sequencing were used to evaluate the shift in soil microbial community in response to these amendments. The change in vegetative growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum) plant and grain Zn-content was also monitored. The results were compared with those obtained with bulk ZnO amendment. In the presence of ZnO-NPs and biofertilizer the total length, fresh weight, dry weight, chlorophyll, and carotenoid content increased by 14.6 %, 37.5 %, 40 %, 30.9 %, and 31.7 %, respectively, compared to control indicating a significant improvement in plant growth. The grain’s protein, grain yield, and Zn content increased by 30.74 %, 8.8 %, and 66.3 %, respectively. The total aerobic bacteria, fungal count, N2-fixing bacteria, phosphate solubilizers, and Zn-solubilizing bacteria increased by 99, 34, 31, 166, and 1400 %, respectively. While the population of actinobacteria remained unchanged. The Illumina sequence analysis shows an increase in the population of bacteria belonging to the phylum Bacillota and Pseudomonadota, and genera like Bacillus, Masillia, and Rhizobium indicating a shift towards plant growth promotion. Alpha diversity indices and ordination analysis do not indicate any significant change in the microbial community. Results presented in this study indicate that the soil amendment with a combination of Zn-biofertilizer and ZnO-nanoparticles significantly promotes plant growth and improve grain Zn-content without significantly shifting microbial community structure.

Pharmaceutico - Analytical Evaluation of Modified Dosage Forms of Gojihwadi Kwatha

Cough is an ongoing problem that affects a large proportion of the human community leading them to seek medical attention. It has been identified as the sixth common reason for hospital outpatient department visits. In classics, descriptions of disease Kasa clearly correlate with bronchitis and its pathophysiology exactly correlates the mechanism of cough reflex. Ayurveda advocates certain remedies to cure and prevent such diseases. Hence the present study has been contemplated to evaluate and verify the effectiveness of the Classical Ayurvedic remedies with special reference to pathogens causing the respiratory tract infections. Among the latest Ayurvedic formulations the Gojihwadi Kwatha which was designed and developed by none other than the famous physician of this era the great Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji Acharya has been selected for the study. This present study entitled “Pharmaceutico-analytical evaluation of modified dosage forms of Gojihwadi Kwatha” was carried out with a view to standardize Gojiwadi kwath and prepare its modified forms viz. Gojihwadi syrup, Gojihwadi granules, and Gojihwadi kwath churna. 12kg Gojihwadi kwaath churna was prepared while 6-liter Gojihwadi syrup and 3 kg Gojihwaadi granules were prepared. Gojihwaadi syrup has viscosity of 34.62 cP, total sugar content of 85.07 %w/w, reducing sugar content of 1.42 %w/w, non-reducing sugar content of 83.65%w/w and pesticide residue value within limits of standard parameter. Gojihwadi granules have total sugar of 78.44%w/w, an average particle size of 34.70. Total bacterial count, Total fungal count, and specific pathogens (E. coli, Salmonella spp, S.aureus, and Ps.aeroginosa) were absent in Gojihwadi kwatha churna, Gojihwadi syrup and Gojihwadi granules. So, it can be concluded that all the modified dosage forms of Gojihwadi kwatha are safe to use.

Antibiotics Susceptibility Pattern of Bacterial Isolates Obtained from Potable Water Sources in Okerenkoko Community, Delta State, Nigeria

Safety and purity of drinking and cooking water sources in rural and riverine communities like Okerenkoko have posed a challenge for scientific discuss in recent times. Water devoid of both chemical and microbiological contaminants have been identified as a major key to wellness of any populace. In this study, eight potable water sources were obtained and evaluated for the study; the potable water sources obtained were treated to a 10-fold serial dilution and plated for aerobic bacterial, fungal, Salmonella-Shigella and Escherichia coli count. The antibiotics sensitivity testing employed the modified Kirby- Bauer method using the Abtek biological multiple disc. The multiple drug resistance was mathematically deduced using the standards and breakpoints. The NMU and George borehole had 5.8 Log10CFU/ml and 5.4 Log10CFU/ml for the total aerobic bacterial count while the total fungal count were 3.1 Log10CFU/ml and 3.6 Log10CFU/ml respectively. The culturable flora observed during the study were Bacillus sp, Escherichia sp., Staphylococcus sp., Streptococcus sp., Shigella sp., Proteus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Klebsiella sp., Vibrio sp. Micrococcus sp. and Escherichia coli. The percentage resistance for the antibiotics revealed cefuroxime and ceftazidime had 64%, while nitrofurantoin had 71% and ofloxacin had 36%. Proteus sp. (1) had an MDR of 1.0, Klebsiella sp. (3) had 0.67 while Salmonella sp. and Escherichia coli had a MDR of 0.22 and 0.11. The findings of the study underscores the health challenges associated with the usage of the available potable water sources in Okerenkoko community. There is need for a community-wide campaign and sensitization on some basic water purification approaches as possible corrective actions to improve the quality of water; government must intervene and provide a routine and robust evaluation for both water safety and sanitary quality in rural communities.

Efficient deactivation of aerosolized pathogens using a dielectric barrier discharge based cold-plasma detergent in environment device for good indoor air quality

Air pollution is one of the top 5 risks causing chronic diseases according to WHO and airborne transmitted pathogens infection is a huge challenge in the current era. Long living pathogens and small size aerosols are not effectively dealt with by the available indoor air purifiers. In this work, a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) based portable cold-plasma detergent in environment device is reported and its disinfection efficiency has been analyzed in the indoor environment of sizes up to 3 × 2.4 × 2.4 m3. The deactivation efficiency of total microbial counts (TMCs) and total fungal counts (TFCs) is found to be more than 99% in 90 min of continuous operation of the device at the optimized parameters. The complete inactivation of MS2 phage and Escherichia coli bacteria with more than 5 log reduction (99.999%) has also been achieved in 30 min and 90 min of operation of the device in an enclosed environment. The device is able to produce negative ions predominantly dominated by natural plasma detergent along with positive ions in the environment similar to mother nature. The device comprises a coaxial DBD geometry plasma source with a specially designed wire mesh electrode of mild steel with a thickness of 1 mm. The need for feed gas, pellets and/or differential pressure has been eliminated from the DBD discharge source for efficient air purification. The existence of negative ions for more than 25 s on average is the key advantage, which can also deactivate long living pathogens and small size aerosols.

MICROORGANISMS ASSOCIATED WITH POULTRY FEEDS IN SOUTH WEST, NIGERIA

The rate of mortality of poultry as a result of contaminated feeds is of the increase in the recent times. This study was carried out to determine the level of contamination, microbial loads and spoilage of selected poultry feeds in south west Nigeria. Rabiu Feeds, Caps Feeds, Ayo Best Feeds and Top feeds were selected and sampled. Standard pour plate methods were used for the analyses. Results obtained revealed average range of total viable count, coliform counts, Staphylococus counts and fungal counts of 2.35 - 7.10x 104 Cfu/g, 0.55-2.65x104, 0.50-2.90 Cfu/g and 1.30-3.30 x 104 Cfu/g respectively. Microorganisms obtained include fifteen bacteria, eight yeast and five mould isolates. The genera are Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Escherichia, Staphylococus, Micrococcus, Alcaligenes, Acinetobacter, Salmonella, Serratia, Corynebacterium, Clostridium, Erwinia, Flavobacterium, Saccharomyces, Candida, Geotrichum, Rhodotorula, Kluyveromyces, Torulopsis, Hansenula, Pichia, Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Fusarium, Mucour and Talaromyces. Fifty percent of the isolates were known pathogenic microorganisms. This study therefore, concludes and recommends that stringent hygienic measures during production and storage of poultry feeds should be followed and enforced to the later. Constants inspection by the Standard Regulatory Bodies to the production sites should be encouraged.

Phytogenic effect of garlic (Allium sativum), ginger (Zingiber officinale) and roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) on the keeping quality of shredded meat

The qualities of meat during storage are deteriorated by microbial growth, oxidation and enzymatic autolysis. Garlic and ginger are recipes used in meat product preparation as antimicrobial and antioxidant substances. .A total of sixty 6-week old broiler chickens were sacrificed and meat removed from the breast muscle where meat chunks were randomly distributed into six treatments. Treatments comprised of shredded meat prepared with a standard recipe containing ginger and garlic (SR-GaG), standard recipe without ginger and garlic (mGaG), standard recipe with ginger (pGin), standard recipe with roselle (pRos), standard recipe with garlic (pGar) and standard recipe with vitamin E (pvE) replacing ginger and garlic respectively. Data were obtained for Moisture, Crude Protein, CP, Crude Fat, CF, Ash, Thiobarbituric Reactive Substances, TBARS) for 0, 7 and 14days refrigerated (4oC) storage including Total Bacterial Count (TBC), Total Fungi Count (TFC) and Total Coliform Count(TCC) for 7, 14 and 21 days refrigerated storage. Data were subjected to analysis of variance using IBM SPSS version 21.. Reduced (p < 0.05) moisture content was observed in group mGaG followed closely by pGin group over 14 days of storage. Significantly higher (p < 0.05) CP was recorded in pGin and pvE groups. Reduced (p < 0.05) CF was observed in pvE group at 7thday while pRos group showed reduced CF among the phytogenics and through the storage periods. The TBARS of pGin, pRos, and pGar reduced (p <0.05) along storage periods. The TBC, TCC, and TFC significantly reduced for shredded meat (mGaG and pGin) while elevated values were observed for other treatments across the storage periods. Listeria salivarius and Micrococcus varians were isolated in SR-GaG throughout the storage periods. Therefore, single addition of ginger and garlic to recipe of shredded meat is recommended for oxidative stability, improved meat quality and meat preservation.

The Clinical Significance of Pollen and Fungi Concentrations for Allergic Rhinitis: A Three-Year Study.

The relationship between disease severity and exposure to allergensin allergic rhinitis (AR) patientsisnot fully clarified presently.We aimed to detect the correlation between airborne pollen and fungi concentrations in a Mediterranean region with symptomscores. A total of 98 patients suffering from AR rated their symptoms at the time of exacerbation using the Total 5 Symptoms Score (T5SS) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Patients' quality of life (QoL) was estimated by using either disease-specific (Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire(RQLQ) and mini-RQLQ) or generic (Short-Form 36 (SF-36) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)) questionnaires. All patients' responses were correlated with aerobiological data. Skin prick tests (SPTs) were used to detect sensitivities to the most common registered pollen and fungi species. A significant positive correlationbetween total pollen and fungi counts and disease-specific questionnaires was found only for the RQLQ. Accordingly, a significant positive correlation was found between total pollen and fungi counts and T5SS (r = 0.655, p = 0.021), with breathing (r = 0.620, p = 0.032) and sneezing (r = 0.660, p = 0.020) being strongly affected. Moreover, a tendency towarda higher VAS score was found as total pollen and fungi counts increased (r = 0.523, p = 0.081). We found a significant correlation between patients' symptoms and pollen and fungal air concentrations. Our results emphasize the clinical significance of pollen and fungi maps in everyday clinical practice.

Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Bacteria Isolated from Stored Water in Some Residential Homes

The right to water is a basic human right, but if the water is contaminated with microbes, it defeats the purpose of providing safe water and good health. Containers used to store water at home can be sources of microorganism. This study assesses the bacterial pollution of stored water in different homes and the antimicrobial pattern of the bacterial isolates. About 30 samples comprising of 15 storage water cans and 15 swabs from respective storage cans in 5 different homes were used in this study. Spread plate technique was used to enumerate the microbial distribution. Biochemical tests were also conducted to confirm the presence of microorganisms. The total heterotrophic bacterial count ranged between 1.4x106 to 1.55x107CFU/ml, total coliform count ranged between 0.00 ×103 to 2.0×105 CFU/ml, total fungal count ranged between 1.0×103 to 8.0×104 CFU/ml. The nine bacterial isolates from water samples belonged to Staphylococcus sp, Micrococcus sp, Proteus sp, Bacillus sp, Klebsiella sp, Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp, Enterobacter sp, and Shigella sp. The frequency occurrences of the isolates were 11.5%, 7.6%, 11.5%, 19.2%, 7.6%, 7.6%, 3.8%, 19.2% and 11.5% respectively. The 8 bacterial isolates from swab samples belonged to Bacillus sp, Staphylococcus sp, Shigella sp, Vibro sp, Escherichia coli, Proteus sp, Enterobacter sp and Aeromonas sp. The frequency occurrences of the isolates were 19.2%, 19.2%, 11.5%, 7.6%, 19.2%, 11.5%, 7.6% and 3.8% respectively. The presence of Klebsiella sp., Proteus sp, Enterobacter sp. and S. aureus in the water source have been known to cause diverse disease on human beings, such as skin infections, wound infections, urinary tract infections, gastroenteritis and respiratory tract infections, therefore there is need for regular washing of water containers used for water storage. The antibiogram showed that ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin and gentamicin are the most effective antibiotics, thus, they are recommended for treatment of infections.

Investigation on the Quality of Prolonged Storage of Packaged Water Commonly Produced in North Central, Nigeria

This study investigated the effects of prolonged storage conditions on the physicochemical parameter, toxic metals, microbial loads, and health risks assessment of randomly selected three brands of sachet and bottled water in North Central, Nigeria. One hundred eighty samples of water brands (sachet and bottled) were collected from 10 different factories and were grouped into three. They were analyzed immediately (initial), being exposed to mild sunlight (stored with a container) and exposed to intense sunlight (stored without a container) conditions for six weeks. The results of the physicochemical parameters (sachet and bottle) were within the limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON). While the results of heavy metals analysis for both sachet and bottled water recorded 0.15 - 0.51 mg/L (0.10 mg/L , 0.05 mg/L), 0.13 - 0.38 mg/L (0.015 mg/L, 0.01 mg/L) and 0.55 - 1.11 mg/L (0.03 mg/L, 0.3 mg/L) for Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb) and Iron (Fe) respectively, as compared to the permissible limits (values in the bracket for each heavy metals) set by WHO and SON. The microbial analysis results ranged between 6.58 - 124.51 Cfu/100 mL, 0.52 - 37.56 Cfu/100 mL, 0.07 - 5.00 Cfu/100 mL, 0 - 2.07 Cfu/100 mL for Total Bacteria Count (TBC), Total Coliform Count (TCC), Faecal Coliform Count (FCC) and Total Fungal Count (TFC) respectively, which showed no effective quality control system. Incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) assessment revealed a carcinogenic health risk to the populace drinking this water. The study concludes that water stored under sunlight for a long period is not good for human consumption and therefore adequate monitoring by the appropriate agencies is emphasized.

Quality Improvement of Dried Anchovies at Three Solar Drying Methods

Fish drying is one of the traditional methods where the fishermen land their catch on the beaches for drying traditionally under sun for several days. Dried fish provides valuable and economical sources of animal protein. The quality of dried fish is significantly influenced by the presence of microorganisms. Therefore, this study aims to determine the physical quality changes in anchovy under three different solar drying methods which are open sun drying (OSD), solar greenhouse tunnel dryer (GTD), and forced convective solar dryer (FCD) and to verify the chemical and microbial contamination in solar-dried anchovy. About (20 kg) of fresh anchovy were taken for experiments. Quality analyses were conducted in the samples before, during, and after drying. The parameters analyzed included three main analyses which are physical, chemical, and microbial analyses. The drying rate was higher in GTD compared to the two other methods. Moisture content, drying rate, and moisture ratio were significantly affected by drying methods. GTD required less time (6 hr) to dry anchovies compared to other drying methods (9 hr time). The highest reduction in lightness is in GTD dried anchovies followed by FCD and OSD. The drying methods and drying time statistically affect the lightness (L) of dried anchovies ( p ≤ 0.05 ). The water activity of solar-dried anchovies was 0.3. Experimentally dried anchovies were found to have lower microbial count compared to the dried fish quality standards. The total viable count (TVC) in fresh anchovy was 6.44 log CFU/g compared to the greenhouse tunnel dryer 2.90 log CFU/g, open sun dryer 4.16 log CFU/g, and forced convective dryer 4.19 log CFU/g anchovies. Water activity and moisture content did not affect total viable count (TVC) significantly, but it affects total fungal count (TFC) ( p ≤ 0.05 ). There was a significant difference on Krusal Wallis between the samples of three methods of drying and a fresh one on the water activity, ash content, and fat content ( p ≤ 0.05 ).