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Summary We have shown previously that the five rib (r elease of i ntracellular b acteria) mutants of Legionella pneumophila are competent for intracellular replication but defective in pore formation-mediated cytolysis and egress from protozoan and mammalian cells. The rib phenotype results from a point mutation (deletion) Δ G544 in icmT that is predicted to result in the expression of a protein truncated by 32 amino acids from the C-terminus. In contrast to the rib mutants that are capable of intracellular replication, an icmT null mutant was completely defective in intracellular replication within mammalian and protozoan cells, in addition to its defect in pore formation-mediated cytolysis. The icmT wild-type allele complemented the icmT null mutant for both defects of intracellular replication and pore formation-mediated cytolysis and egress from mammalian cells. In contrast, the icmT Δ G544 allele complemented the icmT null mutant for intracellular growth, but not for the pore-forming activity. Consistent with their defect in pore formation-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro , both mutants failed to cause pulmonary inflammation in A/J mice. Interestingly, the rib mutant was severely defective in intracellular growth within Acanthamoeba polyphaga . Confocal laser scanning and electron microscopy confirmed that the rib mutant and the icmT null mutant were severely and completely defective, respectively, in intracellular growth in A. polyphaga , and the respective defects correlated with fusion of the bacterial phagosomes to lysosomes. Taken together, the data showed that the C-terminus domain of IcmT is essential for the pore-forming activity and is required for intracellular trafficking and replication within A. polyphaga , but not within mammalian cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The suitability of any goat breed for dairy purposes depends on its assessment of milk-related traits. This study evaluates the influence of parity and lactation stage on somatic cell count (SCC) and cheese-making variables of West African Dwarf (WAD) goat milk. A total of 48 lactating WAD does of three different parities (the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd) were milked over a period of time-phased into three stages of lactation (early, mid, and late). The milk was subjected to SCC and cheese-making during which coagulation time, cheese yield (CY), whey volume, and whey pH were recorded. Collected data were subjected to analysis of variance and Pearsons' correlation. The result revealed that the milk SCC of the does in the 3rd parity (2.16 x 105 cells) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than 1.89 x 105 and 1.87 x 105 cells in the milk of the 1st and the 2nd parity does respectively. There was a similar variation trend of SCC as lactation progresses in each of the parities. The CY significantly increased (p<0.05) as lactation progresses in the 1st parity (early -- 16.95%; mid -- 17.21%; late -- 20.85%) while, the milk of the 2nd and the 3rd parity from mid to late lactation stage yielded statistically similar cheese that was comparable with late lactation CY of the 1st parity does. The lactation stage and SCC were positively correlated with CY. The volume and pH of the whey were neither affected by the lactation stage nor parity. The study concludes that parity uncovers the effect of lactation stage on the milk SCC of WAD does while the milk obtained from mid to late lactation stage yields more cheese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis infection in HIV positive individuals with liver diseases causes high mortality worldwide. HIV worsens the pathological effect of hepatitis viruses and potentiates reactivation of latent hepatitis infections due to reduced immunity. This research therefore aimed to study the occurrence of HIV and hepatitis viruses among liver diseases patients (LVDP) attending tertiary hospitals in Osun State, southwestern Nigeria. A total of 121 LVDP blood samples collected were tested for HIV and Hepatitis B, C, and E using and enzyme linked Immunossorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analyzed using packages within SPSS and P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Prevalence of 32.2%, 0.8%, 10.7%, and 18.2% for HBsAg, Anti-HCV, HEV-IgM, and HIV were found respectively. Marital status showed a significant association with HEV-IgM infection (χ2 = 9.869, P =.020). The prevalence of HBsAg, HEV, and HIV among LVDP in Osun State is alarming and health education among the patients and general populace is hereby advocated. High HEV-IgM seroprevalence implies that HEV routine screening should be incorporated into blood screening. Since HEV is associated with unhygienic practice, people should be enlightened on how to improve their living conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viral hepatitis is a deadly disease which can manifest as acute, chronic, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver failure. Information about hepatitis is scarce among animal handlers. Due to Federal Government of Nigeria diversification programmes, many people are now involved in animal farming which can make them susceptible to viral hepatitis. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of Hepatitis B, C, and E viruses among animal handlers in Abeokuta, southwestern Nigerian. A total of 156 subjects were recruited for the study. Sociodemographic and risks factors data were fetched from subjects using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Blood samples were collected via venepuncture and tested for HCV, HBV, and HEV using ELISA technique. Results were analyzed using SPSS software version 21.0 and P value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. The prevalence of HCV, HBV, and HEV were 46 (29.5%), 20 (12.8%), and 4 (2.6%) respectively while 6 (3.8%), 1 (0.6%), and 1 (0.6%) had co-infection of HBV-HCV, HBV-HEV, and HCV- HEV respectively. This study concludes that there is high prevalence of hepatitis C and B viruses among animal handlers in Abeokuta, Ogun state which is of significant public health problem, warranting further attention and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) are highly endemic in several African countries including Nigeria with adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes resulting in fatality. This study aimed to determine the viral hepatitis in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic, AMTHI. Informed consent questionnaire was administered before blood collection via venipuncture. a total of 904 pregnant women plasma samples were tested for HBV, HCV, and HEV using ELISA kit. Data was analyzed using packages within SPSS software and P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Out of 904 samples analyzed, the overall prevalence of hepatitis infections among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in AMTHI was 66(7.3%). High prevalence of the hepatitis infections was found among young women within the age group 21–30 which might be associated with active sex, intravenous drug use, sharing of sharp objects and alcoholism. Blood group O Positive had the highest prevalence of hepatitis. There was statistical significance between blood group and HBsAg infection (P <.05). Genotype AA women had highest prevalence of hepatitis. This study showed significant association between HBsAg, HCV, and HEV positive status with blood group O positive and Genotype AA pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a pathogen of the Enterobacteriaceae family that causes healthcare-associated infections and has recently emerged as one of the most antibiotic-resistant organisms responsible for outbreaks in both community and healthcare settings. The aim of this study is to determine the resistance pattern of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from selected tertiary hospitals in Osun state, Nigeria. A total of 62 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were obtained from 1056 samples of urine, wound swab, ear swab, eye swab and other collection sites that were routinely submitted to the diagnostic laboratories of the selected tertiary hospitals. Susceptibility to twelve (12) antibiotics (Oxoid) was determined using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method for the 62 isolates. Rate of resistance to carbapenems, fluoroquinolones, polymyxins, monobactams, cephalosporins, penicillin and phosphonic acid derivative are 29.03%, 47.84%, 29.03%, 46.77%, 50.80%, 93.55%, and 37.10% respectively. The isolates were mostly susceptible to carbapenems, especially, Imipenem with 74.19%. Highest resistance was to Penicillin (93.55%). The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index revealed that 52 (83.87%) out of 62 isolates were multi-drug resistant. Increase in antibiotic resistance continues to be a problem amidst patients infected with Klebsiella pneumoniae which can be most likely attributed to increase in antibiotic misapplication, misuse and abuse which is most prevalent among youths. It is therefore of utmost importance that consistent monitoring of antibiotic resistance be done as it will assist in the appropriate selection of empiric antibiotic treatment in the proper setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]