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Antimicrobial-resistant-microorganism (AMRM)-infected or contaminated food that leads to livestock losses and disease/death in humans is estimated to put 31 million people at risk of food insecurity in Nigeria by the last quarter of 2024. This study aimed to explicate the roles of food-industry stakeholders/laboratorians in preventing food contamination and animal/human infection by AMRMs. The objectives were to determine what food/food system, food security, and stakeholders in the food industry are; investigate the occurrence of AMRM in food; and elucidate preventive measures to be implemented to avoid AMRM in food. A structured questionnaire was administered to stakeholders and baseline information from published literature/established international standards was used to achieve this purpose. The majority (88%) of the respondents were from the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Ilorin; all (100%) participants from the laboratories stated they knew the meaning of food security, while 56% of respondents that were ≤25 years old stated that AMRM could contaminate food. Only 52% of university-educated respondents agreed they were stakeholders in the food industry while 60% were veterinarians/medical practitioners. Reported contamination of food by AMRMs from harvest to consumption, especially in low/middle-income countries (LMICs) like Nigeria was by antimicrobial-resistant Staphylococcus spp., Bacillus spp., Proteus spp., Salmonella spp., and Clostridium spp. This was largely enhanced by the unrestricted use of antimicrobial agents in food animals, especially as growth promoters, leading to the production of unwholesome food, outbreaks of zoonoses, loss of livestock, and human diseases that were foodborne. Compulsory antimicrobial susceptibility tests should be done for isolates from food/food products to determine their suitability for use and the presence of AMRM. The diffusion method of antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) should strictly follow the International Standard Organization (ISO) protocol, which includes using pure colonies, overnight culture of 0.5 McFarland turbidity, and interpreting zones of inhibition using the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) recommended breakpoints. Only certified safe and wholesome food/food products should be passed to the public for consumption. Universities and researchers should carry out more extension work outside establishments’ walls to disseminate research results in food-AMRM.

Meloidogyne incognita is a common pest of carrots grown in hot climates. Existing control methods using synthetic nematicides are associated with contamination and intoxication of plants and the production environment. Recent research trends in pest control include investigations on the use of plant materials. In the present study, Blumea aurita compost, powder, and essential oil were assessed in comparison with Furadan for mitigating the effects of M. incognita on carrot plants. The essential oil was applied at 10, 20, and 30 mg·ml−1, while the compost and powder were applied at 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 kg·m−2. The characteristic components of B. aurita essential oil were trans-α-bergamotene (18.04%), caryophyllene epoxide (15.01%), eugenol (11.59%), carvacrol (11.02%), geraniol (10.13%), 1-octen-3-ol (7.03%), 1,8-cineole (7.02%), δ-elemene (7.01%), and α-copaene (6.20%). The reproduction of M. incognita on carrot roots and the level of M. incognita soil infestation were significantly reduced by B. aurita compost and essential oil. The effect of B. aurita compost was comparable to that of the standard nematicide – Furadan. Therefore, materials derived from B. aurita may prove to be an interesting alternative in inhibiting M. incognita populations.

Abstract Background Strict photoprotection is crucial for persons living with albinism (PWAs), especially in Nigeria where the level of solar ultraviolet radiation is particularly high, which further increases the susceptibility of this population to develop photodermatoses and, ultimately, skin cancer. Objectives This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude towards photoprotection among PWAs in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria. Methods A descriptive cross‐sectional study involving consenting 50 participants with oculocutaneous albinism was recruited through interviewer‐administered questionnaires. Data analysis utilised SPSS 26. Results The use of sun‐protective clothing was the predominant photoprotective measure (62%) with an overall low sun‐protection strategy usage of 5% and 10% knowledge rate, despite 80% acknowledging the daily use of various forms of photoprotection. Cost was cited as the commonest deterrent to poor use of sunscreen (47.8%). Conclusions Poor awareness and photoprotection usage amongst persons with albinism in Uyo are discouragingly below standard increasing their risk of developing photodermatoses which adversely affects their quality of life. Therefore, dermatologists should improve collaborative efforts at addressing barriers such as cost and enhancing knowledge about effective photoprotection strategies.

Objective: Stress triggers a biological response perceiving a threat, chemicals and hormones surge throughout the body, after long-term exposure, stress accelerates cell ageing, immune senescence, and some age-related diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders and osteoporosis. This study finds possible effects of Allium sativum ethanolic extract on the hippocampus of chronic stress-induced neurodegenerative changes in male Wistar rats. Methods: Forty Wistar rats were grouped into eight of five (n=5). Group A - control group (no stress and treatment), Group B - 100mg/kg of Allium sativum (No stress), Group C - 250mg/kg of Allium sativum (No stress), Group D - 500 mg/kg Allium sativum (No stress), Group E - Stress alone + No treatment, Group F - 100mg/kg of Allium sativum (Stressed), Group G - 250mg/kg of Allium sativum (Stressed) and Group H - 500mg/kg of Allium sativum (Stressed), all for 14 days. Animals were euthanized humanely and the hippocampus was excised and fixed in 10% formalin solution for histological processing while the part used for biochemical assay was homogenized in phosphate buffer before centrifugation. Results: Chronic exposure of rats to stress elicited reduced body and brain weights, altered neurotransmitter levels and overall neurobehavioural functions, while also resulting in marked histomorphological distortions in the hippocampus. Interestingly, supplementation with Allium sativum significantly (p

Abstract The Two Weeks in the World research project has resulted in a dataset of 3087 clinically relevant bacterial genomes with pertaining metadata, collected from 59 diagnostic units in 35 countries around the world during 2020. A relational database is available with metadata and summary data from selected bioinformatic analysis, such as species prediction and identification of acquired resistance genes.

The conventional treatment of bacterial infections with antibiotics is becoming increasingly ineffective due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. This literature review explores the potential of bacteriophages as an alternative or adjunctive therapy to antibiotics in combating MDR infections in Africa. This analysis focuses on current research regarding the integration of phage therapy into African healthcare, highlighting its challenges and opportunities. This review begins with the AMR crisis and the need for new treatments, then covers the history, mechanisms, benefits, and limitations of phage therapy. Key African studies are summarized, identifying major obstacles such as regulatory issues, infrastructure, and research standardization. Research efforts in West Africa that have made notable progress in bacteriophage research are highlighted. This review concludes with recommendations for policymakers, researchers, and healthcare professionals to enhance the development and use of phage therapy in Africa, aiming to reduce antibiotic resistance and improve patient outcomes. By addressing the identified challenges and leveraging the unique advantages of phages, there is potential to significantly mitigate the impact of antibiotic resistance and improve patient outcomes in Africa.

IntroductionExtended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales are recognized as significant pathogens due to their resistance to multiple antibiotics. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) in different settings, including healthy pregnant women, the food chain, and the environment of tertiary hospitals in Benin.MethodsSamples were collected from various sources, including fecal samples from healthy pregnant women, food samples from hospital canteens, and hospital effluents from four tertiary hospitals in southern Benin. Fecal samples were plated on MacConkey agar supplemented with cefotaxime (4 μg/mL), while food and water samples were plated on Tryptone Bile X agar supplemented with cefotaxime (4 μg/mL). Urea indole tests were used for preliminary identification of E. coli colonies, followed by confirmation of ESBL production using the double disk synergy technique. Antibiotic susceptibility testing of ESBL-producing E. coli strains was conducted using the disk diffusion method on MH agar. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to investigate the presence of ESBL-encoding genes.ResultsAmong the 296 fecal samples collected from four tertiary hospitals, ESBL-producing E. coli was isolated from 22.30% (66) of the samples. All E. coli isolates from hospital effluents exhibited ESBL production, while ESBL-producing E. coli was not detected in food and drinking water samples. The analysis of variable associations showed no significant associations (p > 0.05) for the studied factors. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed high resistance rates among the ESBL-Ec isolates against several tested antibiotics, including amoxicillin, aztreonam, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. However, most isolates remained susceptible to ertapenem, amoxicillin-clavulanate, and imipenem. The most prevalent ESBL-encoding genes were blaTEM (37.50%), blaOXA-1 (19.44%), and blaSHV (11.11%), while a smaller proportion of isolates carried blaCTXM-1/blaCTXM-15 (5.55%) and blaCTXM-9.DiscussionThis study provides insights into the prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli carriage in the feces of healthy pregnant women in southern Benin. Additionally, it highlights hospital wastewater as a potential reservoir of ESBL-producing bacteria in the environment. The detection of ESBL-producing E. coli in hospital effluents raises concerns about the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes into the environment. The high resistance rates observed among ESBL-Ec isolates against commonly used antibiotics emphasize the urgent need for antimicrobial stewardship and infection control measures. The identification of prevalent ESBL-encoding genes contributes to understanding the genetic basis of ESBL resistance in the studied population. Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms of transmission and potential interventions to mitigate the spread of ESBL-producing Enterobacterales.

Article Highlights The study carried out made it possible to rule on the nature and quality of hospital effluents generated in the health structures in Benin. Physico-chemical parameters such as pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, total solids below, P-redox and suspended solids measured has been determined. The research of pathogenic bacteria as well as the research of heavy metals and antibiotic residues was done. Data were provided on the nature of the bacteria present in hospital effluents and their degree of pathogenicity. The types of heavy metals contained in the samples were reported and compared to the standards in force at the national and international level. The presence of antibiotic residues was evaluated and the most common ones were documented. The presence of residues of some specific antibiotics has confirmed their wide use in human therapeutics. The study raised awareness of the fact that untreated hospital effluent can enter the water table, end up in natural waterways and be the source of many environmental and health problems. The study highlighted the urgency of installing wastewater treatment plants for health facilities in Benin.

Antimicrobial-resistant-microorganism (AMRM)-infected or contaminated food that leads to livestock losses and disease/death in humans is estimated to put 31 million people at risk of food insecurity in Nigeria by the last quarter of 2024. This study aimed to explicate the roles of food-industry stakeholders/laboratorians in preventing food contamination and animal/human infection by AMRMs. The objectives were to determine what food/food system, food security, and stakeholders in the food industry are; investigate the occurrence of AMRM in food; and elucidate preventive measures to be implemented to avoid AMRM in food. A structured questionnaire was administered to stakeholders and baseline information from published literature/established international standards was used to achieve this purpose. The majority (88%) of the respondents were from the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Ilorin; all (100%) participants from the laboratories stated they knew the meaning of food security, while 56% of respondents that were =25 years old stated that AMRM could contaminate food. Only 52% of university-educated respondents agreed they were stakeholders in the food industry while 60% were veterinarians/medical practitioners. Reported contamination of food by AMRMs from harvest to consumption, especially in low/middle-income countries (LMICs) like Nigeria was by antimicrobial-resistant Staphylococcus spp., Bacillus spp., Proteus spp., Salmonella spp., and Clostridium spp. This was largely enhanced by the unrestricted use of antimicrobial agents in food animals, especially as growth promoters, leading to the production of unwholesome food, outbreaks of zoonoses, loss of livestock, and human diseases that were foodborne. Compulsory antimicrobial susceptibility tests should be done for isolates from food/food products to determine their suitability for use and the presence of AMRM. The diffusion method of antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) should strictly follow the International Standard Organization (ISO) protocol, which includes using pure colonies, overnight culture of 0.5 McFarland turbidity, and interpreting zones of inhibition using the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) recommended breakpoints. Only certified safe and wholesome food/food products should be passed to the public for consumption. Universities and researchers should carry out more extension work outside establishments' walls to disseminate research results in food-AMRM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was motivated by the report of a survey of herbal remedies used by Fulani herdsmen in the management of cow diarrhoea in Plateau State, Nigeria. The report identified F. platyphylla stem bark amongst major herbs. Activity of aqueous stem extract of F. platyphylla against diarrhoea caused by physiological changes and by pathological infections was herein determined. Thirty albino rats were fasted for 18 hours. They were grouped into six and induced with diarrhoea using castor oil. The first two groups received distilled water (1 ml) and loperamide (5 mg/kg), while other groups were administered plant extract 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight respectively. The severity of diarrhoea was assessed hourly for 4 hrs. Gastrointestinal motility experiment was carried out using atropine sulphate (5 mg/kg). In vitro anti-diarrhoeal test was carried out against E. coli clinical and laboratory isolates versus antibiotics. The extract inhibited defecation moderately, and regulated frequency of wet stool better than loperamide, the lowest dose (50 mg/kg b. w.) competed favourably with the loperamide. This dose produced the most remarkable activity considering the latent period, total stool frequency, purging indices and percentage inhibition of defecation. The dose showed remarkable activity in the propulsion of charcoal meal through gastrointestinal tract as displayed in the inhibition of diarrhoea. The results of in vitro anti-diarrhoeal test against E. coli showed that the plant extract was inactive on the microorganism. The results from the present study validated the anti-diarrhoeal potential of F. platyphylla via its physiological action.