Shadrach O Okhuebor | University of Benin, Nigeria (original) (raw)

Papers by Shadrach O Okhuebor

Advances in Microbiology Research, 2020

Water is life, essential for human existence, and its importance for individual health as well as... more Water is life, essential for human existence, and its importance for individual health as well as the well-being of a nation and access to good quality water cannot be overemphasized. Waer makes up about 70% of the earth’s surface and about 97% of this volume of earth’s surface water is contained in the oceans, only about 0.3-0.8% makes up underground water. Ground water is the water beneath the surface where all the voids in the rocks and soil are filled. It is a source of water for wells, boreholes and springs. A borehole is a hydraulic structure which when properly designed and constructed, permits the economic withdrawal of water from an aquifer. It is a narrow well drilled with machine. Due to the poor investments of the Nigerian government in water supply, many have resulted in construction of boreholes as an alternative source of portable water. Benin City is located in Edo State, southern Nigeria with a growing population. There is a high degree of borehole proliferation as ...

Izevbuwa Osazee Ekundayo, 2020

This survey was carried out to investigate the occurrence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in meat pro... more This survey was carried out to investigate the occurrence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in meat products from Obinze abattoir, Imo state, SouthEastern Nigeria. A total of 10 beef samples, 10 processing water samples, 10 table swabs and 20 entrails samples were collected. Pour plate technique was used after a tenfold serial dilution to inoculate on Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar and the E. coli isolates were cultured on Sorbitol MacConkey agar and incubated for 24 hours at 37 o C. The isolates were subjected to biochemical tests for identification before antibiotic sensitivity test was carried out using the disc diffusion (Kirby-Bauer) method. From the survey, the entrails had the highest rate of isolation (4.16 ±0.56 log10 Cfu/ml) followed by the beef samples with (3.58 ± 0.01 log10 Cfu/ml). The processing water and the table swabs yielded no growth of E. coli O157:H7. The percentage occurrence of E. coli O157:H7 was also determined and the entrails samples had the highest with (17, 89.5%) followed by the beef samples with (2, 10.5%). The processing water and table swabs samples did not yield growth of E. coli O157:H7 and their percentages were 0. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using the single sample T test which showed that there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the rate of isolation of E. coli O157:H7 from the samples. The E. coli O157:H7 isolated showed 100% sensitivity to all the antibiotics used. The presence of E. coli O157:H7 implies that these food samples from the Obinze abattoir, if consumed could be a potential public health hazard to the community. Therefore, strict adherence to quality control measures should be implored in order to reduce contamination and food borne illnesses.

International Journal of Applied Microbiology, 2021

This study was conducted to analysis of the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Pseudomonas aero... more This study was conducted to analysis of the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Pseudomonas aeroginosa isolated from ready-to-eat food in selected street food vendors in Ikpoba-okha LGA. The mean total viable plate counts (TVC) for Pseudomonas aeroginosa was ascertained with the spread plate methods using nutrient agar with results indicating a mean total viable count (TVC) ranging from 2.20 x 10⁵ to 1.05 x 10³. The highest counts of 2.20 x 10⁵ was obtained in food samples collected from SFL 5 while the lowest count of 1.05 x 10³ was obtained from SFL 1. The organism had a high percentage occurrence of 90% haven been isolated from most food samples (especially soups) from all street food vending location except SFL 3.The data obtained from the gram negative antibiotic susceptibility analysis showed that Pseudomonas aeroginosa was more sensitive to Ciprofloxacin (10µg) and Norfloxacin (10µg), sensitive to Gentamycin (10µg), Augmentin (30µg), Amikacin (30µg) and Ceftazidime (30µg) but showed resistance Cotrimoxazole (30µg), Ceftriazone (30µg) and Tetracycline (30µg). The results of this study indicates that most of the ready to eat food samples examined had high contamination of Pseudomonas aeroginosa and hence did not meet microbiological quality standards. Hence, it is recommended that a more close supervision of ready to eat food from street food vending locations in Ikpoba-okha should be carried out by relevant authorities.

Apex journal, 2021

This study reports the prevalence and risk rate of malaria among individuals in Okada community, ... more This study reports the prevalence and risk rate of malaria among individuals in Okada community, Ovia North East local government area of Edo state, Southern Nigeria. A total of 100 blood samples were obtained randomly from patients. A total of 233 mosquito samples were collected, three species were observed; they are Aedes, Culex and Anopheles species. Anopheles mosquitoes were the most prevalent of all the species observed and constituted about 58% of the total sample collected. A relative high prevalence rate of was recorded among age group 18-25 years (34.1%). The age group 9 and below has the highest risk rate of 100. Risk rate is an epidemiological parameter that indicates the potential risk of exposure for a particular age group. Female subjects were more infected (46%) than males (39%). It is also confirmed that Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for malaria infection in Okada and everyone in the community is at risk with being infected. Approach to prevent malaria infection includes: use insecticides, treated nets, construction of drainage system, clearing of bushes, and sanitation of residential environment and Mass education of the people on malaria infection, prevention, and control.

International Journal of Advanced Academic Research, 2021

The seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus among pregnant women in Benin City was investigated. Four... more The seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus among pregnant women in Benin City was investigated. Four hundred and ninety-three (N=493) blood samples were collected randomly from pregnant women attending four different hospitals in Benin City within a period of three months. The blood samples were screened for hepatitis B antibodies using FICH TECH diagnostic kit. Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was done to exclude false positive cases followed by Liver Function Tests (LFT) using reflotron plus analyser. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was done to amplify hepatitis B viral DNA followed by agarous gel electrophoresis to separate the bands before visualisation with U-V transilluminator. Out of 176 blood samples collected from pregnant women attending Stella Obasanjo Women and Children Hospital, 3 (1.7%) were positive for hepatitis B antibodies. At Faith Medical Centre, 258 blood samples were collected out of which, 3 (1.2%) were positive. Enofe Medical Centre had 2 (8.0%) positive out of 25 blood samples collected while 1 (2.9%) positive case was recorded from the 34 blood samples collected at Ovbiose Hospital. Overall, 9 (1.8%) blood samples were hepatitis B antibodies positive out of the total of 493 and the difference was statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05). The 9 positive blood samples were subjected to LFT, out of which 3 (3.33%) recorded abnormal values between alkaline phosphatase (310-423), aspartate amino transferase (49-65), alanine amino transferase (46-55), total bilirubin (1.0-9.8) and conjugated bilirubin (0.5-4.8). Out of the same nine samples amplified using polymerase chain reaction, 4 (44.4%) harboured one band of DNA each with their molecular weights varying between 100 bp-1517 bp. Out of the 4 samples that had hepatitis B viral DNA, 3 (75%) were those with abnormal LFT results. Despite the low hepatitis B prevalence among pregnant women used in this present study, there is still a need for a public health concern in Nigeria because of the risk of perinatal transfer. Therefore, all pregnant women including those previously tested or vaccinated should be tested routinely for HBsAg during early prenatal visit, preferably in the first trimester in each pregnancy.

Bacteria Empire, 2021

This study was conducted to analyse the microbial quality and public health effect of ready to ea... more This study was conducted to analyse the microbial quality and public health effect of ready to eat food from different street food vending locations in Ikpoba-okha Local Government Area (LGA). The mean total viable plate counts (TVC) for bacteria and fungi were ascertained with the spread plate methods using nutrient agar and potato dextrose agar media respectively. The results indicated a mean TVC ranging from 5.41 x 10⁴ to 2.80 x 10³ and 3.57 x 10⁵ to 3.18 x 10³ for bacteria and fungi respectively. The highest bacterial counts of 5.41 x 10⁴ was obtained in food samples collected from Street Vending location (SFL) 7 while the highest fungal counts of 3.57 x 10⁵ was obtained from food samples collected from SFL 4. The characterization and identification of microbes showed the presence of nine (9) bacteria. The bacteria and their percentage of occurrence are: E. coli (40%), Streptococcus spp (50%), Staphylococcus aureus (60%), Pseudomonas aeroginosa (90%), Salmonella spp (30%), Enterobacter spp (50%), Bacillus cereus (40%), Micrococcus spp (30%), Alcaligenes faecalis (10%). It also showed the presence of Four (4) fungi. The fungi and percentage of occurrence are: Rhizopus spp (50%), Aspergillus flavus (40%), Aspergillus niger (40%) and Mucor spp (60%). The data obtained showed that Pseudomonas aeroginosa and Mucor spp were dominant in foods obtained from all the locations. The findings of this study shows that most of the ready to eat food samples examined did not meet microbiological quality standards. Hence, it is recommended that adequate and proper measures to ensure good quality of ready to eat foods from street food vending locations in Ikpoba-okha should be put in place by relevant authorities.

Izevbuwa Osazee Ekundayo , 2020

This survey was carried out to investigate the occurrence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in meat pro... more This survey was carried out to investigate the occurrence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in meat products from Obinze abattoir, Imo state, SouthEastern Nigeria. A total of 10 beef samples, 10 processing water samples, 10 table swabs and 20 entrails samples were collected. Pour plate technique was used after a tenfold serial dilution to inoculate on Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar and the E. coli isolates were cultured on Sorbitol MacConkey agar and incubated for 24 hours at 37 o C. The isolates were subjected to biochemical tests for identification before antibiotic sensitivity test was carried out using the disc diffusion (Kirby-Bauer) method. From the survey, the entrails had the highest rate of isolation (4.16 ±0.56 log10 Cfu/ml) followed by the beef samples with (3.58 ± 0.01 log10 Cfu/ml). The processing water and the table swabs yielded no growth of E. coli O157:H7. The percentage occurrence of E. coli O157:H7 was also determined and the entrails samples had the highest with (17, 89.5%) followed by the beef samples with (2, 10.5%). The processing water and table swabs samples did not yield growth of E. coli O157:H7 and their percentages were 0. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using the single sample T test which showed that there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the rate of isolation of E. coli O157:H7 from the samples. The E. coli O157:H7 isolated showed 100% sensitivity to all the antibiotics used. The presence of E. coli O157:H7 implies that these food samples from the Obinze abattoir, if consumed could be a potential public health hazard to the community. Therefore, strict adherence to quality control measures should be implored in order to reduce contamination and food borne illnesses.

International Journal of Applied Biology, 2020

This survey was carried out to investigate the occurrence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in meat pro... more This survey was carried out to investigate the occurrence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in meat products from Obinze abattoir, Imo state, SouthEastern Nigeria. A total of 10 beef samples, 10 processing water samples, 10 table swabs and 20 entrails samples were collected. Pour plate technique was used after a tenfold serial dilution to inoculate on Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar and the E. coli isolates were cultured on Sorbitol MacConkey agar and incubated for 24 hours at 37 o C. The isolates were subjected to biochemical tests for identification before antibiotic sensitivity test was carried out using the disc diffusion (Kirby-Bauer) method. From the survey, the entrails had the highest rate of isolation (4.16 ±0.56 log10 Cfu/ml) followed by the beef samples with (3.58 ± 0.01 log10 Cfu/ml). The processing water and the table swabs yielded no growth of E. coli O157:H7. The percentage occurrence of E. coli O157:H7 was also determined and the entrails samples had the highest with (17, 89.5%) followed by the beef samples with (2, 10.5%). The processing water and table swabs samples did not yield growth of E. coli O157:H7 and their percentages were 0. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using the single sample T test which showed that there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the rate of isolation of E. coli O157:H7 from the samples. The E. coli O157:H7 isolated showed 100% sensitivity to all the antibiotics used. The presence of E. coli O157:H7 implies that these food samples from the Obinze abattoir, if consumed could be a potential public health hazard to the community. Therefore, strict adherence to quality control measures should be implored in order to reduce contamination and food borne illnesses.

Advances in Microbiology Research, 2020

Water is life, essential for human existence, and its importance for individual health as well as... more Water is life, essential for human existence, and its importance
for individual health as well as the well-being of a nation and access to good quality water cannot be overemphasized. Waer makes
up about 70% of the earth’s surface and about 97% of this volume
of earth’s surface water is contained in the oceans, only about 0.3-
0.8% makes up underground water. Ground water is the water beneath the surface where all the voids in the rocks and soil are filled.
It is a source of water for wells, boreholes and springs. A borehole is
a hydraulic structure which when properly designed and constructed, permits the economic withdrawal of water from an aquifer. It is
a narrow well drilled with machine. Due to the poor investments of
the Nigerian government in water supply, many have resulted in
construction of boreholes as an alternative source of portable water.
Benin City is located in Edo State, southern Nigeria with a growing
population. There is a high degree of borehole proliferation as housing development projects are on the increase. There is hardly any
residential house, office or business building that does not have a
constructed borehole in Benin City. As the population of Benin City
continues to rise, human activities including soil fertility remediation, indiscriminate refuse and waste disposal, and the use of septic
tanks, soak-away pits and pit latrines are on the increase. These
activities are capable of producing leachates into the groundwater
formation that serve as source of water to the inhabitants in the City

Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, 2020

This study was conducted to identify and characterize bacteria capable of degrading spent oil con... more This study was conducted to identify and characterize bacteria capable of degrading spent oil contaminated soil. The physicochemical parameters of used engine oil were analyzed according to existing standards, while the total heterotrophic plate counts (HBC) and hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria counts were ascertained with the pour plate methods using nutrient agar and minimal salt agar (MSA) media respectively. The results indicated a mean total HBC ranging from 2.86 ± 0.08 to 5.76 log10 CFU/g and mean hydrocarbon utilizing bacterial counts from 1.32 ± 0.09 to 3.82 ± 0.25 log10 CFU/g, with samples enriched with Glycine max (Soybean) recorded to have the highest bacterial counts. The phenotypic identification of the hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria as sources of carbon and energy showed the presence of two primary bacterial genera: Bacillus and Micrococcus. However, from the overall 50 counted colonies, the frequency of occurrence for Bacillus was 41 (82 %) whereas, the Micrococcus was (9) 18%. The obtained data, confirmed the breakdown capacity of autochthonous (indigenous) organisms notably; Bacillus in the reduction of pollutants linked with oil spillage. This provides for reliable and promising approach of ameliorating crude oil pollutants and its inherent threats.

Journal of applied science and environmental management, 2020

This study was conducted to identify and characterize bacteria capable of degrading spent oil con... more This study was conducted to identify and characterize bacteria capable of degrading spent oil contaminated soil. The physicochemical parameters of used engine oil were analyzed according to existing standards, while the total heterotrophic plate counts (HBC) and hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria counts were ascertained with the pour plate methods using nutrient agar and minimal salt agar (MSA) media respectively. The results indicated a mean total HBC ranging from 2.86 ± 0.08 to 5.76 log10 CFU/g and mean hydrocarbon utilizing bacterial counts from 1.32 ± 0.09 to 3.82 ± 0.25 log10 CFU/g, with samples enriched with Glycine max (Soybean) recorded to have the highest bacterial counts. The phenotypic identification of the hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria as sources of carbon and energy showed the presence of two primary bacterial genera: Bacillus and Micrococcus. However, from the overall 50 counted colonies, the frequency of occurrence for Bacillus was 41 (82 %) whereas, the Micrococcus was (9) 18%. The obtained data, confirmed the breakdown capacity of autochthonous (indigenous) organisms notably; Bacillus in the reduction of pollutants linked with oil spillage. This provides for reliable and promising approach of ameliorating crude oil pollutants and its inherent threats.

Bacterial empire/ Scicell, 2020

Suya originated in the northern parts of Nigeria is ready to eat grilled skewered meat products p... more Suya originated in the northern parts of Nigeria is ready to eat grilled skewered meat products prepared in different forms spiced with locally sourced, commonly produced by the Hausas in Northern Nigeria. It has permeated Nigerian society, being affordable for all and available everywhere. It is produced from boneless meat hung on stick and spiced with peanut cake, salt, vegetable oil and other flavourings followed by roasting around a glowing charcoal fire. It's generally made with skewered beef, ram, or chicken. Innards such as kidney, liver, and tripe are also used. Suya are of three main forms namely Tsire, Kilishi, and Balangu, and Tsire is the most commonly preferred. In Benin City, which is located in the southern part of Nigeria, Suya has become a very co mmon street food delicacy scattered most major areas and are sold mostly in the evening time, only very few vendors will sell Suya in the day time. Concerns have been raised in many research regarding the public health risk of consuming suya, part of which is food poisoning, as a result microbial contamination such as Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, aflatoxigenic molds, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Proteus vulgaris, Klebseilla pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Candida spp., Salmonella enteritica and Enterobacter spp. Trace metals such as zinc, lead, manganese, iron, and copper have been observed in suya in concentrations exceeding recommended tolerable upper intake levels which can consequently cause serious long term health issues. This study reviews the potential public health risk of consuming street grilled meat (Suya) in Benin City.

Advances in Microbiology Research, 2020

Water is life, essential for human existence, and its importance for individual health as well as... more Water is life, essential for human existence, and its importance for individual health as well as the well-being of a nation and access to good quality water cannot be overemphasized. Waer makes up about 70% of the earth’s surface and about 97% of this volume of earth’s surface water is contained in the oceans, only about 0.3-0.8% makes up underground water. Ground water is the water beneath the surface where all the voids in the rocks and soil are filled. It is a source of water for wells, boreholes and springs. A borehole is a hydraulic structure which when properly designed and constructed, permits the economic withdrawal of water from an aquifer. It is a narrow well drilled with machine. Due to the poor investments of the Nigerian government in water supply, many have resulted in construction of boreholes as an alternative source of portable water. Benin City is located in Edo State, southern Nigeria with a growing population. There is a high degree of borehole proliferation as ...

Izevbuwa Osazee Ekundayo, 2020

This survey was carried out to investigate the occurrence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in meat pro... more This survey was carried out to investigate the occurrence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in meat products from Obinze abattoir, Imo state, SouthEastern Nigeria. A total of 10 beef samples, 10 processing water samples, 10 table swabs and 20 entrails samples were collected. Pour plate technique was used after a tenfold serial dilution to inoculate on Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar and the E. coli isolates were cultured on Sorbitol MacConkey agar and incubated for 24 hours at 37 o C. The isolates were subjected to biochemical tests for identification before antibiotic sensitivity test was carried out using the disc diffusion (Kirby-Bauer) method. From the survey, the entrails had the highest rate of isolation (4.16 ±0.56 log10 Cfu/ml) followed by the beef samples with (3.58 ± 0.01 log10 Cfu/ml). The processing water and the table swabs yielded no growth of E. coli O157:H7. The percentage occurrence of E. coli O157:H7 was also determined and the entrails samples had the highest with (17, 89.5%) followed by the beef samples with (2, 10.5%). The processing water and table swabs samples did not yield growth of E. coli O157:H7 and their percentages were 0. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using the single sample T test which showed that there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the rate of isolation of E. coli O157:H7 from the samples. The E. coli O157:H7 isolated showed 100% sensitivity to all the antibiotics used. The presence of E. coli O157:H7 implies that these food samples from the Obinze abattoir, if consumed could be a potential public health hazard to the community. Therefore, strict adherence to quality control measures should be implored in order to reduce contamination and food borne illnesses.

International Journal of Applied Microbiology, 2021

This study was conducted to analysis of the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Pseudomonas aero... more This study was conducted to analysis of the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Pseudomonas aeroginosa isolated from ready-to-eat food in selected street food vendors in Ikpoba-okha LGA. The mean total viable plate counts (TVC) for Pseudomonas aeroginosa was ascertained with the spread plate methods using nutrient agar with results indicating a mean total viable count (TVC) ranging from 2.20 x 10⁵ to 1.05 x 10³. The highest counts of 2.20 x 10⁵ was obtained in food samples collected from SFL 5 while the lowest count of 1.05 x 10³ was obtained from SFL 1. The organism had a high percentage occurrence of 90% haven been isolated from most food samples (especially soups) from all street food vending location except SFL 3.The data obtained from the gram negative antibiotic susceptibility analysis showed that Pseudomonas aeroginosa was more sensitive to Ciprofloxacin (10µg) and Norfloxacin (10µg), sensitive to Gentamycin (10µg), Augmentin (30µg), Amikacin (30µg) and Ceftazidime (30µg) but showed resistance Cotrimoxazole (30µg), Ceftriazone (30µg) and Tetracycline (30µg). The results of this study indicates that most of the ready to eat food samples examined had high contamination of Pseudomonas aeroginosa and hence did not meet microbiological quality standards. Hence, it is recommended that a more close supervision of ready to eat food from street food vending locations in Ikpoba-okha should be carried out by relevant authorities.

Apex journal, 2021

This study reports the prevalence and risk rate of malaria among individuals in Okada community, ... more This study reports the prevalence and risk rate of malaria among individuals in Okada community, Ovia North East local government area of Edo state, Southern Nigeria. A total of 100 blood samples were obtained randomly from patients. A total of 233 mosquito samples were collected, three species were observed; they are Aedes, Culex and Anopheles species. Anopheles mosquitoes were the most prevalent of all the species observed and constituted about 58% of the total sample collected. A relative high prevalence rate of was recorded among age group 18-25 years (34.1%). The age group 9 and below has the highest risk rate of 100. Risk rate is an epidemiological parameter that indicates the potential risk of exposure for a particular age group. Female subjects were more infected (46%) than males (39%). It is also confirmed that Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for malaria infection in Okada and everyone in the community is at risk with being infected. Approach to prevent malaria infection includes: use insecticides, treated nets, construction of drainage system, clearing of bushes, and sanitation of residential environment and Mass education of the people on malaria infection, prevention, and control.

International Journal of Advanced Academic Research, 2021

The seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus among pregnant women in Benin City was investigated. Four... more The seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus among pregnant women in Benin City was investigated. Four hundred and ninety-three (N=493) blood samples were collected randomly from pregnant women attending four different hospitals in Benin City within a period of three months. The blood samples were screened for hepatitis B antibodies using FICH TECH diagnostic kit. Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was done to exclude false positive cases followed by Liver Function Tests (LFT) using reflotron plus analyser. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was done to amplify hepatitis B viral DNA followed by agarous gel electrophoresis to separate the bands before visualisation with U-V transilluminator. Out of 176 blood samples collected from pregnant women attending Stella Obasanjo Women and Children Hospital, 3 (1.7%) were positive for hepatitis B antibodies. At Faith Medical Centre, 258 blood samples were collected out of which, 3 (1.2%) were positive. Enofe Medical Centre had 2 (8.0%) positive out of 25 blood samples collected while 1 (2.9%) positive case was recorded from the 34 blood samples collected at Ovbiose Hospital. Overall, 9 (1.8%) blood samples were hepatitis B antibodies positive out of the total of 493 and the difference was statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05). The 9 positive blood samples were subjected to LFT, out of which 3 (3.33%) recorded abnormal values between alkaline phosphatase (310-423), aspartate amino transferase (49-65), alanine amino transferase (46-55), total bilirubin (1.0-9.8) and conjugated bilirubin (0.5-4.8). Out of the same nine samples amplified using polymerase chain reaction, 4 (44.4%) harboured one band of DNA each with their molecular weights varying between 100 bp-1517 bp. Out of the 4 samples that had hepatitis B viral DNA, 3 (75%) were those with abnormal LFT results. Despite the low hepatitis B prevalence among pregnant women used in this present study, there is still a need for a public health concern in Nigeria because of the risk of perinatal transfer. Therefore, all pregnant women including those previously tested or vaccinated should be tested routinely for HBsAg during early prenatal visit, preferably in the first trimester in each pregnancy.

Bacteria Empire, 2021

This study was conducted to analyse the microbial quality and public health effect of ready to ea... more This study was conducted to analyse the microbial quality and public health effect of ready to eat food from different street food vending locations in Ikpoba-okha Local Government Area (LGA). The mean total viable plate counts (TVC) for bacteria and fungi were ascertained with the spread plate methods using nutrient agar and potato dextrose agar media respectively. The results indicated a mean TVC ranging from 5.41 x 10⁴ to 2.80 x 10³ and 3.57 x 10⁵ to 3.18 x 10³ for bacteria and fungi respectively. The highest bacterial counts of 5.41 x 10⁴ was obtained in food samples collected from Street Vending location (SFL) 7 while the highest fungal counts of 3.57 x 10⁵ was obtained from food samples collected from SFL 4. The characterization and identification of microbes showed the presence of nine (9) bacteria. The bacteria and their percentage of occurrence are: E. coli (40%), Streptococcus spp (50%), Staphylococcus aureus (60%), Pseudomonas aeroginosa (90%), Salmonella spp (30%), Enterobacter spp (50%), Bacillus cereus (40%), Micrococcus spp (30%), Alcaligenes faecalis (10%). It also showed the presence of Four (4) fungi. The fungi and percentage of occurrence are: Rhizopus spp (50%), Aspergillus flavus (40%), Aspergillus niger (40%) and Mucor spp (60%). The data obtained showed that Pseudomonas aeroginosa and Mucor spp were dominant in foods obtained from all the locations. The findings of this study shows that most of the ready to eat food samples examined did not meet microbiological quality standards. Hence, it is recommended that adequate and proper measures to ensure good quality of ready to eat foods from street food vending locations in Ikpoba-okha should be put in place by relevant authorities.

Izevbuwa Osazee Ekundayo , 2020

This survey was carried out to investigate the occurrence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in meat pro... more This survey was carried out to investigate the occurrence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in meat products from Obinze abattoir, Imo state, SouthEastern Nigeria. A total of 10 beef samples, 10 processing water samples, 10 table swabs and 20 entrails samples were collected. Pour plate technique was used after a tenfold serial dilution to inoculate on Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar and the E. coli isolates were cultured on Sorbitol MacConkey agar and incubated for 24 hours at 37 o C. The isolates were subjected to biochemical tests for identification before antibiotic sensitivity test was carried out using the disc diffusion (Kirby-Bauer) method. From the survey, the entrails had the highest rate of isolation (4.16 ±0.56 log10 Cfu/ml) followed by the beef samples with (3.58 ± 0.01 log10 Cfu/ml). The processing water and the table swabs yielded no growth of E. coli O157:H7. The percentage occurrence of E. coli O157:H7 was also determined and the entrails samples had the highest with (17, 89.5%) followed by the beef samples with (2, 10.5%). The processing water and table swabs samples did not yield growth of E. coli O157:H7 and their percentages were 0. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using the single sample T test which showed that there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the rate of isolation of E. coli O157:H7 from the samples. The E. coli O157:H7 isolated showed 100% sensitivity to all the antibiotics used. The presence of E. coli O157:H7 implies that these food samples from the Obinze abattoir, if consumed could be a potential public health hazard to the community. Therefore, strict adherence to quality control measures should be implored in order to reduce contamination and food borne illnesses.

International Journal of Applied Biology, 2020

This survey was carried out to investigate the occurrence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in meat pro... more This survey was carried out to investigate the occurrence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in meat products from Obinze abattoir, Imo state, SouthEastern Nigeria. A total of 10 beef samples, 10 processing water samples, 10 table swabs and 20 entrails samples were collected. Pour plate technique was used after a tenfold serial dilution to inoculate on Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar and the E. coli isolates were cultured on Sorbitol MacConkey agar and incubated for 24 hours at 37 o C. The isolates were subjected to biochemical tests for identification before antibiotic sensitivity test was carried out using the disc diffusion (Kirby-Bauer) method. From the survey, the entrails had the highest rate of isolation (4.16 ±0.56 log10 Cfu/ml) followed by the beef samples with (3.58 ± 0.01 log10 Cfu/ml). The processing water and the table swabs yielded no growth of E. coli O157:H7. The percentage occurrence of E. coli O157:H7 was also determined and the entrails samples had the highest with (17, 89.5%) followed by the beef samples with (2, 10.5%). The processing water and table swabs samples did not yield growth of E. coli O157:H7 and their percentages were 0. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using the single sample T test which showed that there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the rate of isolation of E. coli O157:H7 from the samples. The E. coli O157:H7 isolated showed 100% sensitivity to all the antibiotics used. The presence of E. coli O157:H7 implies that these food samples from the Obinze abattoir, if consumed could be a potential public health hazard to the community. Therefore, strict adherence to quality control measures should be implored in order to reduce contamination and food borne illnesses.

Advances in Microbiology Research, 2020

Water is life, essential for human existence, and its importance for individual health as well as... more Water is life, essential for human existence, and its importance
for individual health as well as the well-being of a nation and access to good quality water cannot be overemphasized. Waer makes
up about 70% of the earth’s surface and about 97% of this volume
of earth’s surface water is contained in the oceans, only about 0.3-
0.8% makes up underground water. Ground water is the water beneath the surface where all the voids in the rocks and soil are filled.
It is a source of water for wells, boreholes and springs. A borehole is
a hydraulic structure which when properly designed and constructed, permits the economic withdrawal of water from an aquifer. It is
a narrow well drilled with machine. Due to the poor investments of
the Nigerian government in water supply, many have resulted in
construction of boreholes as an alternative source of portable water.
Benin City is located in Edo State, southern Nigeria with a growing
population. There is a high degree of borehole proliferation as housing development projects are on the increase. There is hardly any
residential house, office or business building that does not have a
constructed borehole in Benin City. As the population of Benin City
continues to rise, human activities including soil fertility remediation, indiscriminate refuse and waste disposal, and the use of septic
tanks, soak-away pits and pit latrines are on the increase. These
activities are capable of producing leachates into the groundwater
formation that serve as source of water to the inhabitants in the City

Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, 2020

This study was conducted to identify and characterize bacteria capable of degrading spent oil con... more This study was conducted to identify and characterize bacteria capable of degrading spent oil contaminated soil. The physicochemical parameters of used engine oil were analyzed according to existing standards, while the total heterotrophic plate counts (HBC) and hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria counts were ascertained with the pour plate methods using nutrient agar and minimal salt agar (MSA) media respectively. The results indicated a mean total HBC ranging from 2.86 ± 0.08 to 5.76 log10 CFU/g and mean hydrocarbon utilizing bacterial counts from 1.32 ± 0.09 to 3.82 ± 0.25 log10 CFU/g, with samples enriched with Glycine max (Soybean) recorded to have the highest bacterial counts. The phenotypic identification of the hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria as sources of carbon and energy showed the presence of two primary bacterial genera: Bacillus and Micrococcus. However, from the overall 50 counted colonies, the frequency of occurrence for Bacillus was 41 (82 %) whereas, the Micrococcus was (9) 18%. The obtained data, confirmed the breakdown capacity of autochthonous (indigenous) organisms notably; Bacillus in the reduction of pollutants linked with oil spillage. This provides for reliable and promising approach of ameliorating crude oil pollutants and its inherent threats.

Journal of applied science and environmental management, 2020

This study was conducted to identify and characterize bacteria capable of degrading spent oil con... more This study was conducted to identify and characterize bacteria capable of degrading spent oil contaminated soil. The physicochemical parameters of used engine oil were analyzed according to existing standards, while the total heterotrophic plate counts (HBC) and hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria counts were ascertained with the pour plate methods using nutrient agar and minimal salt agar (MSA) media respectively. The results indicated a mean total HBC ranging from 2.86 ± 0.08 to 5.76 log10 CFU/g and mean hydrocarbon utilizing bacterial counts from 1.32 ± 0.09 to 3.82 ± 0.25 log10 CFU/g, with samples enriched with Glycine max (Soybean) recorded to have the highest bacterial counts. The phenotypic identification of the hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria as sources of carbon and energy showed the presence of two primary bacterial genera: Bacillus and Micrococcus. However, from the overall 50 counted colonies, the frequency of occurrence for Bacillus was 41 (82 %) whereas, the Micrococcus was (9) 18%. The obtained data, confirmed the breakdown capacity of autochthonous (indigenous) organisms notably; Bacillus in the reduction of pollutants linked with oil spillage. This provides for reliable and promising approach of ameliorating crude oil pollutants and its inherent threats.

Bacterial empire/ Scicell, 2020

Suya originated in the northern parts of Nigeria is ready to eat grilled skewered meat products p... more Suya originated in the northern parts of Nigeria is ready to eat grilled skewered meat products prepared in different forms spiced with locally sourced, commonly produced by the Hausas in Northern Nigeria. It has permeated Nigerian society, being affordable for all and available everywhere. It is produced from boneless meat hung on stick and spiced with peanut cake, salt, vegetable oil and other flavourings followed by roasting around a glowing charcoal fire. It's generally made with skewered beef, ram, or chicken. Innards such as kidney, liver, and tripe are also used. Suya are of three main forms namely Tsire, Kilishi, and Balangu, and Tsire is the most commonly preferred. In Benin City, which is located in the southern part of Nigeria, Suya has become a very co mmon street food delicacy scattered most major areas and are sold mostly in the evening time, only very few vendors will sell Suya in the day time. Concerns have been raised in many research regarding the public health risk of consuming suya, part of which is food poisoning, as a result microbial contamination such as Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, aflatoxigenic molds, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Proteus vulgaris, Klebseilla pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Candida spp., Salmonella enteritica and Enterobacter spp. Trace metals such as zinc, lead, manganese, iron, and copper have been observed in suya in concentrations exceeding recommended tolerable upper intake levels which can consequently cause serious long term health issues. This study reviews the potential public health risk of consuming street grilled meat (Suya) in Benin City.