Aqueous Leaves Extract of Gongronema latifolium (Benth) Downregulates the Expression of IFN-γ, IL-10 and Cell Surface Markers in Rabbits

Background: The pathophysiology of the inflammatory process reveals intricate signaling which includes the IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα pathways that could serve as drug targets. Aim: This study determined the effect of the aqueous extract of Gongronema latifolium (AEGL) leaves on the expression of IFNγ, IL-10, CD3, and CD56 in rabbits. Materials and Methods: ELISA tests were performed to determine the effect of the AEGL on the expression of a pro-inflammatory cytokine (IFNγ), an anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10), and CD3 and CD56 cell surface markers in rabbits. Twenty cross-bred male rabbits with an average weight range of 1.0 - 1.5 kg were selected. The rabbits were separated into four groups of four rabbits each treated as follows: Grp1 is the untreated control;Grp2 is the treated control;and Grp3, Grp4, and Grp5 were treated with 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg of AEGL respectively for 28 days. Results: The AEGL showed its greatest inhibitory effect in Group 4 on IL-10 (118.5 pg/ml), and IFNγ (332 pg/ml) on days 14 and 21 respectively. AEGL also showed the highest inhibition of CD3 expression on days 14 and 21 (0 pg/ml) in Group 3;and CD56 expression on day 21 (630.5 pg/ml) in Group 4. Conclusion: AEGL showed exhibited strong T cell mediated anti- inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activity in test rabbits within the 28-day period which can be confirmed by cell based assays. Specifically at 400 mg/kg, AEGL exhibited the greatest anti-inflammatory activity which is suggestive of its maximum effective dose.

Antimicrobial Resistance among Enterobacteriaceae Found in Chicken and Cow Droppings and Their Public Health Importance

Introduction: The recent surge in the number of antimicrobial resistant cases from hospitals and communities has created a need to study the points and sources of exposure to certain bacteria and determine their susceptibility to commonly used antibiotics. This study aimed at identifying and screening for drug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolated from chicken droppings and cow dungs in Onitsha, Anambra state, in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study which included 50 chickens and 50 cow dung samples collected from five poultry houses and cow ranches respectively using sterile swab sticks. The samples were transported to the laboratory and processed following standard microbiological protocols. Isolates in the samples were recovered using MacConkey Agar, Eosin Methylene Blue Agar and Salmonella-Shigella Agar following standard microbiological procedures and then identified/characterized biochemically using commercial API 20E identification kits following the standard manufacturer’s protocol. Isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing on Muller Hinton Agar using Kirby Bauer double-disc diffusion technique. The multiple antibiotics resistance index was determined as well. Isolates with reduced susceptibility to Ceftazidime were screened for extended spectrum beta-lactamase, AmpC- and metallo-beta-lactamase-production using Rosco Diagnostic kit. Results: Sixty-two (100%) Gram-negative bacteria were isolated from a total of 100 samples collected from both sites, out of which 43 (69.4%) are Enterobacteriaceae. A total of 30/43 (69.8%) Enterobacteriaceae including K. pneumoniae, S. enteritica, S. odorifera, E. coli, K. intermediate, P. stuartii, E. aerogenes, P. penneri, P. mirabilis and C. braakii were recovered from chicken droppings, whereas 13/43 (30.2%) Enterobacteriaceae including K. pneumoniae, S. enteritica, S. odorifera, E. coli, K. intermediate, P. stuartii, E. aerogenes, P. penneri, P. mirabilis and C. braakii were recovered from cow dungs. Two (12.5%) different isolates demonstrated metallo-beta-lactamase and cephalosporinase (AmpC) production. The isolates were susceptible to six antibiotics tested except Augmentin and Nitrofurantoin where the resistance is 100% and 85% respectively while Ceftriaxone and Ofloxacin had the best antibacterial activity against the isolates from both sites. Conclusion: The bacteria of public health importance isolated from these sites and their antibiogram profile have shown the need for proper monitoring and management of animal wastes in order to mitigate the threat to human health in the spirit of One Health as well as contribute to the fight against antibiotic resistance.

Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Index of Gram-Negative Bacteria from Bird Droppings in Two Commercial Poultries in Enugu, Nigeria

Antimicrobial resistance refers to the ability of microorganisms to grow in the presence of an antimicrobial agent at a concentration that will normally kill or inhibit their growth. Antimicrobial resistance has become a major global threat making treatment of infections tougher especially with high cost of treatment in humans and animals. This study was done to determine the Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Index (MARI) of Gram-negative bacteria from bird droppings in two commercial poultries in Enugu. Forty (40) samples were collected from each of the poultries. Isolates were identified by standard microbiological methods. The isolates identified were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Citrobacter spp, Proteus spp. and, Enterobacter spp. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out using disc diffusion technique. The organisms were tested against pefloxacin, augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanic acid), ceftazidime, streptomycin, ciprofloxacin, gentamycin, cephalothin, neomycin and ofloxacin. The result of the susceptibility test showed that Proteus spp had the highest resistance and MARI value of 0.5 and 1.0 respectively. The other MARI values were Escherichia coli (0.9), Klebsiella pneumonia (0.9), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (0.8), Citrobacter spp (0.8) and Enterobacter spp (0.7). These results suggest that bacterial organisms from poultry source can contribute significantly to the spread of multi-antibiotic resistant organisms. This could arise from the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in bird feeds in poultries.

Healthcare waste management in selected government and private hospitals in Southeast Nigeria

Objective:To assess healthcare workers' involvement in healthcare waste management in public and private hospitals.Methods:Validated questionnaires(n = 660) were administered to randomly selected healthcare workers from selected private hospitals between April and July 2013.Results:Among the healthcare workers that participated in the study,187(28.33%) were medical doctors,44(6.67%) were pharmacists,77(11.67%) were medical laboratory scientist,35(5.30%) were waste handlers and 317(48.03%) were nurses.Generally,the number of workers that have heard about healthcare waste disposal system was above average 424(69.5%).More health-workers in the government(81.5%) than in private(57.3%) hospitals were aware of healthcare waste disposal system and more in government hospitals attended training on it.The level of waste generated by the two hospitals differed significantly(P=0.0086) with the generation level higher in government than private hospitals.The materials for healthcare waste disposal were significantly more available(P=0.001) in government than private hospitals.There was no significant difference(P = 0.285) in syringes and needles disposal practices in the two hospitals and they were exposed to equal risks(P =0.8510).Fifty-six(18.5%) and 140(45.5%) of the study participants in private and government hospitals respectively were aware of the existence of healthcare waste management committee with 134(44.4%) and 19(6.2%) workers confirming that it did not exist in their institutions.The existence of the committee was very low in the private hospitals.Conclusions:The availability of material for waste segregation at point of generation,compliance of healthcare workers to healthcare waste management guidelines and the existence of infection control committee in both hospitals is generally low and unsatisfactory.

Multi-Drug Resistant Acute Otitis Media amongst Children Attending Out-Patient Clinic in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, South-East Nigeria

Objective: The study assessed microbial etiology and multi-drug resistant profile of the pathogens isolated from children diagnosed of acute otitis media (AOM) at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka. Method: Ear swab samples were collected aseptically from 40 children that visited the children out-patient clinic of the hospital. The samples were cultured within 20 minutes of collection and the isolates identified microbiologically. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by Kirby-Bauer’s disc diffusion method. Results: A total of 2025 children visited the hospital during the study period and 40 (1.98%) had clinical diagnosis of acute otitis media. Ten (25%) of the 40 samples did not yield any microbial growth. Children aged ≤one year had the highest prevalence of AOM (55%). Staphylococcus aureus (34.9%) was the predominant bacteria isolate followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (30.2%) while Candida krusei (14%) was the predominant fungi isolate. All the bacterial isolates were resistant to ampicillin and coamoxiclav. Staphylococcus aureus isolates were marginally susceptible to gentamicin (60%) and sparfloxacin (73.3%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were resistant to ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, streptomycin, cefuroxime, erythromycin and azithromycin. Nystatin and voriconazole had comparable effect (60%) against the fungal isolates and fluconazole was ineffective. Conclusion: The incidence of multiple antibiotic resistant bacteria associated with acute otitis media in the pediatric patient was very high. Empiric treatment of the infection in the community should be discouraged. AOM preventive strategies should be targeted on the very young children to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Modulatory Effects of Mushrooms on the Inflammatory Signaling Pathways and Pro-inflammatory Mediators

Background:Mushrooms include a wide variety of bioactive compounds that have been linked to therapeutic and nutritional benefits,making them a potential source of new medications and functional foods.Objective:The goal of this study is to offer a complete overview of the mushroom’s modulatory effects on inflam-matory signaling pathways,which leads to the inhibition of inflammation in various types of immune cells and animal models.Methods:This study reviewed the inhibitory effects of mushrooms on the inflammation process through the modulation of the pro-inflammatory mediators and associated signaling pathways.A literature search in PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted for the relevant original research and review articles on the anti-inflammatory effects of mushrooms.Related articles published in English were selected,studied and discussed.Results:As revealed by the selected articles,bioactive molecules which include peptides,polysaccharides,ter-penes,sterols,fatty acids,and phenols have been extracted from the powder,concentrate,and different solvent extracts of edible mushrooms.These bioactive molecules have shown significant efficacy in inhibiting the major pro-inflammatory biomarkers and associated pathways in in vivo and in vitro settings.Conclusion:This review demonstrated that mushrooms significantly inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and can be developed for clinical use as anti-inflammatory agents.Further research is required to establish the comparative efficacy between mushrooms and NSAID especially in the in vivo inhibitory activity against the production of cyclooxygenase and pro-inflammatory cytokines.