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There is an increase in the number of cases of antimicrobial resistance with a paucity of data from developing nations. This study is aimed at determining the antibiograms of uropathogens isolated from diabetics and non-diabetic subjects in three hospitals in Rivers State Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion procedure was used to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the uropathogens with the following antibiotics: vancomycin, cefotaxime, cefuroxime, imipenem, cefoxitin, ceftazidime, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, amoxiclav and ofloxacin. The results show that S. aureus (20%), E. coli (9%), K. aerogenes (8%), and K. ascobata (7%) were the most prevalent bacterial isolates. Data showed the isolates were sensitive to imipenem (18.6%), ofloxacin (13.8%) and ceftazidime (12.3%). On the other hand, the antibiotics with the highest resistance were cefotaxime (9.5%), tetracycline (14.1%), erythromycin (18.4%), and vancomycin (21.1%). The diabetic subjects showed a significantly (P < 0.0001) lower prevalence of bacteria with MAR indices below 0.2 but a significantly (P =

All around the world today, different types of plastics are used for packaging materials, especially in form of low density polyethylene (LDPE). The aim of the study was to degrade polyethylene using bacteria from waste dump sites in Alakahia and Ogbogoro of Obio/ Apkor Local Government Area, Rivers State. Soil samples were randomly collected from Alakahia and Ogbogoro dump sites in Obio/Apkor Local Government Area, in Rivers state. Polyethylene degraders were determined using microscopy and weight loss methods. The total heterotrophic bacterial counts recorded were 3.03 x 106 CFU/g and 1.12 x 106 CFU/g for Ogbogoro and Alakahia samples. The total count of Pseudomonas recorded were 5.0 x 104 CFU/g and 4.9 x 104 CFU/g for Ogbogoro and Alakahia sample. There was no significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) within the counts of the samples. The bacteria isolated from the soil collected from the dumpsites were Bacillus sp, Klebsiella sp, Pseudomonas sp, Staphylococcus sp, Serratia sp, Escherichia coli, Shigella sp, Salmonella sp. The identified bacteria were Pseudomonas proteolytica NR025588.1, Pseudomonas aeruginosa CP0296051 and Bacillus circulans CP026031.1. From the result of the degradative ability by the individual microorganism using weight loss measurement, Pseudomonas aeruginosa CP0296051 showed a greater percentage of degradation of polyethylene of 5% to 27.03% (after 150 days) followed by Pseudomonas proteolytica NR025588.1 which recorded percentage degradation of 6.0% to 23.28% (after 150 days) while Bacillus circulans CP02603.1 recorded the least percentage of 5% to 19.9% (after 150 days). The result of degradative potential of the microbes in consortium set ups showed that the consortium of Pseudomonas aeruginosa CP0296051 and Bacillus circulans CP02603.1 (B8+B6) showed the highest degradation potential producing degradation percentage range of 8.7 to 46.80% after 150 days of the study and the least degradation potential of polyethylene was observed in Pseudomonas aeruginosa CP0296051 and Pseudomonas proteolytica NRO255SS.1 (B6+B3) with the percentage range of 5% to 27.03% after 150 days. From the study, Pseudomonas sp, Bacillus sp and their consortium showed higher potential to degrade low density polyethylene (LDPE) hence the prospect in remediation of polyethylene.

The study included the isolation, cultural characteristics, molecular identification of bacterial isolated from land snail Achatina achatina and the enhanced antibacterial potential of Xylopia aetiopica extracts in consortium with alum on some bacteria isolated from Achatina achatina (land snail). Isolates associated with the intestine of the snails were isolated using standard microbiological methods and subjected to standard microbiological procedures such as, culturing isolation, identification; the cultural characteristics of all isolated bacterial strains were elucidated on International Streptomyces Project media (ISP2-ISP-7). 16S rRNA marker gene was used for molecular identification using 27F and 1492R universal primers and sensitivity testing using alum and plant extracts (Agar well Diffusion method). Tube dilution method was used to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) using double-fold serial dilutions at concentrations 62.5mg/ml to 400 mg/ml. The bacterial isolates identified were; Escherichia coliMW46885, Bacillus cereus AP007209, S. aureus CP051191 and Salmonella typhimurium AE006468. The result of phytochemical component present in X. aethiopica were; Tannin Alkaloid, Flavonoid, and Saponin with values, 2.22±0.08, 5.55±0.78, 6.55±0.21, and 10.55±0.07mg/kg respectively. Results of the inhibitory activity of the extracts and alum were dose-dependent. Methanolic extract of X. aethiopica were more active on E. coli24.50±0.71 at 250mg/ml, Aqueous extract of X. aethiopica were more active on E. coli and Salmonella typhi (21.0±0.00mm), at 250mg/ml and Staphylococcus aureus (20.0±0.00mm) at 125mg/ml and 62.5mg/ml concentrations respectively. Alum were more active on Staphylococcus aureus (25.0±0.00mm) at 250mg/ml concentrations. The result of the combination methanol extract of X. aethiopica and alum showed it more effect on Bacillus cereus (22.0±0.00) at 250mg/ml concentrations. The combination effect of aqueous extract of X. aethiopica and alum revealed the inhibitory effect were more on Bacillus cereus (21.0±0.00) at 250mg/ml concentrations while it was more active on Staphylococcus aureus (15.5±0.71mm) at 62.5mg/ml conc. The result of the combination treatments of methanolic, aqueous extracts of X. aethiopica, and alum showed that the inhibitory effect was more on E, coli and Staphylococcus aureus (18.0±0.00) at 250mg/ml conc., E. coli and Salmonella typhi (15.0±0.00) at 125mg/ml conc. and Salmonella typhi (14.0±0.00mm) at 62.5mg/ml conc. and ciprofloxacin which serves as control has higher inhibition potentials. Xylopia aetiopica has been reported to possess anticancer, antidiabetic, antimalarial, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory and antibacterial properties. Tube dilution method was used to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) using double-fold serial dilutions at concentrations 62.5mg/ml to 400 mg/ml. statistically, there was a significant difference (p≤0.05) in the antibacterial activity of the alum, methanol, and aqueous extracts of X. aethiopica. The minimum inhibitory concentrations at which the extracts were effective against the bacterial isolates was at the 400mg/ml to 300mg/ml concentrations. The MICs values of the extracts and their combinations revealed significantly the inhibitory activities. The study has revealed some level of antibacterial activity and antibacterial activity of the extracts on these bacterial isolates is promising as the extracts could be used as a cheap antibacterial for the treatment of infections caused by these bacteria.

Aim: To determine the fungal population and physicochemistry of abattoir impacted soil in Iwofe, Rivers State. Study Design: This study focused on Abattoir impacted soil. Statistical analysis of data and interpretation was carried out. Place and Duration of Study: Abattoir impacted soil was collected from three points in an abattoir located in Iwofe, Rivers State while the unpolluted soil which served as control was collected from the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt in January, 2021. Methodology: Standard microbiological techniques were used: the fungal population was determined by inoculating aliquots of an appropriate dilution resulting from a ten-fold serial dilution on prepared Sabouraud dextrose agar plates in duplicates. Plates were later incubated for 3-5 days after which colonies were enumerated and used in obtaining the fungal population in the soil samples while distinct colonies were subcultured for macroscopic and microscopic identification of fungi. The physicochemical parameters and heavy metals were analyzed using standard methods. Results: Fungal load in the control and abattoir impacted soil were 1.09×105 and 3.9×104 CFU/g, respectively. The fungal load of the control soil was significantly higher (P˂0.05) than the abattoir impacted soil. The fungal isolates identified in the abattoir impacted soil were Microsporium sp, Aspergillus niger and Candida sp while Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium sp, Penicillium sp, Mucor sp and Rhizopus sp were identified from the control soil. The pH, temperature, nitrate and phosphate of the abattoir soil were 6.7, 28.33℃, 27.83(mgKg-1) and 1055(mgKg-1), respectively. The concentrations of Cadmium, Iron and Lead in the abattoir Impacted soil and control soil were 0.81, 563.35 and 7.12 mgKg-1, 0.51, 582.0 and 3.18 mgKg-1, respectively. The physico chemistry and heavy metals in the abattoir soil were within acceptable limits. Discussion and Conclusion: The findings from this study showed that heavy metals in abattoir impacted soil had an impact in the fungal population which led to the isolation of only three fungal isolates belonging to Microsporium sp, Candida sp and Aspergillus niger. More so, despite the presence of heavy metals in the abattoir impacted soil, the metals were all within permissible limits. Thus, the abattoir impacted soil was not heavily polluted.

The study was conducted at three (3) hospitals; University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Meridian Hospital D / line branch (MRD1) and Meridian Hospital Ikoku branch, all located in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Sample collection was for three (3) months, analysis was carried out daily for six (6) months. A total of Forty-five (45) water samples were collected for a period of three (3) months from the three (3) hospitals. The samples were labelled properly, according to date and time of collection. The collected samples were subjected to standard microbiological procedures which included standard plate counts, identification, biofilm screening, sensitivity testing using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, Phenotypic screening of extended spectrum beta lactamase and molecular characterization of the isolates. The physicochemical and bacteriological quality of the water samples were analysed using standard methods. The results of the bacterial population of water samples from the hospitals showed that the total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranged from 0.7 to 1.1 x104 cfu/ml while total coliform and faecal coliform counts ranged from 0.3 to 0.5 x 102 cfu/ml and 0.1 to 0.2 x102 cfu/ml, respectively. There was a significant difference (p≤0.05) in the total heterotrophic bacterial, total coliform and faecal coliform counts between the hospitals sampled. A total of nineteen (19) bacterial isolates were isolated from water samples and 13(68.4%) isolates were identified as biofilm producers. The biofilm bacteria identified were 46.1% Staphylococcus, 15.4% E. coli, 23.1% Pseudomonas and 15.4% Proteus species. Biofilm forming ability of bacteria is considered a virulent factor and it is implicated to being a possible cause of increased resistance to most antibiotics. Varying susceptibility patterns was observed among biofilm isolates. Biofilm bacteria were resistant to several groups of antibiotics. Ofloxacin, Gentamycin, Imipenem and Nitrofurantoin can be used as drugs of interest for biofilm producing bacteria associated with bore hole water from hospitals studied. CTX-M and TET A gene were identified in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis biofilm bacteria in this study and could be possible factors that confer resistance to antibiotics. The presence of icaD and papC gene in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis have been found from genomic studies to be possible factors that confer biofilm producing ability. This study highlighted the presence of biofilm producing bacteria in bore hole water and their resistance to antibiotics. Therefore, there is need for improvement in water treatment practices as well as therapeutic guidance for confirmed infections related to consumption of water containing bacteria with biofilm producing ability.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the antibiogram of biofilm producing bacteria isolated from urine of patients in three hospitals in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Study Design: The study employs statistical analysis of the data and interpretation Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at three (3) hospitals; University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Meridian Hospital D / line branch (MRD1) and Meridian Hospital Ikoku branch, all located in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Sample collection was for three (3) months, analysis was carried out daily and it lasted for six (6) months. Methodology: A total of Forty-five (45) urine samples were collected for a period of three (3) months from the three (3) hospitals. The samples were labelled properly, according to date and time of collection. The collected samples were subjected to standard microbiological procedures which includes standard plate counts, identification, biofilm screening, sensitivity testing using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, Phenotypic screening of extended spectrum beta lactamase and molecular characterization of the isolates Results: The results of the bacterial population of urine samples from the hospitals showed that the total heterotrophic bacterial counts for Meridian Hospital D/line (MRD1), Meridian Hospital Ikoku (MRD2) and University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) ranged from 4.93 - 6.30 x107cfu/ml. The Total coliform count ranged from 1.89-3.04 x106cfu/ml for Meridian Hospital D/line (MRD1), Meridian Hospital Ikoku (MRD2) and University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). Total faecal coliform counts ranged from 0.78-1.11 x105CFU/ml for Meridian Hospital D/line (MRD1), Meridian Hospital Ikoku (MRD2) and University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). A total of fifty-eight (58) bacterial isolates were isolated from urine of patients and 36(62.1%) isolates were identified as biofilm producers. The biofilm bacteria identified were 17.2% Staphylococcus,6.9% E. coli, 10.3% Pseudomonas, 6.9% Proteus ,10.3% Bacillus and 10.3% Enterococcus species. Biofilm forming ability of bacteria is considered a virulent factor and it is implicated to being a possible cause of increased resistance to most antibiotics. Varying susceptibility pattern was observed among biofilm isolates. Biofilm bacteria were resistant to several groups of antibiotics. Ofloxacin, Gentamycin, Imipenem and Nitrofurantoin can be used as drug of interest for most bacterial biofilm urinary tract infections. CTX-M and TET A gene were identified in the biofilm bacteria in this study to be possible factors that confer resistance to antibiotics. The presence of icaD and papC gene in the isolates whose genome were studied have been found to be possible factors that confers biofilm producing ability. This study indicates the emergence and rapid spread of biofilm producing bacteria and their resistance to antibiotics. Therefore, strict infection control practices as well as therapeutic guidance for confirmed infections should be rapidly initiated.

Wetland soils constitute vast, under-exploited and sometimes undiscovered ecologies in many countries of the World, including Nigeria. A total of 54 wetland soil samples including surface and subsurface soil at depths of 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm were collected using a sterile hand auger for a period of three months between August and October and subjected to standard and analytical microbiological procedures. The wetland soil samples were further subjected to atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) to check for presence and concentration of heavy metals. Results obtained showed that apart from heterotrophic bacterial and fungal counts, hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria (HUB) counts were higher in the surface soil ranging from 12.06±3.43bX107 cfu/g at Iwofe to 6.19±2.67aX107 cfu/g at Chokocho while subsurface soil had HUB ranging from 8.91±6.67aX103 cfu/g at Eagle Island to 4.93±3.95aX103cfu/g at Chokocho. Heavy metals such as Fe, Pb, Cd and Ni were recorded in concentrations above FEPA permissible limit in the surface and subsurface soil across the three wetlands. The heavy metal concentration in each wetland however, decreased with an increase in soil depth. According to literatures, elevated levels of heavy metals in soils decrease microbial population, diversity and activities. However, the microbial population in this study increased with increasing heavy metal concentration which indicates that the microbes can tolerate or utilize heavy metals in their systems; as such can be used for bioremediation of heavy metal polluted soils.

Aim: To carry out a Comparative mould analysis using groundnut shell infusion agar (GSA) and potato dextrose agar (PDA), as the control. Study Design: Laboratory-experimental design was used in this study. Place and Duration of Study: Soil samples were obtained from three different locations (Garden soil beside Biology Main Laboratory, opposite Faculty of Law and Faculty of Agriculture) in Rivers State University, Port Harcourt Rivers State, Nigeria. The study was carried out for three (3) months at the Microbiology Laboratory, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. Methodology: Groundnut Shell Infusion Agar (GSA) was prepared by weighing 28 g of blended gari and 15 g of agar powder into 1L of groundnut shells filtrate. Potato dextrose Agar (PDA), a conventional medium was prepared according to the manufacturer’s specifications. GSA was prepared by weighing 28 g of blended gari and 15 g of agar powder into 1L of groundnut shells filtrate. Potato dextrose agar, a conventional medium was prepared according to the Manufacturer’s specifications. Results: The mean mould counts from the different locations ranged from 3.7×107 cfu/ml to 7.8×107 cfu/ml on GSA and 3.7×107 cfu/ml to 1.5×109 cfu/ml on PDA following incubation at room temperature (27°c ± 2) for 3-5 days. The moulds identified were Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Trichoderma viride, Rhizopus sp. Mucor sp. Botrytis sp. Helminthosporium caryopsidum, and Penicillum sp. Conclusion: From the results obtained, it showed that GSA could be used successfully for quantitative mould counts and other mycological studies. This would proffer solution to the high cost of conventional media used for moulds as well as agro waste pollution in the environment.