Research Articles

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Subcrticial ethanol-water and ionic liquid extraction systems coupled with multi-frequency ultrasound in extraction and purification of polysaccharides.
(Seperation Science and Technology, 2022) Otu, P. N. Y.; Azumah, B. K.; Tefler, F.A.; Cunsshan, Z.; Xiaojie, Y.; Agyapong, H.; Oklu, M. M.; Arhin, R. E.; Osae, R.
This study obtained crude sorghum leaf sheath polysaccharide (39.99% wet matter (wm)) by subcritical ethanol-water (40% v/v) extraction (180°C, 40 min). The subcritical extraction solution was transformed into an ionic liquid aqueous two-phase extraction system and subsequently coupled with ultrasound extraction to obtain partially purified polysaccharides (PPP). PPP yields of 20.89%, 27.38%, and 36.49% (wm) were obtained using 60 kHz, 20/60 kHz, and 20/40/60 kHz ultrasound frequencies, respectively. Polysaccharide functional groups such as hydroxyl, aldehyde, and amide were detected using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). Amylose contents of 15%, 18%, and 25% were obtained for PPP under single, dual, and tri-frequencies, respectively. Amylose contents were associated with aggregation of PPP particles sizes after heat exposure (70°C for 1 h 50 min). Triple-frequency extracted polysaccharides with the highest uronic acid (1.51%) and polyphenolic (27.79%) contents had an IC50 of 1.37 mg/mL in an in-vitro hydroxyl scavenging activity assay. Three interesting co-extracted bioactive phytochemicals; 2-amino-5[(2-carboxy)vinyl]-Imidazole, N-[4-bromo-n butyl]-2-Piperidinone, and 3-Trifluoroacetyl Pentadecane were detected. The PPP extract showed antioxidant activity and contained phytochemicals with potential antimicrobial and antiviral activities, and thus may be useful in food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical applications.
Structural and bioactive characterization of purified polysaccharide from deep-freeze pretreated Sorghum bicolor L. leaf sheath.
(Industrial Crops and Products, 2022) Otu, P. N. Y.; Azumah, B. K.; Jessica, O. M.; Zhou, C.; Yu, X.; Joseph, A.; Abraham, Q.
This study determined the effect of deep-freeze pretreatment of sorghum leaf sheath on the extraction yield of ultrasound-extracted purified polysaccharides (DFUP-1), and confirmed the physicochemical, structural and bioactive characteristics of DFUP-1. Deep-freeze pretreatment induced breaks in the cell walls and resulted in a higher yield (14.35%) of crude polysaccharide extract than without pretreatment (9.23%). The crude extract was purified using DEAE-52 cellulose ion exchange and Sephadex G-100 gel-filtration chromatography to obtain DFUP-1. The 1H and 13C NMR spectra of DFUP-1 showed the presence of β-glycosidic linkages and a substitution at C6 of the sugars which may be O-methyl substitution or due to β (1−6) linkages. Peaks for α-anomeric linkages were not detected. The FTIR spectrum of DFUP-1 confirmed its carbohydrate functional groups. Periodate oxidation and formic acid analysis of DFUP-1 showed 1-, 1–6, 1–2, 1–3 and 1–4 linkages. GC-MS analysis of monosaccharide residues of DFUP-1 showed presence of glucose, galactose, arabinose, mannose and xylose. Congo red assay showed that DFUP-1 was not of triple-helix configuration. The ABTS+ and DPPH radical scavenging assay showed an IC50 of 0.10 mg/mL and 1.19 mg/mL for DFUP-1 respectively. At 0.2 mg/mL DFUP-1 showed anti-inflammatory (anti-egg denaturation) activity of 41.52%. The DFUP-1 sample showed lower inhibitory effect against proliferation of leukemia cells at an IC50 of 37.43 µg/mL compared to curcumin with IC50 of 0.98 µg/mL. Taken together, deep-freeze pretreatment coupled with ultrasound extraction increases yield of sorghum leaf sheath polysaccharides with potential nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.
Room Temperature Plastination of Three Species of Fish (Tilapia, African Catfish and African Bonytongue) in Ghana
(International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology, 2014) Ameko, E.; Achio, S.; Alhassan, S.; Toku, M.
This study assessed the suitability of room temperature plastination with locally available silicone paste and hardener in Ghana for producing plastinates of Tilapia, Catfish and Bonytongue for use as teaching aids. Fresh fish samples were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin solution at room temperature, dehydrated in acetone at room temperature, impregnated with a silicone polymer solution at room temperature, and then hardened by curing in acidic fumes under UV light in a dehumidified environment at room temperature. The weights, morphometric measurements of Girth-Behind-Operculum (GBO), Girth Medially (GM), Head Length (HL), Total Length (TL) and StandardLength (SL), and anatomical proportions of TL/GBO, HL/SL, TL/GM, HL/TL, GBO/GM, and SL/TL were determined for each fresh sample and at the end of each plastination stage. Differences in weights and anatomical dimensions of fresh and plastinated samples of the three fish species were not significant except for the Catfish GM and Tilapias weights. Differences in the anatomical proportions of fresh and plastinated samples were not significant (P>0.05) with the exception of the Catfish TL/GBO and TL/GM. Mean weight losses at the end of plastination were 35.2%, 34.5% and 28.2% for Tilapia, Catfish and Bonytongue respectively. The plastinates were well preserved and dry, hard, and odorless, and could be handled with bare hands. Since the anatomical dimensions and proportions of the plastinates were not significantly different from those of the fresh samples it shows that room temperature plastination is suitable for preserving Tilapia, Catfish and Bonytongue.
Evaluation of Three Methods of Application of Malt Crude Enzyme Extracts from Three Cereals in Ghana on Maltose Syrup Production from Cassava Starch
(IJRSI, 2015) Ameko, E.; Achio, S.; Alhassan, S.; Akansegri, J. B.; Boateng, L. S.
- In this study two forms of Crude Enzymes from Malts (CEM): (1). Crude Enzyme Solution (CES) and (2). Homogenised Malt in Cheesecloth Bags (HMCB), from Obaatanpa maize (OM), Sorghum bicolor (SB) and Proso millet (PM) malts were compared to the standard application of Homogenised Malts (HM) on Cassava starch for maltose syrup production. Yields of Sweet Juices and maltose syrups were significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) among the CEM’s and was in the order CEMOM > CEMSB > CEMPM. Yields of Sweet Juices and maltose syrups among the CEM’s were significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) and in the order CES > HMCB > HM. DE of maltose syrups depended on the cereal used for the CEM and on the mode of application. Percent reducing sugar and pH of syrups depended on the cereal used for the CEM but was independent of the mode of application. The percent sulphated ash was independent of the cereal used for the CEM and mode of application. The use of CES’s instead of HM’s for the hydrolysis of Cassava starch significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the yields and DE’s of maltose syrups.
Plastination of Some Cow and Ram Organs in Ghana for Use as Teaching Aids
(International Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences and Technology, 2011) Ameko, E.; Achio, S.; Alhassan, S.; Adasu, C.; Dzagbletey, E. T.; Abbey, P. R.
The plastination procedure was adapted using locally available materials in Ghana to prepare plastinated specimens of the heart and kidneys of a Cow, the lungs and attached trachea of a Ram, and the penis and attached testicles of a Ram for use as teaching aids. The extent of shrinkage varied among the various organs and among the various stages of plastination. For the individual specimens the extents of shrinkages at the beginning and at the end of each plastination stage were not significantly different (P≤0.05) but significantly different (P≤0.05) among the various stages of plastination. The extents of shrinkage among the various organs were not significantly different. Shrinkage was highest at dehydration and the least at fixation. With the exception of the Ram’s lung which discoloured and lost its natural shape the plastinated specimens maintained their shapes and are satisfactory for use as teaching aids. Plastination could easily be adapted for preparing teaching aids for science classes at all levels of education in Ghana.
Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis of Concentrations of Vanadium, Manganese, Arsenic, Mercury, Cadmium and Aluminium in Muscle, Tissue of Four Fish Species from the Weija Lake in Ghana
(European Scientific Journal, 2014) Ameko, E.; Achio, S.; Okai – Armah, J.; Afful, S.
The Weija Lake, formed from the Densu River, presently one of the most polluted rivers in Ghana, is a domestic source of Tilapia and Catfish. This study determined the concentration of V, Mn, As, Hg, Cd, and Al in the muscles of Tilapia zillii, Clarias gariepinus, Sarotherodon galilea, and Oreochromis niloticus from the Weija Lake using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis. The relationships between metal concentrations in fish muscles on one hand, and fish length and weight, condition factor (Kf), and metal concentrations in the water on the other hand were also determined. All four fish species showed negative allometric growth. Kf correlated negatively with V, Mn and Al concentrations in T. zilli, and positively with V, Mn and Al concentrations in C. gariepinus, O. niloticus and S. galilea. Fish lengths and weights correlated negatively with V, Mn and Al concentrations in fish, with no significant correlation with As, Hg and Cd levels. Metal concentrations in water correlated positively with concentrations in fish. The Estimated Average Daily Doses from consumption of fish from the lake were 6113µg - 33778.5µg V, 114,098.2µg - 530,371µg Al, and 34,383.6µg - 129492µg Mn respectively, and these exceeded the recommended ADIs of <1800µg V, 142.8µg Al, and 11,000µg Mn respectively. The results indicate safe levels of Arsenic, Mercury, and Cadmium, and unsafe levels of Vanadium, Aluminium and Manganese in T. zillii, C. gariepinus, S. galilea, and O. niloticus from the lake.
Comparative analysis on the effectiveness of various filtration methods on the potability of water
(Water Quality Research Journal of Canada, 2016) Achio, S.; Kutsanedzie, F.; Ameko, E.
This paper comparatively assessed the effectiveness of potable water filtration methods, commonly used in the hinterlands in some Ghanaian communities. Physico-chemical and microbiological analysis were carried out on pond, dam and river water samples, using spectrophotometric, pour plate count and the most probable number (MPN) methods. For the unfiltered water samples the total dissolved solids (TDS) and colour were the only parameters with values within recommended standards. The other parameters, total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, total coliforms and bacterial counts levels were above their standard recommended values. All the filtration methods showed reduction in the levels or better accepted values of the physico-chemical and microbiological parameters. The ceramic filters and the household sand filters showed outstanding results, with all analysed parameters being within the acceptable standards levels. These two methods could be promoted for use to treat untreated drinking water. It is envisaged that a combination of a number of these methods would produce even better results, especially when agents such as alum and activated carbon are included. Follow-up research in this regard is therefore recommended.
Effects of Antibiotic Self-Medication on the Efficacy of Four Antibiotics Commonly used in Ghana on Clinically Isolated Micro Organisms
(International Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences and Technology, 2012) Ameko, E.; Achio, S.; Alhassan, S.
Antibiotic resistance is associated with antibiotic abuse through self medication. Antibiotic resistance is established through antimicrobic susceptibility testing of isolated pathogens to the antibiotic of interest. Between June and October 2008, 150 urine samples collected from patients referred to a Clinical Laboratory in Accra Ghana for clinical laboratory tests were processed. Positive and negative cultures were 60% and 40% respectively of all samples. 34.7% of patients had self medicated and 65.3% had not. 54.24% of the negative cultures were from the self medicated subjects and 45.76% from non-self medicated subjects. 78.02% of positive cultures were from non-self medicating subjects while 21.98% were from self medicated subjects. E. coli, S. aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia were isolated according to standard methods and their sensitivities to Augmentin, Gentamycin, Imipenem and Amoxicillin antibiotics determined by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. K. pneumoniae was totally resistant to Gentamycin, Augmentin and Amoxicillin; E. coli was totally resistant to Amoxicillin and S. aureus totally sensitive to Imipenem. Generally, more antibiotic self-medicating individuals had resistant pathogens than non selfmedicating individuals. The results confirm that antibiotic self medication prior to clinically prescribed antibiotic treatment has a significant influence on the response of bacteria to the clinically administered antibiotics.
Identification of Lubricating Oil-Degrading Microorganisms in Oil Polluted Soils from Five Auto- mechanic Workshops in Accra, Ghana
(Journal of Environment and Earth Science, 2013) Ameko, E.; Achio, S.; Alhassan, S.; Sadique, I.
Trichothecium, Trichoderma, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium, and Penicillium spp. from oil contaminated soil from 5 Mechanic Shops in Accra, Ghana showed zones of clearance of oil on Minimum Salt Enrichment Medium (MSEM) Agar seeded with 1000ppm Engen™ Lubricating Oil (ELO), so were counted as presumptive lubricating oil-utilizing moulds. Significant increases (P ? 0.05) in viable counts, fungal dry weights and optical densities; significant decreases (P ? 0.05) in pH’s of pure cultures of the moulds in MSEM+1.0%(v/v) ELO medium at 30°C for 0 - 25 day’s; positive correlations between viable counts and fungal dry weights, viable counts and optical densities, and fungal dry weights and optical densities; and negative correlations between pH and viable counts, and pH and optical densities, confirmed the moulds as lubricating oil consuming fungi with potential for use in bioremediation of oil polluted soils. Aspergillus niger exhibited the highest bioremediation capacity and Trichothecium the least.
Microbial safety of raw mixed-vegetable salad sold as an accompaniment to street vended cooked rice in Accra, Ghana
(Academic Journals, 2012) Ameko, E.; Achio, S.; Alhassan, S.; Kassim, A.
A survey of 90 randomly selected subjects indicated raw mixed-vegetable salad as a popular accompaniment to cooked rice sold by street-food vendors in the Kokomlemle municipality of Accra, Ghana, but the salad was generally considered unwholesome and a potential cause of diarrhoea. A survey of 15 vendors of cooked rice indicated that the sources of raw vegetables, method of transportation from the sources to the kitchens, and methods of storing the raw vegetables before processing, as well as the methods of processing and sale, made the raw mixed-vegetable salad accompaniment a potential source of food poisoning from microbial contamination. Microbial analysis of samples of the salads obtained from five randomly selected vendors in the mornings and afternoons, over 15 days, indicated that bacterial counts for all samples exceeded the recommended World Health Organization (WHO) standard of Log10 3.0 cfu/g. Levels of Pseudomonas, Salmonella typhi, Shigella sp., and Streptococcus faecalis did not show any significant difference (P<0.05) among vendors and did not differ significantly (P<0.05) over the 15 days. Significantly, higher levels of microbial contamination (P<0.05) occurred in the afternoon, than in the morning samples. The results confirm that the raw mixed vegetable salads which are sold as accompaniment to street vended cooked rice in the Kokomlemle municipality contain S. faecalis from fecal contamination, Pseudomonas, Shigella sp., and S. typhi which could cause gastrointestinal infections and the highest risk was from the afternoon samples.
Concerns on Issues of Examination Malpractices A Case Study of Accra Polytechnic
(Academic Research International, 2012) Achio, S.; Ameko, E.; Kutsanedzie, F.; Alhassan, S.; Ganaa, F.
Examination malpractice contravenes the rules and regulations set by examination bodies. This research looks at the forms, the factors and key players in examination malpractices, as well as the consequences and measures to combat this menace. Administering of questionnaires using random sampling, and analysis of collected data were done. 90 out of the 96 sampled-staff in Accra Polytechnic responded. Results reveal that most of the leakages came from candidate’s peers (66.7 %). The common forms of examination malpractice included writings on items (100%) and on candidates’ bodies (83.3 %). From 2000 to 2011 the various forms of examination malpractices increased, from 5 to 12. About 37 % of the respondents had ever been involved in a malpractice; and 94.5 % confessed that examination malpractice is bad. There was no correlation between the ages or gender and involvement in examination malpractices. Adequate orientation to all stakeholders and on-time implementation of approved sanctions to culprits, as well as the adaptation of the Competency Based Teaching / Learning (CBT / L) are measures highly recommended to help address the issues of examination malpractice.
In vitro evaluation of anti-snake venom properties of the ethanolic extracts from annona senegalensis (pers) and cinnamomum zeylanicum (blume).
(American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2018) Kaminta, S.; Boamah, D.; Debrah, O.; Quarcoo, A.; Ofosuhene, M.; Ayi, I.; Annan, A.
Ultra-Performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS)-based metabolomic analysis of mycelial biomass of three Ganoderma isolates from the Lower Volta River Basin of Ghana.
(Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 2021) Adotey, G.; Alolga, R. N.; Quarcoo, A.; Gedel, M. A.; Anang, A. K.; Holliday, J. C.
Shelf-life improvement of sorghum beer (pito) through the addition of Moringa oleifera and pasteurization.
(2016) Ayirezang, F. A.; Saba, C. K. S.; Amagloh, F. K.; Gonu, H.
Pito is a traditional alcoholic beverage that is mostly brewed in the three northern regions of Ghana. Although widely consumed and used in many festivities, poor storability limits its economic potential as an income-generating venture for most women. This study was carried out to improve the shelf-life of pito through the addition of Moringa oleifera leaf extract and pasteurization (75 to 80°C). Microbial enumeration, physico-chemical parameters (pH, extract (%) and alcohol) and consumer preference scores were used as quality indices of each pito treatment carried out. There was a general decline in coliform and fungi growth and in the physico-chemical (pH, extract (%) and alcohol) properties during the 56 days of storage. Microbial load, extract (%), alcohol content and pH were significantly different (P<0.05) among treatments. Pasteurized moringa pito had the least microbial load. The treated pito samples had higher values in pH, extract (%) and alcohol content than the untreated pito during storage. There was high consumer acceptability of pasteurized pito from the 0 day to the 28 days of storage, with a mean score of 4.27 ± 0.75 to 3.61 ± 1.36. However, the moringa treated pito (pasteurized moringa pito and moringa pito) was less preferred (with a mean score of 2.86 ± 1.19 to 1.87 ± 0.92) from the 0 day to the 28 days of storage. The untreated pito was also acceptable for a period of seven days. Based on the findings of this research, it can be concluded that pasteurization and/or the addition of M. oleifera leaf extract can improve the shelf-life of pito for four weeks, but addition of moringa extract in pito reduced consumer preference for it. Further research using other antimicrobial plants is recommended as consumers did not like pito with the M. oleifera leaf extract.
Procedure for indirect smoking of skipjack tuna with mahogany liquid smoke and comparative sensory analysis to traditionally smoked skipjack tuna
(Semantic Scholar, 2016) Ameko, E.; Commey, V.; Achio, S.; Kutsanedzie, F. Y. H.; Abrokwah, A.; Alhassan, S.; Goddey, P.
Liquid Smoked Skipjack Tuna (LSST) was prepared by initial marinating of fresh Tuna in 100% Mahogany Liquid Smoke followed by heat processing in a smokeless environment in a Portable Wooden Box Electric Dehydrator (PWBED). A Descriptive Rating Test showed that the sensory properties (Aroma, Colour, Taste and Texture) of LSST were not significantly different (p > 0.05) from those of Traditionally Smoked Skipjack Tuna (TSST). A Triangle Test showed there were no significantly (p > 0.05) detectable differences between the sensory properties of LSST and TSST. An Acceptability Test indicated that the LSST and TSST were both liked by consumers. The sensory properties of Mahogany Liquid Smoked Skipjack Tuna were therefore not significantly different from those of Traditionally Smoked Skipjack Tuna. Liquid Smoke production from waste sawdust and wood waste could be used to produce smoked Skipjack Tuna acceptable to Ghanaian consumers. The adoption of the liquid smoke technology for fish smoking would improve on the efficiency of the fish smoking processes in Ghana and also facilitate the management and utilisation of wood waste for useful purposes in Ghana.
Antioxidant activity of corchorus olitorius and its effect on lipid peroxidation in mice.
(Elixir International, 2018) Yabani, D.; Adotey, G.
The study examined the antioxidant and anti-lipid peroxidative activity of Corchorus olitorius. Antioxidant activity was examined in-vitro by 1,1,-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging method. Lipid peroxidation, examined by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in erythrocytes of three groups of mice fed different levels of C. olitorius, showed reduction in MDA from 1.38 to 0.94 μmol/g Hb and 1.22 to 0.83 μmol/g Hb in male and female mice respectively. No significant change in weights (p>0.05) were found in the liver, kidney, heart, spleen and lungs of the mice. Changes in body weights were significant (p<0.05) suggesting C. olitorius’ potential use in obesity management.
Antibiotic prophylaxis and cloacal carriage of resistant zoonotic bacteria in commercially-bred poultry
(AJP, 2019) Arhin, R. E.; Hackman, H. K.; Sa-eed, A.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the use of antibiotic prophylactics in commercial poultry breeding and cloacal carriage of antibiotic-resistant zoonotic bacteria. Methodology: Biodata was collected on poultry from 11 selected farms. Cloacal swabs were collected from 10 birds from each farm for culture, isolation and biochemical identification of bacteria isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility of 96 Enterobacteriaceae and 24 Staphylococcus aureus isolates were determined by disk diffusion. Findings: Antibiotics prophylaxis administered to the birds were chloramphenicol (40/110), penicillin (20/110), doxycycline (20/110), gentamicin (10/110), neomycin (10/100) and a combination of chloramphenicol, ampicillin, penicillin and cloxacillin (10/100). These were administered either weekly (90/110), every 3 days (10/110) or monthly (10/100). Two hundred and fifty six (256) different bacteria isolates were recovered. These were Escherichia coli (31.6%), Staphylococcus aureus (14.5%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (12.1%), Proteus sp. (12.1%), Citrobacter sp. (9%), Proteus vulgaris (5.1%), Salmonella enterica (4.7%), Citrobacter koseri (4.3%), Klebsiella sp. (2.8%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (2.3%), Shigella sp. (2.3%), Enterobacter sp. (0.8%) and Klebsiella oxytoca (0.4%). Of 96 Enterobacteriaceae, 60 (63%) were multidrug resistant. Enterobacteriaceae were resistant to ampicillin (54%), tetracycline (52%), cotrimoxazole (54%), gentamicin (22%), cefuroxime (44%), vancomycin (19%), chloramphenicol (39%), ceftriaxone (29%), cefotaxime (71%), ciprofloxacicn (21%), amikacin (10%) and meropenem (23%). Of 24 Staphylococcus aureus, 17 (71%) were multidrug resistant. Staphylococcus aureus were resistant to ampicillin (89%), cotrimoxazole (59%), gentamicin (24%), vancomycin (67%), ciprofloxacin (18%), meropenem (33%), tetracycline (85%), cloxacillin (100%), penicillin (81%), erythromycin (71%), cefuroxime (43%) and augmentin (45%). Doxycycline-prophylaxis wasignificantly related (0.001) to tetracycline-nonsusceptible isolates but chloramphenicol-prophylaxis and penicillin-prophylaxis were not significantly related (<0.05) to resistance to their corresponding antibiotics.
Effects of moringa oleifera leaves and seeds extracts against food spoilage fungi.
(Scientific Research, 2020) Ayirezang, F. A.; Azumah, B. K.; Achio, S.
Fungal foodborne diseases pose serious public health problems and cause significant loss of the world’s food stock as a result of toxic contamination. Hence the need to find solutions to foodborne fungal contaminants. This study investigated the antifungal and phytochemical properties of Moringa oleifera leaves and seeds using various extraction solvents (acetone, water, ethanol and methanol). Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger isolated from food samples were used as test organisms. The Agar Well Diffusion method was used to determine the antifungal activities of Moringa oleifera leave and seed extracts, while standard phytochemical tests were used to analyze for the phytochemicals. Moringa oleifera leave and seed extracts showed the presence of glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, phenols and hydrolysable tannins after the chemical test. At 100 mg/ml for Methanol extract, the leaves gave wider zones of inhibition (18.33 mm against A. flavus and 17.17 mm against A. niger) than the seed extract (16.50 mm against A. flavus and 16.33 mm against A. niger) for all test organism. The activity of the extracts were however lower than Sodium benzoate (33 mm at 100 mg/ml), as standard. The Minimum Inhibition Concentration of the plant extracts was most active at 25 mg/ml. Moringa oleifera leaves and seeds extracts may serve as natural antifungals for controlling growth of food spoilage fungi, and therefore may be used as a bio-preservative agent for prolonging the shelf-life of food products.
Microbial diversity and antibiotic resistance of bacteria on washroom fomites in a public university
(AJP, 2020) Arhin, R. E.; Hackman, H. K.; Whyte, B. K.; Sa-eed, A.
Purpose:To determine the diversity and distribution of bacteria contaminants on washroom fomites in a public university andtheirresistanceto common antibiotics.Methodology:A sanitation audit was conducted on 21 selected washrooms on seven different blocksin a university. Swabswere collected from68 washroomfomites for bacterial isolation and biochemical identification. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed for 22 Gram positiveand 41 Gram negativebacteria species.Findings:Of 21 washroomsnone had toiletries, 71% did not have flowing water and90% werein the categoryof generally unclean.Of 169 bacteria isolatedStaphylococcus aureusand Escherichia coliwere the predominant species.Of 68 fomites all had bacterial contaminants with 83.8% having 2 to 3 co-occurring species. Gram positivebacteria isolated were resistant to augmentin (100%), meropenem (94%), penicillin (91%), cefuroxime (86%), vancomycin (86%), erythromycin (67%), cloxacillin(64%), tetracyclin (64%), ciprofloxacin (59%), cotrimoxazole (59%), ampicillin (50%) andgentamicin (36%).Gram negative bacteria isolatedwere resistant to meropenem (97%), ceftriaxone (95%), ampicillin (93%), cefuroxime (91%), cefotaxime (84%), vancomycin (82%), tetracyclin (80%), cotrimoxazole (78%), chloramphenicol (50%), ciprofloxacin (71%), amikacin (40%) and gentamicin (24%).Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy:Previous studies on bacteria on fomites in Ghana have focused onhealthcare settings. This study focusedon a university campus which is a non-healthcare setting with a high human presence and pressure on existing washroom facilitiesleading to contamination. The diversity of bacteria on the fomites are representative ofclinically significant antibiotic resistant human enteric and skin flora carried by a seemingly healthy population and providean indication of the potential antibiotic resistance burden in the user community.
In vitro antibacterial activity of Psidium guajava (Guava) leaves extract on carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae causing multi-drug resistant systemic infections.
(2020) Hackman, H. K.; Arhin, R. E.; Azumah, B. K.; Boateng, D.; Nwosu, B.; Apenteng, M.
Systemic bacterial infections affect almost all part of the human body systems leading to infections such as urinary tract infections, septicemia, meningitis, pneumonia, peritonitis and gastritis. Carbapenems have been used as drug of choice in the treatment of systemic infections. Studies have indicated that Enterobacteriaceae are producing enzymes such as carbapenemases, which inactivate carbapenems. There is limited treatment option for systemic infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Systemic infections keep increasing; hence, the determination of the effective treatment options of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae is important for quality healthcare delivery. In this laboratory studies, agar well diffusion and well microplate dilution of the ethanolic extract of the guava leaves was used to determine the effectiveness of Psidium guajava on carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae. The antimicrobial compounds responsible for the antibacterial activity were screened using standard methods. The active zones of inhibition were observed in P. guajava leaves extract concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 mg/ml. The minimum inhibition concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of ethanolic extract of guava leaves was 6.25 mg/ml indicating significant antibacterial activity against the carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae. The antibacterial activity of the leaves extract may be attributed to the presence of flavonoids and other antimicrobial phytochemicals in the guava leaves extract. The outcome of this baseline laboratory studies indicates the possibility of producing efficacious antibiotic to treat carbapenems-resistant systemic infections. The determination of the toxicological effect of the isolated active antimicrobial compounds of guava leaves extract is worth following in subsequent studies.

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