Evaluation of Microbial Contaminants and Antibiogram of Nigerian Paper Currency Notes (Naira) Circulation in Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria

A total of 160 mutilated Naira notes of 8 different denominations were randomly sampled from different occupational groups in Gwagwalada and analyzed for the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, which were subsequently screened for their antibiotic resistance status. The results revealed highest prevalence for Bacillus species (27.1%), Streptococcus species was seconded with prevalence of (18.8%), Staphylococcus species was (5.1%), and Clostridium species (1.9%) while E. coli was least (1.4%).  Contamination based on the occupational groups was higher for the meat and fish sellers than the other groups.  Bacterial counts for the different denominations revealed highest counts for N5 notes (1.59 x 105) and lowest count was for N1000 notes (1.43 x 102). Statistical findings indicated the level of association between naira notes and contamination of microorganisms. Susceptibility studies revealed that Staphylococcus and Streptococcus isolates were all resistant to all the six antimicrobial agents used; while Bacillus species and E. coli were susceptible to tetracycline and penicillin but were resistant to Ampicillin, Streptomycin, Gentamicin and Erythromycin. The Clostridium species were susceptible to Erythromycin but resistant to other drugs used. Our study suggested that the Nigerian paper currency is contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms which could be involved in the transmission of diseases such as meningitis, diarrhea, respiratory syndromes and skin infections. It is important to routinely screen our currency notes for microorganisms and determine their susceptibility to commonly used antimicrobial agents. This is necessary to safeguard public health and control the likelihood of spread of disease to man.Key words: Contaminants, Antibiogram, Naira, Evaluation

Phenotypic Identification of Citrobacter Isolates from Cloacal Swabs of Apparently Healthy Turtles at the River Banks in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria

Citrobacter species are opportunistic pathogens in humans that can lead to invasive disease, including infections of the urinary tract, respiratory tract, Central Nervous System, skin, and soft tissues. A total of 245 cloacal swab samples were collected from the cloaca of apparently healthy turtles and subjected to conventional biochemical tests. Presumptive identification on MacConkey Agar (MAC) and Xylose lysine deoxycholate agar (XLD) yielded 42.0% (103) on each medium, on Eosin Methylene Blue agar (EMB) yielded 21.6 % (53), and on Salmonella-Shigella agar yielded 9.8% (24) isolates while Indole test, Methyl Red, VogesProskauer, Citrate utilization test (IMVIC) and Aesculin hydrolysis tests conformed with the conventional biochemical reactions for Citrobacter. The MicrobactTM 24 E identification test performed on the 23 isolates yielded a prevalence rate of 47.8 % for Citrobacter. However, this study is therefore the first phenotypic study to confirm the presence of Citrobacter species in turtles from the River banks in Lokoja, the study location. Humans can contract the infection through exposure, handling and consumption of poorly cooked turtle meat. Control measures are therefore necessary especially during the handling of apparently healthy turtle, to ensure that proper hygienic measures are observed.</jats:p

Detection and Quantification of Aflatoxins from Commercial Poultry Feed in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

Study’s Excerpt: • Aflatoxins B1 and B2 were detected in commercial poultry feeds in FCT, Nigeria. • Highest Aflatoxin B1 level was 10.81 ppb in feed E. • Aflatoxin B2 reached 9.12 ppb in the same sample. • HPLC-FLD was used for aflatoxin quantification. • Study calls for broader surveillance of mycotoxins in poultry feeds. Full Abstract: This study aimed to extract and quantify Aflatoxins from commercial poultry feed collected from the local markets within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria.  Seven commercial poultry feeds were sampled using a convenient sampling method from six Area Councils of the FCT, Nigeria, and analyzed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography attached to a Fluorescence Detector (HPLC-FLD).  Out of the seven samples analyzed, two types of Aflatoxins were quantified, with Aflatoxin B1 having a concentration of 1.00 parts per billion (ppb) in feed D and 10.81 ppb in feed E, while Aflatoxin B2 was found at a concentration of 2.11 ppb in feed A and 9.12 ppb in feed E.  There is a need for further studies involving other types of mycotoxins that can be detected in commercial poultry feed, which will provide insight into the current state of mycotoxicosis as baseline data for future research and possible control measures to eradicate Aflatoxicosis in FCT poultry farms