Journal of Advances in Microbiology

Molecular Characterization of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2 (HSV-2) among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Some Hospitals within Bauchi Metropolis

2026-09-04T12:05:28+00:00

Background: Herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) belongs to the Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily within the Herpesviridae family and causes genital herpes. Genital HSV infection is a pressing public health issue, with its global prevalence rising significantly over the past 40 years. Pregnancy is a distinct phase of life experienced by many women.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional, hospital-based study conducted among 162 pregnant women who were screened for herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2). Sociodemographic characteristics, risk factors, and clinical characteristics were analysed in relation to HSV-2 test outcomes. Associations were determined using the chi-square test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: A total of 162 blood samples were collected and analysed in the laboratory. The findings revealed that 5 (3.1%) were positive for HSV-2 IgG, and 1 (0.6%) was positive for HSV-2 IgG/IgM. IgG antibodies usually indicate past or latent infection, while IgM antibodies suggest recent or acute infection. The absence of amplified DNA fragments in the five analysed samples indicated that HSV-2 genetic material was not detected at the time of analysis.

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate a relatively low burden of HSV-2 infection among the pregnant women examined, especially when compared with several Nigerian and African studies reporting higher seroprevalence rates. The presence of both IgG (3.1%) and IgG/IgM (0.6%) antibodies confirms that HSV-2 infection still occurs among pregnant women. These findings highlight the importance of integrating molecular diagnostics with serological screening and clinical evaluation to better understand the epidemiology of HSV-2 infection during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to determine the molecular characteristics of herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) among pregnant women attending some hospitals within Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria.

Microbial Contamination of Utensils and Washing Water in a Nigerian Tertiary Institution Restaurant: A Comprehensive Risk Assessment

2026-09-04T12:21:09+00:00

Background: Foodborne illnesses remain a critical public health challenge in developing nations, with contaminated food contact surfaces serving as significant reservoirs for pathogenic microorganisms. Restaurants in tertiary institutions are particularly vulnerable settings, where large, diverse populations consume daily meals under conditions that are rarely subject to rigorous microbiological surveillance.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the microbiological contamination of food-contact utensils, specifically spoons and dishes, and associated washing/rinsing water in restaurants in tertiary institutions in Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria.

Methods: Samples were collected from canteen restaurants at the Federal Polytechnic Offa and were analysed using standard cultural, morphological, and biochemical identification methods. Microbial loads were estimated by spread-plate and streak-plate methods on Nutrient Agar, MacConkey Agar, and Potato Dextrose Agar. Organisms were identified through Gram staining and biochemical tests including catalase, coagulase, motility, starch hydrolysis, and carbohydrate fermentation assays.

Results: Total Aerobic Plate Counts (TAPC) ranged from 1.4 × 10³ to Too Numerous To Count (TNTC) CFU/mL across all sample types. Total Coliform Counts (TCC) and Total Fungal Counts (TFC) were equally elevated, with TCC for spoons reaching 7.6 × 10³ CFU/mL and TFC values up to 6.0 × 10³ SFU/mL. Bacterial isolates identified included Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., Campylobacter jejuni, Enterococcus spp., Micrococcus spp., and Bacillus spp. Fungal isolates comprised Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Rhizopus spp., Cladosporium spp., Fusarium spp., and Epicoccum nigrum.

Conclusion: The high microbial burden across all sample categories reflects systemic failures in sanitation protocols, utensil washing practices, and hygiene education among food handlers. Urgent institutional and regulatory intervention is required to mitigate the risk of foodborne illness outbreaks within these educational settings.

Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Salmonella spp. Isolated from Patients’ Blood Specimen in Federal Medical Center, Umuahia

2026-09-04T12:40:25+00:00

Background: Bloodstream infections caused by Salmonella spp. remain clinically important in settings where sanitation and healthcare infrastructure are limited. This study assessed the prevalence, serotypes, and molecular identity of Salmonella isolates recovered from patients’ blood specimens at Federal Medical Center, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.

Methods: Whole-blood specimens were collected from 470 patients and cultured in blood-culture media. Suspected isolates were assessed by culture morphology, Gram staining, biochemical methods, serological testing, and 16S rRNA sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated by the disk diffusion method.

Results: Of 470 blood specimens cultured, 88 were initially culture-positive for suspected organisms, corresponding to 18.7%. Among 74 samples subcultured, 22 yielded bacterial growth, representing 29.7% of the subcultured samples. Molecular analysis identified four Salmonella enterica strains corresponding to Typhi, Paratyphi A, and the ARA7 isolate reported in the manuscript. The 25–34-year age group accounted for the largest share of positive cases reported, while more positive cases were observed among males than females. The study also reported variation in positivity across the March–August sampling period.

Conclusion: The findings document blood-culture positivity and molecularly confirmed Salmonella strains among patients investigated at Federal Medical Center, Umuahia. Blood culture supported phenotypic detection, while 16S rRNA sequencing provided molecular confirmation of the recovered isolates. These findings provide facility-specific data for the study population and period.

Determinants of Hemoglobin Levels at Antenatal Enrollment: Impact of Malaria Infection and HIV among Pregnant Women in Bamenda, Northwest Cameroon

2026-09-05T08:06:46+00:00

Malaria and HIV remain major contributors to maternal anemia in sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigated the relationship between malaria burden, HIV status, and hemoglobin levels and identified predictors of anemia and malaria among pregnant women at antenatal enrollment in Bamenda. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2023 among pregnant women attending their first antenatal care visit at the Azire Integrated Health Center. All consenting participants completed a questionnaire and provided venous blood samples. Malaria infection and parasite density were determined by microscopy, HIV status was determined using RDTs and medical records, and hemoglobin concentration was measured using a hemoglobinometer. All statistical analyses were conducted using R version 4.4.0 and RStudio. Of the 242 pregnant women enrolled, the prevalence of malaria was 42.98% (104/242), HIV prevalence was 7.44% (18/242), malaria-HIV coinfection was 2.89% (7/242), and anemia prevalence was 23.97% (58/242). Malaria prevalence was highest among women older than 35 years (47.37%, 9/19) and urban residents (43.31%, 55/127), whereas anemia was most frequent among women younger than 20 years (37.50%, 6/16). Anemia severity was markedly higher (p < 0.0001) among malaria-positive participants, with 33.65% (35/104) having mild anemia and 14.42% (15/104) having moderate anemia. The overall geometric mean parasite density was 974.3 ± 3.86 parasites/µL. Parasite density was elevated among HIV-positive (2312.92 ± 2.88 parasites/µL) and anemic women, with the highest value observed among those with both HIV infection and anemia (2659.8 ± 2.97 parasites/µL). The combined burden of malaria and HIV highlights the need for integrated screening and early interventions at antenatal enrollment, with particular emphasis on malaria control and anemia prevention among HIV-infected and younger pregnant women in malaria-endemic settings.

Efficacy of a Single Dose of Albendazole (400mg) against Soil Transmitted Helminth Infections amongst Pre-School and School Aged Children in Bamenda, North West Region Cameroon

2026-09-05T12:07:34+00:00

To monitor anthelmintic drug efficacy, the World Health Organization recommends measuring the reduction in the number of eggs excreted in stool after drug administration. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a single dose of albendazole (400 mg) against STHs amongst pre-school- and school-aged children. A community-based study targeting pre-school-aged (≤5 years) and school-aged (6-15 years) children in the rural communities of Ngo-Ketunjia, Batibo and Santa health districts was carried out. Stool analysis for parasitological cure rate was performed using stool ELISA coproantigen detection, while the egg reduction rate was assessed using the McMaster method: Out of 1,146 stool samples examined for STHs during the baseline survey, ELISA coproantigen detection showed a prevalence of 56.5% (648/1,146), whereas the McMaster technique showed a prevalence of 17.6% (202/1,146). The parasitological cure rate following a single dose of albendazole was 81.5%. Species-specific cure rates were: Ascaris lumbricoides 88.8% (245/276), hookworm (Necator americanus/Ancylostoma duodenale) 86.7% (150/173), Trichuris trichiura 60.3% (73/121) and Strongyloides stercoralis 76.9% (60/78). A single dose of albendazole (400 mg) was not highly effective against A. lumbricoides, Hookworm and T. trichiura, although the egg reduction rates (ERRs) for all three STH species were moderate: A. lumbricoides (91.7%; 1378/1503), Hookworm (89%; 808/908) and T. trichiura (30.9%; 79/256): Alternative strategies using species-specific combined therapy, together with an appropriate duration of treatment, are needed to reduce the transmission and burden of STHs in pre-school- and school-aged children.

Isolation and Characterization of Obtained Azospirillum and Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria from Rhizosphere of Barnyard Millet

2026-09-05T13:28:21+00:00

This study aimed to isolate and characterise Azospirillum and phosphate-solubilising bacteria from the rhizosphere of barnyard millet cultivated in Kolhapur district, Maharashtra, India. Twenty rhizospheric soil samples were collected from Hatkanangale, Karveer, Kagal and Shirol tehsils. Azospirillum and phosphate-solubilising bacteria were isolated by serial dilution and pour plate techniques using nitrogen-free bromothymol blue medium and Pikovskaya’s agar medium, respectively. Four Azospirillum isolates and four phosphate-solubilising bacterial isolates were obtained and evaluated for morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics. All Azospirillum isolates were Gram-negative and produced white subsurface pellicles on semi-solid nitrogen-free bromothymol blue medium, with vibroid and rod-shaped cells observed among the isolates. All phosphate-solubilising bacterial isolates were Gram-negative and rod-shaped, while colony colour and form varied among isolates. Biochemical testing showed differences among the isolates in methyl red reaction, indole production, gelatine liquefaction, hydrogen sulphide production, oxidase activity and starch hydrolysis, whereas catalase activity was positive in all isolates. All phosphate-solubilising bacterial isolates formed clear halo zones on Pikovskaya’s medium, indicating phosphate-solubilisation activity under the experimental conditions. The recorded solubilisation index ranged from 1.05 to 3.80. These findings document morphological and biochemical variation among Azospirillum and phosphate-solubilising bacterial isolates obtained from the barnyard millet rhizosphere in the sampled areas of Kolhapur district.

Spatial Distribution of On-Site Sanitation Facilities and Seasonal Bacteriological Quality of the Honi River, Nyeri County, Kenya

2026-09-07T10:09:13+00:00

This study assessed the spatial distribution and proximity of household on-site sanitation facilities to the Honi River and determined seasonal and spatial variation in the bacteriological and physicochemical water quality of the Honi River. Sixty household sanitation facilities within a 200 m riparian buffer were mapped using a Geographic Information System, and their proximity to the river was determined. Water samples were collected in triplicate from upstream (Rurii), midstream (Mweiga), and downstream (Chaka) sites during the dry (January) and wet (March) seasons and analysed using the American Public Health Association Standard Methods for four bacteriological indicators: Escherichia coli, faecal coliforms, total coliforms, and Shigella. Salmonella and Giardia were also screened for but were not detected. Physicochemical parameters comprising turbidity, pH, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, Nitrate-N, phosphate, and detergents were also investigated. Of the 60 mapped facilities, 40 (66.7%) were located within 100 m of the river; overall, 32 (53.3%) were pit latrines and 28 (46.7%) were septic tanks. Mean Escherichia coli concentration was highest at Mweiga during the dry season (14.00 ± 1.00 CFU/100 mL) but shifted to Chaka during the wet season (6.67 ± 0.58 CFU/100 mL), indicating a site-specific rather than a uniform upstream-to-downstream pattern. Between the dry and wet seasons, catchment-mean turbidity rose from 2.61 to 373.56 NTU, total suspended solids from 17.90 to 369.00 mg/L, and Nitrate-N from 0.16 to 12.20 mg/L, whereas electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids declined, consistent with a dilution effect. Chaka recorded the most severe wet-season deterioration (turbidity ≈ 997 NTU; total suspended solids ≈ 981 mg/L; Nitrate-N 17.43 mg/L; phosphate 7.33 mg/L), with wet-season Nitrate-N at Mweiga and Chaka exceeding the World Health Organization guideline value of 10 mg/L. The findings show that Honi River water quality is spatially heterogeneous and seasonally variable, and that although the proximity of sanitation facilities represents a plausible environmental contamination risk, the available data do not establish a direct causal link. The study provides baseline evidence to support risk-based sanitation siting, riparian protection and seasonally targeted water-quality monitoring in the catchment.

Investigation on Effect of Different Agro-wastes on Growth and Yield of Milky Mushroom (Calocybe indica)

2026-09-10T10:57:57+00:00

Milky mushroom (Calocybe indica) is a tropical edible mushroom capable of converting agricultural residues into edible biomass. This study evaluated the suitability of different agro-waste combinations for milky mushroom production during 2025–2026 at the Department of Plant Pathology, RCSM Government College of Agriculture, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India. Eleven combinations of wheat straw, paddy straw, soybean straw, sugarcane bagasse, sugarcane trash, deseeded maize cob, groundnut shell and coconut coir pith were evaluated in a 1:1 ratio using a completely randomised design with three replications. The assessed parameters included spawn run, pinhead formation, first harvest, period between flushes, sporocarp number, pileus breadth, stipe length, successive harvest yields, total yield, biological efficiency and crude protein content. Significant differences occurred among substrate combinations. Wheat straw + paddy straw (1:1) recorded the shortest spawn run (18.33 days), earliest pinhead formation (31.67 days), earliest first harvest (40.67 days), highest sporocarp number (17.33), pileus breadth (5.69 cm), stipe length (8.16 cm), total yield (806.33 g kg⁻¹ dry substrate), biological efficiency (80.63%) and crude protein content (22.22%). Wheat straw + soybean straw (1:1) ranked second for total yield (691.34 g kg⁻¹) and biological efficiency (69.13%). Groundnut shell + sugarcane bagasse produced the lowest total yield (255.29 g kg⁻¹) and biological efficiency (25.53%). Under the study conditions, wheat straw + paddy straw was the most favourable combination evaluated for milky mushroom production.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Enteric Bacteria in Ready-to-Eat Abacha Vended at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

2026-09-10T11:04:13+00:00

Aim: This study assessed the microbiological quality, prevalence, antimicrobial resistance profile, and molecular identity of enteric bacterial isolates recovered from ready-to-eat Abacha vended at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Study Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study.

Place and Duration of Study: Biology Laboratory, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, over a period of five weeks.

Methodology: Thirty Abacha samples were collected from five vending locations within the university campus at a rate of five samples per week and analysed using standard microbiological methods. Total heterotrophic bacteria and coliform counts were determined, while enteric bacterial isolates were identified using conventional microbiological techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using the disc diffusion method, and multiple antibiotic resistance indices were calculated. Isolates showing high resistance to the antibiotics tested were further identified by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.

Results: Total heterotrophic bacteria and coliform counts ranged from 6.036–6.047 and 5.95–5.97 log₁₀ colony-forming units/g, respectively, with no significant differences among sampling locations (THB: P = .05, TCC: P = .51). Escherichia coli was the most prevalent isolate (36.7%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (26.7%), Shigella spp. (20.0%), and Enterobacter spp. (16.7%). E. coli showed 81.8% resistance to both ciprofloxacin and gentamicin, while Shigella spp. showed 100% resistance to ofloxacin, gentamicin, penicillin, and Augmentin. Multiple antibiotic resistance indices ranged from 0.2–0.9. Molecular analysis confirmed the identities of the selected bacterial isolates based on 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences.

Conclusion: The high bacterial loads and occurrence of enteric bacteria with substantial antimicrobial resistance indicate potential food safety concerns associated with ready-to-eat Abacha sold within the university environment. Molecular identification further supports the characterisation of the recovered bacterial isolates. Improved food hygiene practices and antimicrobial stewardship are recommended.

Isolation and Characterization of Obtained Gluconacetobacter from Beetroot juice and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria from Rhizosphere of Beetroot

2026-09-12T12:05:35+00:00

Phosphorus availability is a major factor influencing plant growth, while beneficial bacteria associated with plant tissues and the rhizosphere can contribute to nutrient mobilisation. Gluconacetobacter and phosphate-solubilising bacteria are of particular interest because of their plant-associated characteristics. However, information on the phenotypic and biochemical characteristics of beetroot-associated Gluconacetobacter and rhizospheric phosphate-solubilising bacteria remains limited. The present study aimed to isolate and characterise Gluconacetobacter associated with beetroot and phosphate-solubilising bacteria (PSB) from the beetroot rhizosphere. Nineteen root and rhizospheric soil samples were collected from beetroot-growing locations in Hatkanangale, Karveer, Kagal and Shirol tehsils of Kolhapur district. Gluconacetobacter and PSB were isolated using serial dilution and pour-plate techniques on LGIP and Pikovskaya's media, respectively. Five Gluconacetobacter isolates, designated Ga-I to Ga-V, and three PSB isolates, designated PSB-I to PSB-III, were obtained and characterised using morphological, Gram-staining and biochemical tests. All Gluconacetobacter isolates were Gram-negative, rod-shaped and circular in colony form, with colony colours ranging from yellowish orange to deep orange. The PSB isolates were also Gram-negative and rod-shaped, produced white colonies, and showed circular or irregular colony morphology. Biochemical testing demonstrated variation among isolates in methyl red reaction, H2S production, oxidase activity and other evaluated characteristics. Phosphate-solubilisation ability of the PSB isolates was assessed on Pikovskaya's medium containing tricalcium phosphate. All three isolates produced clear zones indicating phosphate-solubilising activity. PSB-I recorded the highest solubilisation index of 2.83, followed by PSB-II at 1.92 and PSB-III at 1.70. These observations demonstrate phenotypic and biochemical variability among the bacterial isolates recovered from beetroot-associated samples and identify PSB-I as the isolate showing the highest phosphate-solubilisation index under the conditions evaluated.