Programme: Applied Biology

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Application of Nanochitosan in the Detection of Pesticide Residues and Degradation
(2020) Yakubu, Japhet Gaius; Oyewole, Oluwafemi Adebayo; Ilyasu, Ummulkhair Salamah; Ayanda, Opeyemi Isaac; Adetunji, Charles Oluwaseun
Chemicals called pesticides are used to manage pests like weeds, rodents, and insects. They are commonly used in agriculture to safeguard animals and crops from pests and illnesses. The usage of pesticides, however, can potentially have detrimental effects on the environment and public health. Pesticides can harm non-target creatures and contaminate the soil, water, and air. In addition, exposure to pesticides can result in a variety of medical issues in people, such as cancer, neurological conditions, and reproductive issues. Chitosan is a natural polymer formed from crab shells. Nanochitosan is chitosan in a nanoscale form. It has several distinctive qualities that make it a potential material for a variety of applications, including the detection and degradation of pesticides, such as large surface area, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity. There are numerous ways to detect pesticides using nanochitosan. Utilizing sensors made of nanochitosan is one typical strategy. Usually, nanochitosan is immobilized onto a substrate, like a gold electrode, or nanochitosan-based colorimetric assays are used to create these sensors. Because there is currently no environmentally benign method of pesticide remediation, scientists have looked for other ways to prevent pesticides from having a negative impact on the ecosystem. In order to degrade pesticides, nanochitosan has been used in a variety of ways. These include the usage of nanochitosan-based adsorbents, which are typically created by adding a functional group with a strong affinity for pesticides to nanochitosan. The pesticide is subsequently removed from the environment by the functional group after it attaches to it. Because nanochitosan can be impacted by environmental factors including pH and temperature, there are restrictions on its usage for bioremediation. Nanochitosan provides a number of benefits over other materials used for the detection and degradation of pesticides, notwithstanding its limits. As a result, it may be investigated to reduce the effects of pesticides on the environment.
Microbial Nano-remediation of Microplastics: A review
(S. Afr. J. Chem, 2024) Akinhanmi, Fadekemi O.; Ayanda, Opeyemi I.; Dedeke, Gabriel A.
Microplastics’ ubiquity in all environmental matrices worldwide, coupled with poor plastic waste management practices, calls for serious health and environmental attention. Microplastics are persistent and slow-degrading contaminants with a high potential to fragment as well as adsorb other contaminants. Along with macroplastic waste reduction methods such as incineration, recycling, landfilling, pyrolysis, and bioremediation approaches novel methods to remove microplastics from the environment are necessary. The multidisciplinary and progressive area of science, nanotechnology, has the potential for diverse applications with engineered nanomaterials that have superior properties over micro-particles because of their size and surface area ratio. The integration of microbial remediation and nanotechnology holds great promise for the nano-remediation of persistent environmental microplastics. Here, we review plastic-degrading microbes (Bacillus sp., Diplococcus sp., Klebsiella sp., Moraxella sp., Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Micrococcus, Pseudomonas, Aspergillus sp), microbial synthesis of nanoparticles (Zinc oxide, iron oxide, copper oxide, magnesium oxide, titanium oxide and others), and nanoparticle synthesis with plastic-degrading microbes. This article also discusses the mechanism of microbial nano-remediation and microbial interactions with nanomaterials. The advantages, limitations, and prospects of microbial nano-remediation of microplastics are discussed. This review suggests the use of metagenomics to further identify a wider range of organisms for bioremediation of microplastics, while also proposing the use of artificial intelligence for the construction of immobilized microbial nano-enzyme composites for degrading microplastics faster
Application of Nanobiofertilization for Bioremediation and Ecorestoration of Polluted Soil/Farmland
(2024) Oyewole, Oluwafemi Adebayo; Chimbekujwo, Konjerimam Ishaku; Oniha, Margaret; Omoregie, Isibor Patrick; Ayanda, Opeyemi Isaac; Adetunji, Charles Oluwaseun; Mathew, John Tsado
Nanotechnology is a novel field of research that solves issues in relation to environmental contamination. It opens doors for an environmentally friendly substitutes without altering the ecosystem. The combination of the two methods, nanobiofertilization and bioremediation is a recently developed approach which gives hope for decontamination of the environment and restoring a livable future. It has proven to effectively absorb contaminates in a short period of time and in a friendlier manner. Microorganisms in nanobioremediation play an important role in the removal, detoxifying, degrading, and immobilization of pollutant into less toxic form. Bio- and phytoremediations are exclusively preferred approaches because of the edge it has over numerous methods like high waste cleaning abilities, its cheap, ecofriendly, and generally acceptable. This approach has exceptionally added to the tolerability and ecorestoration of the environment based on the upper hand it has over other innovations. More so, its efficacy signifies high level of pollutant removal and has lay out new prospect to tackle problem within the environment.
Unveiling the therapeutic benefits and potentials of Water Hyacinth in promoting a sustainable healthy living: an overview
(IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 2024) Uamai, I. J.; Ayanda, Opeyemi I.; Omohinmin, C. A.
Water hyacinth (Eicchornia crassipes) is a notorious aquatic weed with an extraordinary proliferation rate globally, it can grow in different aquatic ecosystem types and varying climatic conditions, outcompete other indigenous plants, and establish to endanger biodiversity, shelter pests, clog fresh waterways, increase evapotranspiration, and hinder waterways traffic; but a little is known about the importance of its wide range of metabolites. The Nigerian health sector is faced with setbacks in meeting its increasing population's basic health (medicine) needs. This situation has led to a call for the exploration of herbal plants as alternatives to synthetic drugs, primarily due to their availability and affordability. Despite the negative impacts of the invasive hydrophyte, water hyacinth, on the economy, ecology, and society, it remains an untapped bioactive resource. Given to the United Nations Development Goal of Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG 3), this review aims to highlight the bioactive components of water hyacinth and their potential for various therapeutic applications in improving human health, instilling a sense of hope for the future. Literatureswere sourced from databases including; Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google, and Google Scholar. Water hyacinth is a natural, easily accessible reservoir of various bioactive compounds comprising those that have been used for therapeutic purposes which include: the treatment of specific fungi and bacteria-related infections, malaria, cancer, ulceration, and malnutrition in various parts of the world. This plant therefore offers a promising sustainable supplementary solution in meeting the health sector's needs.
Dataset on rbcL-based intra-specific diversity and population structure of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) in Nigeria
(Data in Brief (Elsevier), 2024) Omonhinmin, Conrad A.; Taiwo, Nchedo S.; Okonkwor. Paul B.; Ajayi, Israel M.; Akinduti, Paul Akinniyi; Aworunse, Oluwadurotimi S.; Ajiboye, Ibukun; Taiwo, Olugbenga S.; Adekeye, Bosede Temitope; Oziegbe, Olubukola; Bello, Adetutu O.; Ahuekwe, Eze Frank; Oyekanmi, Joshua; Olufowobi, Olanrewaju; Oniha, Margaret Ikhiwili; Oshamika, Oyewumi; Ejoh, Samuel A.; Adewale, Adeyemi G.; Akinnola, Olayemi O.; Oranusi, Solomon U.; Popoola, Jacob O.
African locust bean ( Parkia biglobosa ) is a multipurpose legu- minous tree species of nutritional and pharmacological value. The plant is widely distributed in Africa and across Nige- ria’s major agroecological areas (AEAs). Amidst declining cul- tivation and production, P. biglobosa is genetically threatened in its natural habitats due to overexploitation, deforestation, wildfires and lack of improved tree management practices. Consequently, concerted research efforts directed towards germplasm collection and assessment of genetic relation- ships are imperative for conserving its genetic resources, sustainable management and selecting promising landraces for breeding programmes. The dataset presents rbcL in- traspecific genetic diversity and population structure of 62 P. biglobosa landraces in Nigeria. A relatively high level of diversity and a low degree of nucleotide variability was observed among the landraces. Relatively high values of 642 total allele sites, 601 polymorphic sites, 504 parsimony information sites, 883 total number mutations, 9 haplotypes and 0.55 gene diversity were recorded for the sequence dataset. Low values of 0.35 nucleotide diversity and 5 InDels events were also recorded for the dataset. The gene flow in this dataset demonstrated an extensive exchange of genes between the three populations of P. biglobosa, which influenced the level of genetic differentiation (Gst) between the populations. Significantly low Gst (-0.01) was recorded between the Guinea and Sudan savannah populations, a moderate value (0.03) was recorded between the Sudan savannah and Rainforest populations and a higher Gst value (0.05) was recorded between the Guinea and Rainforest populations. The dataset highlights potential evolutionary dynamics that might influence variations relevant to the breeding and conservation of P. biglobosa in Nigeria and across its range in West and Central Africa.
KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF HEALTHCARE WORKERS ON ARBOVIRAL INFECTIONS AND DIAGNOSTICS APPROACH IN OGUN STATE, SOUTHWEST NIGERIA
(Open Journal of Medical Research, 2024) Ipadeola, A. F.; Akinnola, Olayemi O.; Kolawole, O. M.; Isere, E. E.; Attah, T. A.; Omenyi, I. O.; Afekelu, O. D.; Oreoluwa, A. A.; Oludare, I. T.; Adediran, A. S.; Olasehinde, G. I.
Arboviral infections pose significant public health challenges in tropical and subtropical regions like Nigeria. However, these diseases are often undetected by healthcare workers (HCWs) due to the similarity in the presentation to other febrile illnesses like malaria. This study assessed the knowledge and diagnostic practices of HCWs on arboviral infections in Ogun State. A cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs in selected secondary and tertiary health facilities in Ogun State from October 2022 to September 2023. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of arboviral infections, and diagnostic practices. Stata was used to analyze the data at a 5% level of significance. Of the 96 participants included in the study, 59.4% were female, and 40.0% were ≥35 years old. Nurses constituted the largest cadre (41.7%) while medical doctors (24.0%) were the least represented. Most respondents (68.8%) had never heard of arboviral infections, and 81.3% demonstrated poor knowledge about arboviral infections and diagnosis. Only 6.3% of HCWs had previously suspected or diagnosed an arboviral infection, with clinical diagnosis being more common (66.7%) than laboratory testing (33.3%). Notably, 92.7% of all respondents had no prior training in arboviral infection diagnosis. Good knowledge and previous training received were significantly associated with the diagnosis of arboviral infections among HCWs (p<.05). There is a gap in the knowledge and diagnostic practices of HCWs in the detection of arboviral infections in Ogun State. Thus, comprehensive training programs may be significant in improving awareness, and diagnostic capabilities and enhancing prompt detection and management of arboviral infections in Ogun state
Nasal Carriage, Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile, and Enterotoxin Genes of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Children with Asthma
(Indian J Microbiol, 2024) Oshamika, Oyewumi Oluwaseun; Sonowo, Oreoluwa; Akinbolagbe, Yeside; Odusote, Olatunde; Akinnola, Olayemi O.; Eni, Angela
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects children worldwide. Increasing evidence suggests that Staphylococcus aureus contributes to the pathology of asthma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nasal carriage, antimicrobial susceptibility profile, and presence of enterotoxin genes from S. aureus isolated from children with asthma. Nasal swab samples were collected from 158 children, including 98 children with asthma and 60 healthy controls. S. aureus isolates were identified using phenotypic methods and the presence of the nuc gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the presence of the mecA gene and enterotoxin genes. The nuc gene was confirmed in 83 isolates, resulting in a nasal carriage of 52.5% (83/158). The nasal carriage of S. aureus was higher among asthma cases (72.4%), with a significant association of S. aureus nasal carriage observed among asthma cases (OR 0.201, 95% CI 0.063– 0.645, p = 0.007). Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) nasal carriage was 11.4%. The S. aureus isolates showed high resistance to cefoxitin (99%) and penicillin (92%) but were sensitive to gentamicin (25%). Furthermore, 67.5% of the isolates were multi-drug resistant. The staphylococcal enterotoxin c gene (sec) was the most prevalent enterotoxin (19.7%) among cases and controls. These findings highlight the need for improved antibiotic stewardship in paediatric medicine and implementation of infection control policies.
Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of uropathogens in men with prostate cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia from Southwestern Nigeria
(BMC Microbiology, 2024) Akinpelu, Sharon O.; Olasehinde, Grace I.; kuerowo, Stephen O.; Akinnola, Olayemi O.
Background Epidemiological investigations have revealed an important association between infection, inflammation and prostate cancer. Certain bacterial species, such as Klebsiella spp, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp, Proteus mirabilis, Chlamydia trachomatis have been linked to prostate cancer. This study aimed to examine the microbiota; specifically bacterial species that have been linked to prostate infections in the urine of individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer. Results Sixty-six prostate cancer patients and forty controls provided midstream urine samples. The urine samples were grown on suitable medium, and bacterial isolates were detected by standard microbiological methods. Additionally, the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the bacterial isolates was analysed. A total of number of 72 bacterial isolates were obtained from the urine of study participants. The results showed the presence of Escherichia coli (50.0%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18.1%), Klebsiella spp (15.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (8.3%), Enterobacter spp (4.2%), and Proteus mirabilis (2.8%) in the urine. The most common bacterial species isolated from prostate cancer patients was Escherichia coli, which was susceptible to levofloxacin (100%), tobramycin (91.7%), and amikacin (62.5%). Conclusions This study’s findings established the presence of bacteria previously linked to prostatitis. This report indicates a high prevalence of pro-inflammatory bacteria and uropathogens in the urinary tract of men diagnosed with prostate cancer
Heavy metal and genetic diversity studies in three populations of Snail (Achatina achatina Linnaeus, 1758) from Southwest, Nigeria
(Brazilian Journal of Biology,, 2024-07) Ayanda, Opeyemi I.; Popoola, J. O.; Inyanga, S.
Environmental pollutants may often alter the genetic components of natural populations. In this study, heavy metals and genetic diversity in land snail (Achatina achatina) from three populations of south-western Nigeria were investigated, using the Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and DNA Sequencing technology respectively. Metal analysis revealed that the snails accumulated lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni) in high concentrations in two of the three states, while cadmium (Cd) was the least detected. Editing and alignment of the sequences of all snail accessions generated a range of 384bp to 419 bp. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) in all 18 accessions was low at only 16%. The query coverage (QC) ranged between 96% and 100%, with 14 (77.8%) of the 18 accessions showing 100% identity. Pairwise comparison of the accessions studied also showed a high genetic similarity. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) generated two main clusters. Cluster I was unique and contain one sample (AaOy06) while the other cluster are very closely related and can be further subdivided into sub-clusters. The similarity index of between the clusters is 0.5357. The close similarity among the accessions may be due to the geographical proximity of the three states. The uniqueness of accession AaOy06 in comparison to other accessions might be due to the negative influence of heavy metal, particularly lead. The determination of evolutionary relationships among snail populations may be useful towards the breeding efforts of the species in Nigeria
Assessment of knowledge and practices towards the diagnosis of arboviral infections amongst healthcare workers in Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory: a cross-sectional study
(Pan African Medical Journal, 2024-12-17) Ipadeola, A. F.; Akinnola, Olayemi O.; Kolawole, Olatunji Matthew; Isere, Elvis Efe; Attah, Timothy Adejoh; Omenyi, Lazarus Onyema; Oladokun, Odunola Dorcas; Oyewunmi, Kafayat Olabisi; Ekun, Oyeronke Olufemi; Oparaocha, Stellamaris Uche; Obazee, Dorcas Yetunde; Ndaks, Comfort; Ewa, Egwu Emmanuel; Olasehinde, Grace Iyabo
Marine Greens as Nutritious Healthy Foods
(2025) Akinhanmi, Fadekemi O.; Aworunse, Oluwadurotimi S.; Ayanda, Opeyemi I.; Agiriga, Emmanuel
The Importance of Murine Models in Determining In Vivo Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Efficacy in Antimalarial Drug Discovery
(Pharmaceuticals (MDPI), 2025) Adebayo, Glory; Ayanda, Opeyemi I.; Rottmann, Matthias; Ajibaye, Olusola S.; Oduselu, Gbolahan; Oduselu, Gbolahan; Mulindwa, Julius; Ajani, Olayinka O.; Aina, Oluwagbemiga; Mäser, Pascal; Adebiyi, Ezekiel
New chemical entities are constantly being investigated towards antimalarial drug discovery, and they require animal models for toxicity and efficacy testing. Murine models show physiological similarities to humans and are therefore indispensable in the search for novel antimalarial drugs. They provide a preclinical basis (following in vitro assessments of newly identified lead compounds) for further assessment in the drug development pipeline. Specific mouse strains, non-humanized and humanized, have successfully been infected with rodent Plasmodium species and the human Plasmodium species, respectively. Infected mice provide a platform for the assessment of treatment options being sought. In vivo pharmacokinetic evaluations are necessary when determining the fate of potential antimalarials in addition to the efficacy assessment of these chemical entities. This review describes the role of murine models in the drug development pipeline. It also explains some in vivo pharmacokinetic, safety, and efficacy parameters necessary for making appropriate choices of lead compounds in antimalarial drug discovery. Despite the advantages of murine models in antimalarial drug discovery, certain limitations are also highlighted.
Potential impacts of microplastic ingestion: Oxidative stress level in commercial fish from the Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria
(Preprints, 2025) Akinhanmi, Fadekemi O.; Ayanda, Opeyemi I.; Dedeke, Gabriel A.
The presence of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic systems and the tissues of commercially available fish species poses risks and potential impacts on human health. While MPs have been reported in the surface water, benthic sediment, and edible fish species in the Lagos Lagoon, the possible effects of these contaminants on fish species have been lacking. This study aimed at providing vital information on MP contamination in the Lagos lagoon and highlighting the probable effects on the visceral organs of four fish species, Tilapia (Orechromis niloticus, n=16), Silver catfish (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, n=16), African knifefish (Gymnarchus niloticus, n=16) and African catfish (Clarias gariepinus, n=16). Gill, stomach, and liver of the sample specimen were examined for MP contamination and oxidative stress. MP accumulation in all the fish species differed but was detected in all tissues. The most abundant MP type was fibers (64%), followed by fragments (24%). Polyethylene, polychloroprene, polypropylene, and polystyrene were detected by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Oxidative stress analysis of the fish tissues revealed significantly high antioxidant activities (p ≤ 0.05) and lipid peroxidation levels in the microplastic-contaminated tissues. Although this study highlights the possible effects of microplastics on wild fish species, extensive research is necessary to elucidate the cause-effect relationship of environmentally relevant microplastics on fish tissues to conduct as well as report associated risk assessments
Dataset on rbcL gene intra and inter-specific diversity and phylogenetic relationship of eggplants ( Solanum species) in Southern Nigeria
(Data in Brief (Elsevier), 2025) Ajiboye, Babafemi I.; Popoola, Jacob O.; Eni, Angela O.; Omonhinmin, Conrad A.
Eggplant ( Solanum sp.) is the third most widely cultivated solanaceous vegetable globally, and it is commonly con- sumed in Nigeria, particularly in Southern Nigeria, for its nutritious and medicinal fruit, leaves, and seeds. The taxon has recorded array of ethnobotanical uses ranging from food, medicine to cultural interactions in ceremonies. Despite the enormous range of a value, studies have shown decreas- ing eggplant varietal diversity, directly linked with cultiva- tion preferences and activities, such as exchanging propag- ules within and between agroecological areas and farms. Ad- ditionally, the wide range of accessions in the taxa, mor- phological plasticity, and genetic similarity among acces- sions have resulted in the ambiguity and inconsistent phy- logenetic classification of the taxa. The dataset consists of partial ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit ( rbcL ) gene sequences, nucleotide compositions and amino acid profiles of 75 accessions of eggplants collected from across Southern Nigeria. The genetic information pro- vided by the dataset offers insight into the genetic diversity and the phylogenetic relationships of the eggplant accessions, which could serve as a baseline for designing effective strate- gies for sustainable cultivation, conservation, utilisation, and improvement of the taxa.
Dataset on characterisation of microbiome of prostate tissue and expressed prostatic secretions
(Data in Brief (Elsevier), 2025) Akinnola, Olayemi O.; Samuel, Abosede E.; Omonhinmin, Conrad A.
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most prevalent cancer in men, particularly affecting those of Black African descent. Nigeria currently has the fourth highest risk for PCa mortality in the world. The microbiome of the prostate has emerged as a critical factor in understanding the aetiology and progres- sion of prostate diseases, such as prostate cancer (PCa), be- nign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) , benign stromal hyperpla- sia (BSH) and prostatitis (PRO). This study to comparatively characterise the microbiome present in prostate tissue and expressed prostatic secretion (EPS) from 30 study subjects diagnosed with PCa, BPH, BSH and PRO and sampled from the urology clinic of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Ikeja. Bacterial species community composition and diversity were analysed based on 16S rRNA metagenome nucleotide data to ensure the accuracy, reproducibility, and broader ap- plicability of microbiological and genomic research. Data in- formation allows for precise identification of organisms at the species or strain level, essential for verifying experi- mental results and comparisons of the isolated organism’s genome with related strains, providing insights into genetic diversity, virulence factors, and metabolic pathways of the sample population microbiome.
In vivo Evaluation of Plant Extracts against Common Phytopathogenic Fungi Isolated from Pawpaw (Carica papaya L.)
(IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 2025) Oniha, M. I.; Eni, A. O.; Akinnola, Olayemi O.; Omonigbehin, E. A.; Adegboye, B. E.; Taiwo, O. S.; Odetunmibi, O.A.; Oyejide, S.O.; Aina, M.O.; Isibor, P. O.; Ahuekwe, E.F.
Plants possess various efficacious natural products to curtailing various problems associated with man and his environment. Fungi cause significant postharvest losses to global pawpaw (Carica papaya) production, particularly in Africa. Current control methods focus primarily on synthetic fungicides that are hazardous to the environment, while plant-based fungicides are characterised with biofriendly and costeffective potential. In this study, three plant extracts were investigated for their in vivo antifungal property opposed to three phytopathogenic mycoflora isolated from Carica papaya post harvest. Aqueous extracts of Moringa oleifera, Telfaira occidentalis and Bauhinia monandra leaves were evaluated at aaglomerations of 150 mg/ml and 75 mg/ml for their antifungal properties in papaya fruits for 7 days. In vivo antifungal evaluation revealed that the three plant extracts showed varying degrees of inhibitory activity against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus oryzae. Of the three evaluated plants, B. monandra showed higher antifungal activity during the post-inoculation period. The concentration of 150 mg/ml of aqueous extracts of the plants preserved the fruits and inhibited fungal growth in a range of 3-5 days, while the 75mg/ml concentration of Moringa oleifera, Telfiaria occidentalis and Bauhinia monandria inhibited fungal growth for 3, 2 and 3 days after inoculation, respectively. Significant weight loss was observed in fruits inoculated for both treatments and controls at both concentrations (p-value <0.05). This experimentation has ssubstantiated that the aqueous leaf extracts of M. oleifera, T. occidentalis, and B. monandra possess the potential as natural antifungals for the control and management of fungal diseases
Prevalence and associated risk factors of Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization among a cohort of immunocompromised individuals in Lagos, Nigeria
(BMC Infectious Diseases, 2025) Ogunleye, Bimpe O.; Oshamika, Oyewumi O.; Akinpelu, Sharon O.; Ajayi, Ayodeji S.; Akinduti, Paul A.; Oyedeji, Kolawole S.; Odeniy, Olalekan M.; Akinnola, Olayemi O.
Background Immunocompromised individuals are highly vulnerable to Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infections, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, virulence, and risk factors associated with S. aureus nasal carriage among immunocompromised individuals in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods A total of 350 participants were enrolled, including 150 HIV/AIDS cases, 50 HIV/TB co-infections, 100 diabetes cases, and 50 controls. Nasal swabs were collected and cultured on Mannitol salt agar for the isolation of Staphylococcus aureus. Presumptive isolates were confirmed using Gram staining, catalase, and coagulase tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method in accordance with CLSI guidelines. Molecular detection of resistance and virulence genes was performed using PCR targeting the mecA gene (methicillin resistance) and pvl (Panton-Valentine leukocidin). A structured questionnaire capturing clinical history and hygiene practices was used to evaluate risk factors for S. aureus carriage. Results The overall prevalence of S. aureus was 14.6% (51/350), S. aureus was isolated in 28% (14/50) of controls, 16.7% (25/150) of HIV/AIDS patients, 14% (7/50) of HIV/TB cases and 5% (5/100) of diabetes cases. Susceptibility to erythromycin was 80.4%, gentamycin, ciprofloxacin and Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim (64.7%) among all S. aureus isolated. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was detected in 78.4% (40/51) of isolates, predominantly among HIV/AIDS patients (52.5%). pvl genes were identified in 11.8% (6/51) of isolates. S. aureus carriage was significantly associated with recent antibiotic use (p = 0.003) and contact with animals (p = 0.018). Conclusion This study demonstrates a high prevalence of S. aureus among controls compared to immunocompromised individuals. These results highlight the need for further studies to elucidate the relationship between host factors and S. aureus colonization. This could inform targeted strategies for infection prevention and control.
Exploring the impact of climate change on respiratory health in Nigeria: a scoping review of current research, government policies and programs
(Climatic Change, 2025) Niyi-Odumosu, Faatihah; Ozoh, Obianuju B.; Ope, Victor Oloruntoba; Ale, Boni M.; Akinnola, Olayemi O.; Iseolorunkanmi, Alexander; Adeloye, Davies
Climate change significantly impacts health globally, especially in densely populated, rapidly industrialising and ecologically diverse countries like Nigeria. We analysed climate change policies, studies, programs, and events at the national and subnational levels in Nigeria and explored their effects on public and respiratory health. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMAScR) checklist, we searched PubMed, African Journals Online (AJoL), Google Scholar and government data repositories on January 10, 2024. We synthesised results using an adapted sector-level framework based on the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Our searches returned 262 items, of which 32, including research studies, reports and grey documents, were retained for synthesis. Although some policies and programmes, like the Climate Change Act and Nigerian Climate and Health Observatory, exist, implementation is limited across many settings. Key reported respiratory pollutants in Nigeria include particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), gaseous emissions (CO, SO₂, NOx), agricultural by-products (NH₃, H₂S), greenhouse gases (CH₄, CO₂), and microbial contaminants, which collectively increase the risk of respiratory inflammation, infections, and exacerbations of chronic respiratory symptoms and diseases. Our findings underscore a clear link between climate change and worsening respiratory health in many Nigerian settings. The current policies and programmes’ have limited impact, calling for comprehensive reforms, including improved enforcement and targeted action against major pollution sources, recognition of environmental rights, and stronger public health initiatives and community action.
A possible role of urinary genotoxic Escherichia coli in prostate cancer in Nigerian patients
(BMC Research Notes, 2025) Akinpelu, Sharon O.; Olasehinde, Grace I.; Akinnola, Olayemi O.
Objective Infection and inflammation are potential initiating factors for the development and progression of prostate cancer. This study investigated the presence of bacterial genotoxins; colibactin (clb) and cytolethal distending toxin (cdt) in Escherichia coli isolated from urine samples of individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer as well as those with benign prostatic hyperplasia. E. coli was isolated from urine samples from prostate cancer patients (cases, n = 30) and men with benign prostate hyperplasia (controls, n = 40). The presence of colibactin (clb) and cytolethal distending toxin (cdt) genes was evaluated in E. coli isolates using polymerase chain reaction. Results The frequency of E. coli was 36.0% of prostate cancer patients and 30.0% of controls, respectively (p = 0.557). Furthermore, there was a higher occurrence of the clb gene in cases compared to controls (36.4% vs. 8.3%). Cytolethal distending toxin (cdt) gene was absent in all isolates examined. The analysis revealed no significant relationship between the selected genotoxins and prostate cancer (p = 0.104). The Gleason grade of the cancer was not a major determinant in the occurrence of clb within the cancer cases. The present study is the first report investigating bacterial genotoxins in urine samples of Nigerian prostate cancer patients. Our findings showed no association between bacterial genotoxins and prostate cancer. Additional investigations are warranted to further investigate the role of bacterial genotoxins in prostate cancer development.
Onychomycosis Disease Development, Treatment, and New Trends
(Harnessing Biotechnology Tools for Product Development, 2025) Nwinyi, Obinna Chukwuemeka; Omuekwu, Ngozi Faith; Adenusi, Joy