DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY

Fresh vegetables such as green peas and carrots are important components of the humandiet but are highly susceptible to microbial contamination, posing significant public healthrisks. This study aimed to assess the microbial contamination of these vegetables sold inlocal markets in Benin City, Nigeria, focusing on the isolation and identification of bacteria, theevaluation of their prevalence, and the assessment of antibiotic susceptibility patterns. Atotal of 20 vegetable samples were collected from New Benin, Adolor, and Ring Road markets. Standard microbiological techniques were employed for bacterial isolation and identification, while the disc diffusion method was used for antibiotic susceptibility testing. The results revealed high bacterial loads, with Ring Road Market samples showingthehighest total heterotrophic bacterial counts (265 ± 77.78 CFU/g for green peas and115±12.73 CFU/g for carrots), suggesting poor hygiene and handling practices. The bacteriaisolated included Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., Shigella sp., Staphylococcus aureus, andBacillus sp. E. coli had the highest prevalence in carrots (50%), while S. aureus was most prevalent in green peas (40%). Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed multidrug resistance, with many isolates resistant to colistin, erythromycin, tetracycline, metronidazole, andclindamycin. However, ciprofloxacin and gentamicin remained effective against most isolates. These findings highlight the urgent need for improved food safety practices, strict regulationof antibiotic use in agriculture, and regular microbial monitoring to reduce the risksoffoodborne illnesses and the spread of antimicrobial resistance in fresh produce.09121662458

Antimicrobial resistance is mainly caused by the overuse, underuse or misuse of antimicrobials. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is defined as a microorganism's resistance to an antimicrobial drug that was once able to treat an infection by that microorganism The present study was designed to assess the prevalence of MRSA among outpatients presenting Evboutubu primary health center, Egor LGA Benin city, Nigeria. A total of 11 urine and swab samples were studied between February 2021 to April 2021. This study was extrapolated from a wider study of MDRE and MRSA prevalence among patients in health centers in Benin-city, Nigeria. Microbial enumeration and identification were carried out using cultural and biochemical methods. Microbial counts were carried out using cultural characterization, Gram staining techniques and biochemical tests including; oxidase, indole, sugar fermentation, citrate, motility, methyl red, catalase, urease and antimicrobial susceptibility test (using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique). Most of the samples tested were positive for S. aureus and MRSA. From the study, it was observed that, patients between the ages of 18-24 and 25-34 had the highest percentage of MRSA (45.5%), while females had a higher percentage (54.6%) than males, other works had the highest frequency of 36.4% and Patients receiving between 11,000-99,999 had the highest percentage of 77.8%. Findings from this study revealed that both S. aureus and MRSA had high prevalence in the distribution by participants’ social demographic characteristics. Therefore, MRSA poses a potential public health risk and ntimicrobial sensitivity and resistance must ultimately be understood at the population, organism, cellular, and molecular levels if
antimicrobial resistance is to be reduced.

The contamination of water sources by untreated wastewater poses a serious public health risk due to the spread of pathogenic bacteria, particularly Gram-positive species. This study examined the microbiological properties of wastewater collected from commercial laundry shops in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The research focused on enumerating total heterotrophic bacteria, isolating Gram-positive bacteria, and identifying their species based on morphological and biochemical characteristics. A total of eight (8) wastewater samples were collected in duplicates from two commercial laundry shops, with the samples divided into two categories: wastewater from washing and wastewater from rinsing. Microbial enumeration was performed using the spread plate technique on nutrient agar, while Mannitol salt agar was used for selective screening of Gram-positive bacteria. The bacterial isolates were characterized based on their morphological and biochemical properties using standard microbiological methods. Results revealed that the total heterotrophic bacterial counts were highest in the laundry washing wastewater samples, with values ranging from 102±2.3 × 10⁶ to 81±0.9 × 10⁶ CFU/mL. In contrast, significantly lower bacterial counts were observed in the rinsing wastewater samples, with counts ranging from 48±1.8 × 10⁶ to 25±2.4 × 10⁶ CFU/mL. Additionally, the bacterial counts varied by location, with Laundry Shop 1 recording 68±1.4 × 10⁶ CFU/mL and Laundry Shop 2 showing slightly lower counts at 57±1.6 × 10⁶ CFU/mL. The microbiological assessment of laundry wastewater revealed the presence of diverse bacterial species, with a total of 17 isolates identified and characterized. Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent isolate, accounting for 52.9% (9/17) of the total, followed by Staphylococcus spp. (41.2%) and Micrococcus spp. (5.9%). These findings highlight the potential health and environmental risks associated with untreated laundry wastewater, particularly due to the dominance of pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria. The study emphasizes the need for effective wastewater management practices in commercial laundry facilities to mitigate the spread of microbial contaminants. Future research could focus on advanced treatment technologies and their ability to reduce bacterial load in laundry effluent.

Digestate from cattle rumen is composed of microbial biomass, organic Matter and inorganic compounds derived from anaerobic digestion, can be used as an inorganic fertilizer or raw materials for biofertilizer production. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of temperature and time relationship towards reduction of bacteria in cattle rumen digestate and its resultant safety as biofertilizer. Cattle Rumen Digestate slurry (CRD) was obtained from National Centre for Energy and Environment in the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria . The digestate was subjected to varying degrees of temp 28+2, 55, 60, 70
and 80 ℃ for a duration of 0,20,30, 40 and 60 min. The analysis carried out were for bacterial load using nutrient agar (NA) and Salmonella Shigella agar (SSA), physicochemical and heavy metal content. From the results, the lowest bacterial load of ( 0.5±0.00×10⁵cfu/ml) was recorded for exposure at 80 ⁰C after 60min and Salmonellae load recorded with (NO GROWTH) were from digestate exposure at 70 and 80 ⁰C after 40 and 60 mins respectively (for both temperatures) . Concentrations of nitrate, TK, TKN were highest at 60 ℃ and 80 ℃, TAN and TP were highest at 70 ℃ and 55℃ respectively, while 70 oC, heavy metals were lowest. This study study shows that digestate posses potential concerntration of nutrients and useful minerals which makes it suitable for agriculture land application.

Airborne microbial contamination poses a significant public health challenge, particularlyinconfined spaces such as public transport systems where ventilation may be inadequateandpassenger density is high. This study investigates the microbial air quality of municipal busesin Benin City, Nigeria, focusing on bacterial contamination levels and the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of isolated organisms. Using the settle plate method for microbial isolation, bacterial samples were collected from four major bus routes in Benin City: NewBenin, Ring Road, Mission Road, and Uselu. Identification of the isolates was basedoncultural, morphological, and biochemical characteristics. The findings revealed varyinglevelsof bacterial contamination across the bus routes, with the highest mean viable bacterial count (2.34 x 10³ ± 0.34 CFU/m³) recorded on the Ring Road bus and the lowest (1.25 x 10³ ±0.08cfu/m³) on the Mission Road bus. Bacterial species identified included Escherichiacoli, Bacillus sp., Proteus sp., Micrococcus sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus sp., andEnterococcus faecalis, with Staphylococcus sp. exhibiting the highest frequencyofoccurrence (60%) across all routes. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed alarmingmultidrug resistance (MDR) patterns, particularly in Staphylococcus sp., emphasizingthegrowing threat of AMR in public spaces. The bacterial counts observed in this studysurpassed WHO-recommended indoor air quality limits, underscoring the necessityforimproved sanitation and disinfection protocols within municipal abuses. The study providescritical data to inform public hygiene policies and supports initiatives aimed at enhancingmicrobial safety in public transport systems, particularly in resource-limited settings likeBenin City.

Curry-leaf tree is scientifically known as Murraya koenigii. It used as spice in Nigerian local cuisine and use as a medicinal plant in India. In recent years, greater attention has been paid to the
use of plants and their extracts in traditional medicines and home remedies in the treatment of diseases and infections. This research project aim at investigating the phytochemical and
antimicrobial activity on some clinical isolates which are of gastrointestinal origin. Curry leaves were obtained from local market at New Benin, in Edo state. Pure clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and klebsiella were obtained from the Medical Microbiology Laboratory, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). Identification of test organisms was based on their cultural, morphological and biochemical properties. Methanol, water and ethanol were used to extract the phytochemicals of the curry leaves. The leaf powder of the study plant was dissolved in various solvents and phytochemical analysis was carried out to test for
the presence of various phytochemical constituents of the curry leaves. The antimicrobial activity of the curry leaves extracts on the test isolates were examined using disc diffusion method. Zone of inhibition such as the minimum and maximum antimicrobial concentration of the extracts were determined. Antibiotic sensitivity test was carried out on standard antibiotics sensitivity disk. The antimicrobial effects of the curry leaves extracts was compared to standard antibiotics such as Tarivid, Augmentin, Amoxillicin, Pefloxacin, ampiclox, Streptomycin, Septrin, Erythromycin, Sparifloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, and Chloramphenicol etc. Phytochemical test revealed alkaloid, carbonhydrate, Tannins and terpenoid in all three solvents for extract. Cardiac glycosides was present only in methanol and ethanol extract of the sample while saponins
was absent from all sample extract of the curry leaves. With all three (3) solvent extracts of the M. koenigii (curry leaves), minimum antimicrobial activity and zone of inhibtion at 25% aqueous
concentration of the curry leaves extract against E. coli, while the overall maximum antimicrobial
activity was recorded at a 100% aqueous concentration against Staphylococcus aureus. In the case of Klebsiella pseudomonas, all extracts failed to show antimicrobial activity. Keywords: Antimicrobial leaves extract, M. koenigii, Phytochemicals, Susceptibility.

Groundnut sauce (Ose-Oji) is a popular traditional condiment widely consumed in many parts of Nigeria. Due to its high nutrient content and methods of preparation and storage, it is susceptible to microbial contamination, particularly by fungi. This study was carried out to isolate and characterize fungi present in Ose-Oji obtained from selected local government areas in Edo State. Samples of the sauce were collected from different vendors and transported to the laboratory under sterile conditions for analysis. Standard microbiological techniques were employed for the isolation of fungal organisms using suitable culture media. The isolates were further characterized based on their macroscopic and microscopic features. The study revealed the presence of several fungal species, including Aspergillus, Penicillium, Rhizopus, and Mucor. The occurrence of these fungi indicates possible contamination arising from poor handling practices, environmental exposure, and improper storage conditions. Some of the identified fungi are known to produce mycotoxins that may pose health risks to consumers. The findings highlight the need for improved hygienic practices during the preparation, handling, and storage of groundnut sauce. Public awareness and proper food safety measures are therefore recommended to reduce fungal contamination and ensure the safety of this widely consumed food product.

Poultry products is one of the most consumed animal products worldwide. Poultry products such as meat and eggs is a rich source of protein, fats and minerals. Poultry feed refers to the feedstuff consumed by poultry birds. This study was aimed at isolating fungi from poultry feeds sold in stores in Benin City. Three (3) forms of poultry feeds (mash, starter and finisher) were sampled in five (5) stores in Benin City. The samples were collected aseptically using in sterile polyethylene bags with sterile spatula and labeled accordingly. Serial dilution was made using water as diluent. Enumeration and isolation of fungi was carried out using potato dextrose agar (PDA) and Aspergillus flavus and parasiticus agar (AFPA). The pour plate method was employed and were incubated at 28+2°C for 7 days. Temperature and relative humidity of poultry stores were recorded using ThermoPro model (TP49-W-2) thermometer and hygrometer. The total fungal count range was of 0.10x105 on potato dextrose agar froms

Large quantities of byproducts generated during the processing of Agro-waste results in an economic and environmental problem due to their high volumes and
elimination costs. Corncob waste, banana peel, orange peel and pineapple are undervalued waste materials, unused source of energy that can serve as potential
source for cellulase production. This study was conducted to bioconvert agrowaste to cellulase using thermophilic yeast. The thermophillic organism of interest was isolated from hot region of a dumpsite in Benin City, plated using pour plate method and identified based on colonial and sugar fermentation characteristics. Purified isolates were screened for cellulase producing activity and the highest producer was used for further analyses. The standardized organism (Torulopsis bovina) was inoculated into each waste medium and incubated at 50
0C over the course of 10 days. pH, viable cell count and cellulase concentration was determined in two days interval. pH was determined using pH meter, viable cell
count was determined using pour plate method, while the cellulase concentration was determined using DNS method. The highest cellulase concentration was
obtained at day 8 with corncob waste medium; at a pH of 9.70±0.14 and cell count of 4.490±0.042 x 10
-4 cfu/ml. While the least was obtained with banana waste medium at day 8, with viable cell count of 0.730±0.028 cfu/ml and pH of 8.05±0.07 . Findings from this study suggest corncob as the best substrate for cellulase production using Torulopsis bovina. Hence, the recalcitrance nature of agrowaste in the environment
can be salvage through valorization, specifically into cellulase.

Since the 1920s, when the medical community first made public its nutritional advantages, cow'smilk has been an essential part of the human diet, particularly for developing infants whorelyonit as their main source of nutrition. Aflatoxin occurrence and fungal contamination in milkanddairy products, however, have grown to be significant issues. This study used moleculartechniques to isolate and identify aflatoxigenic molds in raw cow milk and its locally processedproducts. Sixteen samples of locally processed milk products and raw cow milk were collectedfrom two markets in Benin City, Edo state: Aduwawa and Oluku. Using the pour plate method, all samples were serially diluted and inoculated on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Using molecularand cultural methods, pure cultures were obtained and fungal isolates were identified. Eachisolate's aflatoxin-coding gene (aflD) was identified through the use of the Polymerase ChainReaction (PCR) method. An electronic pH meter (PH-98108) was used to measure each sample'spH, and the AOAC method was used to determine each sample's moisture content. There wasarange of 0.10±0.00 to 0.90±0.10×10³ Cfu/ml in the fungal counts. Fusariumoxysporum, Penicillium sp., Penicillium digitatum, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Cladosporiumsp., Rhizopus nigricans, and Curvularia lunata are among the fungi that were isolated duringthisinvestigation. Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus niger were the most common fungi (23%) andtheleast common (8%), respectively, were Penicillium digitatum, Rhizopus nigricans, andCurvalaria lunata. The samples' mean pH values varied between 4.20±0.10 and 6.30±0.10, andtheir moisture content varied between 7.00±1.00 and 22.00±2.00%. The molecularcharacterization results showed that the aflD gene was present in every Aspergillus species. Thisstudy found that raw cow milk and its locally processed products sold in Benin Citycontainaflatoxigenic molds like Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. Controlling this contaminationand strictly maintaining hygienic standards are therefore necessary.