N. A. OLISE

C. albicans remains a major opportunistic pathogen implicated in superficial and systemic infections, often exacerbated by antifungal resistance. This study evaluated the antifungal activity of ethanolic turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) extract and its combination with Lactobacillus bulgaricus secondary metabolites against clinical isolates of C. albicans. Fresh turmeric rhizomes were authenticated and extracted using ethanol, yielding 3.43% dried extract, while secondary metabolites of L. bulgaricus were prepared from probiotic cultures. Standardized clinical isolates of C. albicans (n = 5) were obtained from wound swab, high vaginal swab (HVS), ear swab, catheter tip, and urine samples collected at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed using agar well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) assays. Statistical analysis was carried out using Chi-square, ANOVA, and independentsamples t-test, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results revealed that ethanolic turmeric extract inhibited C. albicans growth in a concentration-dependent manner, with 40.0% inhibition at 25mg/0.25mL and 60.0% inhibition at both 50mg/mL and 100mg/0.25mL (p < 0.05). Combination with Lactobacillus metabolites enhanced inhibition to 60.0% at 25mg/0.25mL and 80.0% at both 50mg/0.25mL and 100mg/0.25mL, though overall differences between extract alone and the combination were not statistically significant (p = 0.749). Fungicidal activity was more at higher doses, with ethanolic extract achieving 100.0% inhibition at 200mg/0.25mL, while the combination exhibited earlier fungicidal effects, reaching 100.0% inhibition at 100mg/0.25mL. Isolate source influenced susceptibility, with High vaginal swab isolate showing highest sensitivity (MIC: 75.0%), while urine isolates were most resistant (MIC: 0.0%) (p = 0.044). These findings demonstrate that ethanolic turmeric extract possesses antifungal activity against C. albicans, which is further enhanced when combined with L. bulgaricus secondary metabolites. The dose-dependent inhibition observed suggests potential synergistic effects, though statistical comparisons did not reveal significant superiority of the combination over the extract alone. This highlights the therapeutic promise of plant–probiotic synergy as a natural alternative to conventional antifungals in the management of candidiasis. Further in vivo studies and mechanistic investigations are recommended to optimize dosage and evaluate clinical applicability.

The increasing prevalence of microbial contamination in objects such as Point-of-Sale (POS) machines poses significant public health risks, particularly in high traffic areas such as markets, schools, where hygiene practices may be inadequate. This study aimed to evaluate the bacterial and fungal loads on POS machines used by traders across specific markets in Benin City, Edo State to identify the types of microorganisms present, assess their prevalence, and propose measures for reducing contamination. A total of 150 POS machines were sampled within the study area using swab sticks moistened with sterile saline. These swabs of POS surfaces were collected from five different markets: Oba market, New Benin market, Uselu market, Oliha market and Ikpoba hill market. The markets covered three Local Government Area. Microbial
analyses were performed using standard techniques consisting of macroscopy, microscropy, identification and susceptibility testing of isolates present, and type of microbial contamination. The results revealed that a large percentage of the samples (75.3%) showed bacterial contamination where Klebsiella spp. (17.3%) and Staphylococcus aureus (15.3%) were found to be predominant, while fungal contamination was 57.3% of the samples collected, with Candida spp. being the most prevalent with the percentage (38.7%). The study highlighted significant variations in contamination rates across different markets and, indicating that certain markets, such as Ikpoba-hill market, had higher levels of bacterial contamination. The findings underscore the urgent need for improved hygiene practices among traders and regulatory oversight to ensure reduced contamination on these devices thereby reducing the spread of diseases. In conclusion, this research provides critical insights into the microbial quality of POS machines in Benin City and emphasizes the importance of implementing effective and good hygienic practices to protect the health of users.