bacteria

Laundry wastewater, a category of greywater, contains various chemical constituents such as soap, suspended solids, oils, perfumes, and other pollutants at high concentrations. This study investigated the prevalence of virulence factors in bacterial isolates obtained from laundry wastewater to highlight their potential health risks. Samples were collected from residential and industrial laundry facilities, and the microbial isolates were analyzed using biochemical, molecular, and phenotypic methods. The total heterotrophic bacterial counts were recorded as 82.25 ± 4.7 CFU/mL × 10⁷ in Laundry Wastewater V and 94.50 ± 6.1 CFU/mL × 10⁷ in Laundry Wastewater W. Twenty-five bacterial isolates which include Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli, and pseudomonas spp. were characterized. The most frequently isolated bacterium was Staphylococcus aureus [11/25 (44.0%)], followed by Escherichia coli [7/25 (28.0%)], Pseudomonas spp. [4/25 (16.0%)], and Staphylococcus spp. [3/25 (12.0%)]. Virulence factors such as DNase activity, lipase activity, and hemolytic activity were assessed. DNase activity was observed in 40% of the isolates, lipase activity in 52%, and hemolytic activity in 92%. Among Staphylococcus aureus isolates, DNase activity was 45.5%, lipase activity was 54.5%, and hemolytic activity was 100%. Similarly, hemolytic activity was prevalent in all Escherichia coli isolates (100%) and 75% of Pseudomonas spp. isolates. This study highlights the high prevalence of virulence factors in bacterial isolates from laundry wastewater and underscores its potential as a reservoir of pathogenic microorganisms. Untreated discharge of such wastewater poses serious public health and environmental risks. Therefore, it
emphasizes the need for enhanced wastewater treatment systems and further research on the
ecological and epidemiological implications of virulence factors in laundry effluents.

Heavy metal contamination from mechanic workshops poses a major environmental challenge due to the continuous accumulation of toxic metals in soil, which can affect microbial activities, reduce soil fertility, and pose health risks to humans and other organisms. This study assessed the effectiveness of hydroxyapatite (HAp) and phosphate solubilising bacteria (PSB) (Pseudomonas sp.) in remediating heavy metal contaminated soil collected from a mechanic workshop. The research involved four treatments: soil only (control), soil + PSB, soil + HAp, and soil + PSB + HAp. Microbial counts and heavy metal concentrations (Fe, Cu, and As) were analyzed after incubation. The total heterotrophic bacterial count (THBC) increased from 2.5 × 10⁵ CFU/g in soil treated with PSB alone to 2.75 ± 0.71 × 10⁵ CFU/g in soil treated with both PSB and HAp, indicating enhanced microbial growth due to the combined amendment. The concentrations of iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) decreased significantly in all treated samples compared to the control. Fe reduced from 7561.97 mg/kg in the control to 6197.18 mg/kg in the combined treatment, while Cu decreased from 205.32 mg/kg to 150.19 mg/kg. Percentage reductions of 18.05% (Fe) and 26.85% (Cu) were recorded for the combined treatment, while arsenic (As) was not detected in any sample. These findings demonstrate that hydroxyapatite and Pseudomonas sp. act synergistically to immobilize and reduce heavy metal concentrations in contaminated soils. The combination improves microbial activity, enhances metal precipitation, and reduces the bioavailability of toxic metals. The study concludes that the combined use of hydroxyapatite and phosphate solubilising bacteria is an efficient, low-cost, and environmentally friendly method for remediating heavy metal–polluted soils from mechanic workshops in Nigeria.

The pervasive use of Point of Sale (POS) machines in Nigeria, while facilitating economic convenience, presents a potential public health risk as high-touch surfaces for microbial transmission. This study was to investigate the antibiogram pattern of bacteria isolated from POS machines around Iguosa Environs to Ovbiogie, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of twenty (20) POS terminals were randomly selected for the study. Microbial samples were obtained from the screens and keypads using sterile swabs that were moistened with peptone water. The samples were analyzed in the lab through serial dilution, cultured on Nutrient Agar, and incubated at 37°C for a period of 24-48 hours. Bacterial isolates were purified and identified following standard cultural, morphological, and biochemical methods. The antibiotic susceptibility profiles of the isolates were assessed against a range of commonly used antibiotics employing the disc diffusion technique. The findings indicated a significant microbial presence, with bacterial counts between 1.2 × 10⁴ cfu/mL and 9.0 × 10⁴ cfu/mL. Five genera of bacteria were identified, with their percentage distribution as follows: Micrococcus spp. (23.80%), Bacillus spp. (22.22%), Corynebacterium spp. (22.22%), Staphylococcus spp. (15.87%), and Streptococcus spp. (15.87%). A considerable number of isolates displayed multi-drug resistance (MDR), with high levels of resistance noted against first-line antibiotics such as Ampicillin (AM) and Azithromycin (AZ). Specifically, Bacillus spp. Exhibited extensive resistance to several classes of antibiotics. Some isolates, however, were susceptible to antibiotics like Erythromycin € and Levofloxacin (LEV). In summary, this study indicates that POS terminals in the examined area are heavily contaminated with a variety of bacteria, including potential opportunistic pathogens, along with serious antibiotic resistance issues. These results highlight the potential of POS machines to act as spreading agents for infections within the community and the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most frequently encountered bacterial
infections globally, particularly prevalent among young adults such as university students. Risk factors including poor hygiene practices, sexual activity, and limited access to timely healthcare contribute significantly to the occurrence of these infections. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other uropathogenic bacteria in urine samples of selected students from the University of Benin. A total of 60 midstream urine samples were aseptically collected from consenting students and subjected to comprehensive laboratory analysis. Urinalysis was performed to detect markers such as leukocytes, nitrites, and protein. The identified microorganisms were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing using the standard disc diffusion method. The results showed that 24% of urine samples tested positive for leukocytes, 17% for nitrites, and 15% for protein, indicating possible UTIs. Bacterial counts were generally higher in female students, within 21–25 age group showing the highest mean TVC. Six distinct bacterial species were isolated, with Staphylococcus aureus (33%) being the most prevalent, followed by Escherichia coli (21%), Pseudomonas spp. (11%), and MRSA (16.7%). MRSA occurrence was higher in females compared to males and also peaked in the 21–25 age group. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that Staphylococcus aureus showed resistance to cloxacillin and oxacillin, while Proteus sp. and Klebsiella sp. were susceptible to ofloxacin and ceftriaxone. The highest MAR index of 0.44 was observed in Staphylococcus aureus, indicating significant multidrug resistance. The findings indicate the presence of multidrugresistant uropathogens in the student population. This shows a potential reservoir for transmission, necessitating improved sanitation in hostels and public health campaigns to raise awareness about antibiotic resistance. Further research should focus on molecular characterization of resistance genes and explore alternative strategies such as targeted antimicrobial therapies and hygiene interventions.

The nasal cavity hosts a wide array of organisms. Pathogenic organisms may find access into the sinuses leading to infection. Plasmids, which are small extracellular DNA molecules, play a role by transferring resistance encoded genes among bacteria, facilitating the spread of antibiotic resistance. By investigating the role of plasmid genes in potential treatment failures, the research seeks to broaden our understanding on how plasmids mediate
antibiotic resistance. This knowledge is key for developing effective strategies to combat
sinusitis disease using anti microbialagents.
Methods: The study evaluated forty-three patients from the Ear Nose and Throat Clinic of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin city. Patient’s data collected were age,gender, alcoholhistory, smokinghistory, medical history. Isolates obtainedwere subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and plasmid curing with acridine orange as the curing agentusingstandardagardiscdiffusionmethod. Results: A total of 58.1% of our study participants were female, and 41.9% were male. Participants aged 16-25 had the highest sinusitis occurrence (27.9%). Nasal discharge was the most encountered symptom across all participants. Staphylococcus aureus dominated in
the nasal cavity of study participants (35.1% aerobic) compared to other organisms isolated. Pseudomonas aeruginosa accounted for the highest abundance (31.3%) under anaerobic condition. Multi-drug resistance was observed in 23.4% and 25% of total aerobic and anaerobic isolates respectively. Resistance to fluoroquinolones was lost post curing in Staphylococcusspp,Klebsiellaspp.
Conclusion: Females were more susceptible to sinusitis with recurrent episodes experienced compared to males. The presence of plasmid-mediated multidrug resistance genes
underscores the need for antibiograms, and rational antibiotics use insinusitis treatment.