African Journal of Medicine and Surgery

African Journal of Medicine and Surgery ISSN 3156-8734 Vol. 6 (2), pp. 001-006, February, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Induction of apoptosis by Rhizoma Paridis saponins in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells

Chuan Lu^1†, ChunJiang Li^1,2†, Dongmei Wu¹, JingMei Lu¹*, Fan Tu¹, Lijuan Wang³

¹School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Renmin Street, Changchun, Jilin Province 130024, P. R. China.

²College of Basic Medicine, Jiamusi University, 148 Xuefu Street, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang Province 154007, P. R. China.

³Depatment of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital, 151 East Street, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150001, P. R. China.

Accepted 11 July, 2018

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between the induction of MCF-7 human breast cancer cell apoptosis by Rhizoma Paridis saponins (RPS) and the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. We treated MCF-7 cells with RPS at various concentrations and examined the inhibitory effect of RPS on the proliferation of MCF -7 cells using the 4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, the change in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) using JC-1 staining, and the expression levels of related proteins using western blot. The results showed that the inhibitory effect of RPS against the growth of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells might be related to the apoptosis induced caspase family and the caspase-3-dependent pathway. The results suggest that RPS has the potential to be a valuable anticancer agent.

Key words: Rhizoma paridis saponins, MCF-7 cells, apoptosis, mitochondria

African Journal of Medicine and Surgery ISSN 3156-8734 Vol. 6 (2), pp. 001-006, February, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Antibiotic susceptibility pattern and ESBL prevalence in nosocomial Escherichia coli from urinary tract infections in Pakistan

Farhat Ullah¹*, Salman Akbar Malik¹ and Jawad Ahmed²

¹Department of Biology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

²Department of Pathology, Khyber Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan.

Accepted 19 April, 2018

Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are the most prevalent infections worldwide, mostly caused by Escherichia coli. These bacteria also produce enzymes called extended spectrum b-lactamases (ESBL) which render penicillins and cephalosporins inactive. The present study included 116 E. coli, isolated from urine of in-patients suffering from UTI. Antibiotic susceptibility testing and ESBL detection were carried out according to Clinical Laboratory and Standards Institute (CLSI) criteria. Fifteen antibiotics were tested in this study. A total of 66 (56.9%) isolates were found to be ESBL producers. A total of 83% isolates were resistant to 4 or more antibiotics. Imipenem and meropenem showed high potency with 98 and 97% isolates being susceptible, respectively. Susceptibility to gentamicin was 48%, kanamycin 43%, both ofloxacin and enoxacin 38%, ciprofloxacin 35%, doxycycline 18% and to co-trimoxazole only 17%. This study reveals that E. coli isolated from UTI in this region are multi-drug resistant and produce ESBL in large proportions.

Key words: Antibiotic resistance, Escherichia coli, Extended Spectrum b-Lactamase, Urinary Tract Infections.

African Journal of Medicine and Surgery ISSN 3156-8734 Vol. 6 (1), pp. 001-004, January, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Urinary schistosomiasis epidemiological survey of urinary schistosomiasis among children in selected schools: A preliminary study in Minna, Nigeria

Chidozie E. U. and Daniyan S. Y.*

Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger State, Nigeria.

Accepted 18 October, 2018

Abstract

The study was carried out in Minna Metropolis, between August and December, 2005, with a total of 387 school children interviewed and 217 urine samples analysed. This research employs the use of questionnaires, validation of questionnaires by urinalysis and the microscopic examination of the urine samples. The research is aimed at appreciating prevalent level of urinary schistosomiasis in Minna metropolis. The overall prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis, as confirmed by the presence of egg of SCHISTOSOMA HAEMATOBIUM was 12.9%, reported blood in the urine 34.4%, microhaematuria 52.5%, protenuria 32.7% and red blood cells 24.6%. The frequency of gross haematuria, and the degree of microhaematuria and proteinuria detectable by chemical reagent strips was observed to correlate with intensity of infection. The urinary schistosomiasis prevalence, confirmed by urine microscopy, of 12.9% in the selected school children within Minna, in spite its urban status, suggests that Minna is an endemic area, and the state requires an effective urinary schistosomiasis control programme. A major concern which represents a serious issue in the study includes the very poor level of awareness about the possible cause of urinary schistosomiasis or reported blood in the urine, as only 0.78% of the children have knowledge about the infection and 12% of the children that reported having blood in their urine have visited a health center.

Key words: Prevalence, schistosomiasis, epidemiological survey, proteinuria, microhaematuria.

African Journal of Medicine and Surgery ISSN 3156-8734 Vol. 6 (1), pp. 001-004, January, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Incidence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Staphylococcus aureus amongst patients with urinary tract infection (UTI) in UBTH Benin City, Nigeria

E. E. Akortha¹* and O. K. Ibadin²

¹Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.

²Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.

Accepted 13 April, 2018

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most widely spread human pathogen. Considering the havoc it causes on life and subsequently on the economy, it became necessary to determine its incidence and antibiogram in our environment for adequate control and treatment. Records of microbial cultures and antibiotic sensitivity test results of suspected cases of urinary tract infection (UTI) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) Benin City from January 1^st to 31^st December, 2005 were retrieved and statistically analyzed. Two thousand, one hundred and twelve (2,112) early morning mid-stream, urine samples were cultured and seven different microbial agents were isolated and identified. Staphylococuus aureus was found to be the most common organism isolated presenting 22.8%, closely followed by Klebsiella spp. (10.1%), Escherichia coli (8.2%), Proteus mirabilis (4.8%), Enteronacter spp. (4.4%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2.0%) and Candida albican (1.0%). No growth was recorded in 46.6% of cultures. The occurrence of S. aureus was found to be significantly higher (65.8%) in females compared to males (34.2%) (P>0.05). 35% of cases were observed between the ages of 21 to 30 years and the majority were female (46.7%). The S. aureus strains were sensitive to augmentin (83%), oxfloxacin (75.9%), nitrofurantion (63.5%) and gentamycine (50.2%). S. aureus was found to be highly resistant to tetracycline (80.9%), naladixic acid (79.3%) and contrimoxazole (87.3%). It was observed that S. aureus, among other organisms isolated, is the leading cause of UTI in our environment. Augmentin and oxfloxacin could be the drug of choice in the treatment of S. aureus.

Key words: Microbial agents, Staphylococcus aureus, significance level, resistance, urinary tract infection.

African Journal of Medicine and Surgery ISSN 3156-8734 Vol. 5 (3), pp. 001-004, March, 2018. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

In vitro antibacterial activity of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) root bark extract against some microorganisms associated with urinary tract infections

El-Mahmood, A. M. * and Ameh , J. M.

Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria.

Accepted 21 April, 2017

Abstract

The medicinal plant Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) was screened for the phytochemical components and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa which are associated with urinary tract infections. Aqueous solutions are more potent than methanolic solutions and activity is concentration dependent. P. aeruginosa is least susceptible than the other organisms.

Key words: Antibacterial activity, Parkia biglobosa, phytochemical, urinary tract infections.

African Journal of Medicine and Surgery ISSN 3156-8734 Vol. 5 (3), pp. 001-005, March, 2018. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Urinary tract infection in Okada village: Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern

Nwanze, P. I.¹, Nwaru, L. M.^2*, Oranusi, S.¹, Dimkpa, U.⁵, Okwu, M. U.¹, Babatunde, B. B.¹, Anake, T. A.³, Jatto, W. ¹ and Asagwara, C. E.⁴

¹Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Igbinedion University, Okada, P.M.B. 0006, Edo State, Nigeria.

²Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria.

³Department of Mathematics, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Canaanland, Ota Ogun State, Nigeria

⁴General Outpatient Department, Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital, Okada Edo State, Nigeria

⁵Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria.

Accepted 11 October, 2017

Abstract

The antimicrobial sensitivity pattern of bacterial isolates from suspected urinary tract infection (UTI) patients at Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital was carried out from November 2004 to November 2005 using the disc diffusion method. The subjects were made up of 330 (60%) males and 220 (40%) females. The commonest isolates were Escherichia coli (51.2%), Staphylococcus aureus (27.3%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (12.8%) respectively. Both methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and methicillin sensitive (MSSA) S. aureus were isolated in the study. The isolates were highly sensitive to ofloxacin but low to moderately sensitive to gentimicin, tobramycin, nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, nitrofurantoin, and cefuroxine. The MSSA isolates were highly sensitive to ciprofloxaxin and ofloxacin while the MRSA were sensitive to ofloxacin. In addition, the isolates showed multi-drug resistance.

Key words: Bacterial resistance, b-lactamases, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), methicillin sensitive (MSSA) S. aureus.