C. Abriba

Bio: C. Abriba is an academic researcher from University of Calabar. The author has contributed to research in topics: Fermentation & Biodegradation. The author has an hindex of 4, co-authored 8 publications receiving 123 citations.

A comparative assessment of the antimicrobial effects of garlic (Allium sativum) and antibiotics on diarrheagenic organisms.

Abstract: Antimicrobial sensitivity tests were carried out on Escherichia coli, Shigella sp, Sal- monella sp, and Proteus mirabilis using standard procedures. Significant differences (p<0.01) were seen in the effect of the antimicrobial agents (garlic, ciprofloxacin and ampicillin), and in the sensitivities of the microbial species (p<0.01) to the antimicrobial agents were observed. The gram-negative diarrheagenic pathogens from the stool samples were highly sensitive to garlic, while ciprofloxacin (CPX) was most effective against E. coli. The differences were in- ferred to result from genetic differences among the organisms and differences in the modes of action of the antibiotics. No isolates were resistant to garlic, making it a promising antimicro- bial agent. It appears that antibiotics that interfere with DNA and RNA syntheses, such as garlic does, could constitute an effective partner in the synergic effect of garlic currently being investigated worldwide.

Seasonal Occurrence of Vibrios in Water and Shellfish Obtained from the Great Kwa River Estuary, Calabar, Nigeria

Abstract: The prevalence of Vibrio species in shellfish and their seasonal variability in the Great Kwa River estuary (GKWE) were examined. Results revealed a trimodal peak in Vibrio counts, coinciding with meteorological changes and the hot periods of the year. The estuary was constantly faecally polluted, coupled with high rates of infection of shellfish by V. parahaemolyticus 42 (13.6%), V. cholerae non-01 29 (9.4%) and V. alginolyticus 22 (7.1%), thus posing a health risk. The observed seasonal variability and prevalence of Vibrio species infection are of epidemiological significance, and provide a guide for effective control of associated cholera epidemics.

Comparative degradation of sawdust by microorganisms isolated from it.

Abstract: Microorganisms isolated from sawdust have been demonstrated to be effective in its degradation. Eight bacteria and eight fungi were isolated from wet decaying sawdust. These were tested for their capability to degrade sawdust. Among the bacteria, Cellulomonas sp. was found to be the most effective degrading agent based on its high percentage degradation (18.3%). This was followed by Micrococcus sp. (16.0%) and Pseudomonas sp. (14.6%), Cytophaga sp. andBacillus sp. had the lowest percentage degradation of 0.2 and 7.7%, respectively. The fungi, Penicillium sp. had the highest percentage degradation of 14.3%, followed by Mucor sp. (13.3%) and Trichoderma sp. (9.5%). Aspergillus sp. andAbsidia sp. had the lowest percentage degradation of 4.3 and 6.5%, respectively. This report shows that indigenous microorganisms possess the capacity to degrade sawdust. Key words: Degradation, sawdust, utilizing, autochthonous microorganisms.

Microbial succession and odour reduction during the controlled fermentation of cassava tubers for the production of ‘foofoo’, a staple food consumed popularly in Nigeria

Abstract: Microbial succession and odour reduction during the controlled fermentation of cassava tubers for the production of ‘foofoo’, a staple food consumed popularly in Nigeria were investigated. A total of 8 microbial strains were isolated, these are: Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Corynebacterium manihoti, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Enterobacter aerogenes, Aspergillus niger, Geotrichum sp. and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Microbial succession following days of fermentation revealed that Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus plantarum predominate at all the days of fermentation Corynebacterium manihoti and Leuconostoc mesenteroides were isolated at day 1, Enterobacter aerogenes at day 2. Aspergillus niger predominates at day 1, 2 and 4 of fermentation. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was isolated at day 1 and Geotrichum sp. at day 3. Lactobacillus plantarum exhibited the highest acid producing ability, decreasing the pH of the fermentation from 6.1 to 3.66 with a corresponding increase in total titratable acidity (TTA) from 0.081% to 0.280% at day 4 of fermentation. The effected changes in pH and TTA by other isolates ranged respectively from 4.67 and 0.136% for Corynebacterium manihoti, 4.68 and 0.136% for Leuconostoc mesenteroide, 4.90 and 0.139% for Bacillus subtilis, 4.67 and 0.135% for Enterobacter aerogenes, 5.82 and 0.13% for Aspengillus niger, 5.80 and 0.137 for Geotrichum sp., 4.69 and 0.136% for Saccharomyces cerevisiae with in the period. All isolates were found to contribute in varying degree to odour reduction in fermented cassava; Bacillus Subtilis effected the highest odour reduction followed by Lactobacillus plantarum and Geotrichum sp. Key Words: Microbial Succession, odour reduction, fermentation, cassava tuber and foofoo.

Microbial contamination of Nigerian currency: a potential health risk to handlers

Abstract: Dirty Nigerian currency notes in circulation were sampled from market women and men in four markets in Cross River and Imo States of Nigeria, and analysed microbiologically for possible presence of pathogens, using standard methods. All the notes were observed to harbour both gram positive and gram-negative pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Out of 112 samples screened bacteriologically, Streptococcus species showed the highest frequency of 36(28.6%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus with a frequency of 31(24.6%). Others were E. coli 24(19.0%), Bacillus cereus 12(9.5%), Klebsiella species 13(10.8%) and Pseudomonas 10(8.0%). N20 and N100 denominations with contamination rates of 28(22.2%) and 24(19.1%) respectively were most contaminated, implying that they were mostly in circulation. Among the pathogenic fungi isolated from 112 samples, Aspergillus niger 8(19.1%) and Absidia species 9(17.0%) exhibited the highest frequency. Mucor species, Penicillium and Epidemophyton species each showed a frequency of 8(15.1%). Rhizopus species and Geotrichum candida had frequencies of 7(13.2%) and 5(9.4%) respectively. The antimicrobial sensitivity and resistance of the bacterial isolates were about 50:50% which portends a serious health problem. It is concluded that the dirty Nigerian currency in circulation is a potent means of transmitting infections, and therefore constitutes a great health hazard in Nigeria, unless there is legislation on the proper handling of the currency. . Global Journal of Mathematical Sciences Vol. 6 (1) 2007: pp. 35-40

Therapeutic Uses and Pharmacological Properties of Garlic, Shallot, and Their Biologically Active Compounds

Abstract: Objective(s): Garlic (Allium sativum L. family Liliaceae) is well known in Iran and its leaves, flowers, and cloves have been used in traditional medicine for a long time. Research in recent decades has shown widespread pharmacological effects of A. sativum and its organosulfur compounds especially Allicin. Studies carried out on the chemical composition of the plant show that the most important constituents of this plant are organosulfur compounds such as allicin, diallyl disulphide, S-allylcysteine, and diallyl trisulfide. Allicin represents one of the most studied among these naturally occurring compounds. In addition to A. sativum, these compounds are also present in A. hirtifolium (shallot) and have been used to treat various diseases. This article reviews the pharmacological effects and traditional uses of A. sativum, A. hirtifolium, and their active constituents to show whether or not they can be further used as potential natural sources for the development of novel drugs. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, the authors went through a vast number of sources and articles and all needed data was gathered. The findings were reviewed and classified on the basis of relevance to the topic and a summary of all effects were reported as tables. Conclusion: Garlic and shallots are safe and rich sources of biologically active compounds with low toxicity. Further studies are needed to confirm the safety and quality of the plants to be used by clinicians as therapeutic agents.

Antibacterial effect of Allium sativum cloves and Zingiber officinale rhizomes against multiple-drug resistant clinical pathogens

Abstract: Objective To evaluate the antibacterial properties of Allium sativum (garlic) cloves and Zingiber officinale (ginger) rhizomes against multi-drug resistant clinical pathogens causing nosocomial infection.

Short Communication - Studies on the antimicrobial effects of garlic (Allium sativum Linn), ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and lime (Citrus aurantifolia Linn)

Abstract: The antimicrobial effect in vitro of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of garlic (Allium sativum Linn.), ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and lime (Citrus aurantifolia Linn.) juice were assayed against Staphylococcus aureus; Bacillus spp., Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. All the test organisms were susceptible to undiluted lime-juice. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of garlic and ginger singly did not inhibit any of the test organisms. The highest inhibition zone of 19 mm was observed with a combination of extracts on Staphylococcus aureus. Salmonella spp were resistant to almost all the extracts except lime.

Antibacterial effect (in vitro) of Moringa oleifera and Annona muricata against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria

Abstract: Antibacterial effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of seeds of moringa (Moringa oleifera) and pods of soursop (Annona muricata) in the concentration of 1:5 and 1:10 in volumes 50, 100, 150 and 200 microL were examined against Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio cholerae, Escherichia coli (isolated from the organism and the aquatic environment) and Salmonella Enteritidis. Antibacterial activity (inhibition halo > 13 mm) against S. aureus, V. cholerae and E. coli isolated from the whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannmaei, was detected in aqueous and ethanolic extracts of moringa. E. coli isolated from tilapiafish, Oreochromis niloticus, was sensitive to the ethanolic extract of moringa. The aqueous extracts of soursop showed an antibacterial effect against S. aureus and V. cholerae, but the antibacterial activity by the ethanol extracts of this plant was not demonstrated.

Garlic in health and disease.

Abstract: The present article reviews the historical and popular uses of garlic, its antioxidant, haematological, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective and antineoplastic properties and its potential toxicity (from sulfoxide). Garlic has been suggested to affect several cardiovascular risk factors. It has also been shown that garlic and its organic allyl sulfur components are effective inhibitors of the cancer process. Since garlic and its constituents can suppress carcinogen formation, bioactivation and tumour proliferation, it is imperative that biomarkers be established to identify which individuals might benefit most. Garlic powder, aged garlic and garlic oil have demonstrated antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects by interfering with cyclo-oxygenase-mediated thromboxane synthesis. Garlic has also been found to have synergistic effects against Helicobacter pylori with a proton pump inhibitor. The active compound allicin may affect atherosclerosis not only by acting as an antioxidant, but also by other mechanisms, such as lipoprotein modification and inhibition of LDL uptake and degradation by macrophages. Freshly prepared garlic homogenate protects against isoniazid+rifampicin-induced liver injury in experimental animal models. Several mechanisms are likely to account for this protection.