Characterization and Phylodiversity of Implicated Enteric Bacteria Strains in Retailed Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Fruits in Southwest Nigeria

Investigating and combatting the key drivers of viral zoonoses in Africa: an analysis of eight epidemics

Investigating the interplay of factors that result in a viral zoonotic outbreak is difficult, though it is increasingly important. As anthropogenic influences shift the delicate balance of ecosystems, new zoonoses emerge in humans. Sub-Saharan Africa is a notable hotspot for zoonotic disease due to abundant competent mammalian reservoir hosts. Furthermore, poverty, corruption, and an overreliance on natural resources play considerable roles in depleting biological resources, exacerbating the population's susceptibility. Unsurprisingly, viral zoonoses have emerged in Africa, including HIV/AIDS, Ebola, Avian influenza, Lassa fever, Zika, and Monkeypox. These diseases are among the principal causes of death in endemic areas. Though typically distinct in their manifestations, viral zoonoses are connected by underlying, definitive factors. This review summarises vital findings on viral zoonoses in Africa using nine notable case studies as a benchmark for future studies. We discuss the importance of ecological recuperation and protection as a central strategy to control zoonotic diseases. Emphasis was made on moderating key drivers of zoonotic diseases to forestall future pandemics. This is in conjunction with attempts to redirect efforts from reactive to pre-emptive through a multidisciplinary "one health" approach.

Multidrug-resistant enteric bacteria in Nigeria and potential use of bacteriophages as biocontrol

Enteric bacterial pathogens have been implicated in many cases of gastroenteritis in Nigeria, a West African country. This situation is worsened by some reports of the high prevalence of multidrug-resistant enteric bacteria. To better prepare for situations in which even antibiotics of last resort would fail to treat infections caused by these pathogens, attention should be paid to alternative antimicrobial strategies. Here, we summarize existing reports of multidrug-resistant enteric bacterial infections in Nigeria, and importantly present the use of bacteriophages (viruses of bacteria) as an attractive antimicrobial alternative to combat these pathogens. It is hoped that this review will encourage research into the use of lytic bacteriophages against multidrug-resistant enteric bacteria in Nigeria.

Genotyping of Probiotic Lactobacilli in Nigerian Fermented Condiments for Improved Food Safety

BACKGROUND: Plant-based naturally fermented condiments usually result in poor quality products with various bacteria and fungi contaminants. Previous reports suggested the use of starter cultures from previously fermented condiments in fermentation processes to ensure health-promoting benefits, improved quality, shelf life, and organoleptic properties for the achievement of healthy nutrition, safe, and quality food. AIM: This study aimed to genotype potential lactobacilli from locally fermented condiments for improved food safety. METHODS: The lactobacilli colonies isolated from fermented condiments purchased from food markets in Southwest Nigeria were profiled for probiotic activities, hemolytic activities, antibiotics susceptibility, and inhibitory activities against food pathogens. Interesting probiotic lactobacilli were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and evaluated for phylogenetic relatedness with other globally reported probiotic lactobacilli. RESULTS: Lactobacillus species which expressed significant probiotics, γ-hemolysis, anti-spoilage, and anti-listerial activities (P < 0.05) with tolerable safety profiles were identified as Lactiplantibacillus plajomi YD001 (MW280136), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum YD002 (MW280139), L. plantarum YD003 (MW280137), and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei YD004 (MW280138) possessed 50.75, 50.61, 50.75, and 52.54 mol% DNA G+C contents, respectively. The species clustered into different phylogroups with high clonal relatedness with other potential lactobacilli meta-data (≥96.80%) obtained from the public repository. CONCLUSION: Obtained genotyped Lactobacillus species are potential starter cultures for improved fermentation processes, control of food pathogens, and spoilage organisms.