ABSTRACT
Banking activities which involve the use of counting machines, Automated teller machines, and exchange of naira notes play potential roles in the spread of infectious microorganisms. This study aimed at determining the microbial status of banks within Ekiti State University campus. A total of 96 samples were collected from six different banks’ in–door air, ATM, counting tables and Money counting machines in Ekiti State University campus. The samples were collected both in the morning and afternoon. Bacteria and fungi were isolated from the samples using serial dilution and pour plating methods. The isolates were identified based on morphological and biochemical characterization. Susceptibility pattern of the isolates to different classes of antibiotics (Penicillins, Quinolones, Macrolides, Aminoglycosides, Fluoroquinolones and Sulfonamides) were determined using agar disc diffusion method. There was significant difference (p<0.05) in bacteria counts on all the equipment analyzed in all the banks except Heritage bank. Analysis of variance also revealed significant difference in the bacteria counts from the banks in the morning and in the afternoon (p<0.05). Bacteria and fungi isolated from the samples belonged to the genera Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Escherichia Serratia, Pseudomonas, Proteus Bacilllus, Aspergillus, Alternaria, Mucor and Fusarium where bacteria group dominated with 65% while their fungal counterparts were 35% of the total isolates. Escherichia coli had the highest percentage occurrence of 18.6%, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (15.2%) while Proteus sp. had the lowest occurrence (1%). The isolates exhibited resistance to Augmentin (100%), Erythromycin (100%), Amoxycillin (96%), Cotrimoxazole (96%), Chloramphenicol (86%), Streptomycin (72%) and Gentamycin (58%) while their growths were inhibited by Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, Prefloxacin and Septrin. Plasmid analysis of the resistant strains showed that the isolates lack plasmids. The presence of potential pathogens in the banks and multiple antibiotic resistance displayed by the isolates constitutes risk to the public health. Hence, measures such as thorough hand washing with soap and hand sanitization after using the bank and its facilities should be emphasized.
ABSTRACT
Aims: In this study, the ameliorative activity of sulfonolipid extracted from a local isolate of Salinibacter ruber was investigated against sodium arsenitetoxication on sperm quality, testosterone level and histological structure of rat testis. The treatment was applied for twenty-six days so as to be able to examine the effect of sodium arsenite and the activity of sulfonolipids on the sperm count. This is because it has been established that twenty-six days will be required for the maturation of albino rat’s sperm Study Design: An experimental layout involving the use of Wistar albino rat was employed for the study. Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Department of Pure and Applied Biology (Animal Laboratory) Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomosho Oyo state Nigeria between June 2009 and July 2010. Methodology: Sixty adult male Wistar Albino rats were divided into six groups of 10 animals each. Each group was administered sulfonolipid at a concentration of 0.2ml of 0.16% for group A, 0.016% for group B, 0.0016% for group C with 0.2ml of 6mg/kg body weight of sodium arsenite, respectively. Group D served as negative control and, 0.2ml 0f 0.16% sulfonolipid was given only for positive control in group E, by gavage for 26 days. Group F were given water and feeds only ad libitum, also served as the normal control. The changes in sperm count, testosterone level and histological structure of testes were examined. Results: A significant difference in epididymal sperm count of rat gavaged with sulfonolipid at a concentration of 0.2ml of 0.16%was observed (37.8±5.54×106 m/ml) when compared with those treated to sodium arsenite (23.76±7.50×106m/ml) only. No significant differences were observed in testosterone level among any of the groups. Sulfonolipid isolated from Sanilibacter rubber showed some significant activities on the severe effects of sodium arsenite on the histological structure of testis. Conclusion: The administration of sulfonolipid extract at a concentration of 0.2ml of 0.16%alongside with sodium arsenite significantly reduced the toxic effect of the arsenic compound in the rats. However, effectiveness and potency of sulfonolipid can be better established through further investigations which may try to verify the fertilisation efficacy of the experimental animals.