Browsing by Author "Budambula, N. L. M."

Now showing 1 - 9 of 9
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    Antimicrobial Activity of Warbugia Ugandensis against Gramnegative Multi‐Drug resistant Bacteria
    (Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, 2014) Budambula, N. L. M.
    The rise in antibiotic resistance has resulted in decreasing numbers of effective antimicrobial agents available to treat infections caused by multi‐drug resistant (MDR) bacteria. This has necessitated a search for new antimicrobial agents. Herbal remedies may offer alternative treatment options especially because they elicit little or no transferable resistance if used in optimal concentrations. This study evaluated the antimicrobial properties of W. ugandensis against eight multi drug resistant (MDR) Gram‐negative bacterial isolates. The herbal extracts were obtained using methanol as an organic solvent and water as an inorganic solvent. Determination of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) and the sub‐lethal concentrations of the effective extracts was done using broth inoculation method followed by colony count. The test isolates were habituated in sub‐lethal extract concentrations (SLC) for 72 h to investigate effect on their sensitivity to conventional antibiotics. Methanol extracts from the root and stem‐bark of W. ugandensis were active against the test strains and their inhibitory effect was significantly different (p<0.05) from that of other extracts. We determined that the extracts had an inhibitory rather than a lytic (cidal) mode of action. The extracts from this plant had an effective MIC of 42 μg/ml and exhibited an inhibitory mode of action and did not elicit resistance to conventional antibiotics. Methanol extracts from the root and bark of this plant may provide potential sources for further development of alternative antimicrobial agents for the treatment of MDR infections.
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    Hepatitis B virus subgenotype A1, occurrence of subgenotype D4, and S gene mutations among voluntary blood donors in Kenya
    (Springer, 2013-05-24) Budambula, N. L. M.; Kiptoo, Michael Kibet; Kwange, Simeon Owuor; Okoth, Fredrick; Ochwoto, Missiani; Oduor, Margaret; Kimotho, James Hungo
    Kenya is one of the high endemic zones for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The consensuses on prevalence of the HBV genotypes and the existence of their variants have not been fully established in Kenya. Hence, there is a need to further monitor the diversity of HBV. This study aimed to extend the current molecular and epidemiological information about the geographical distribution of HBV genotypes and subgenotypes, as well as to describe the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) variants circulating in different Regional Blood Transfusion Centres of Kenya. A total of 32 HBsAg positive blood units from five different blood transfusion centers in Kenya were used in the study. The HBV DNA preS/S-gene was amplified and sequenced. Alignments of S gene were applied using reference sequence from GeneBank. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using the MEGAv4.0 software with the neighbor-joining and maximum composite likelihood methods. Twenty-one plasma samples (65.6 %) were DNA positive and were successfully sequenced. Eighteen out of the twenty-one isolates (85.7 %) belonged to subgenotype A1 Afro-Asian: six were from Nairobi, four from Kisumu, two from Embu,and three each from Eldoret and Mombasa. The other three strains (14.3 %, 3/21) belonged to subgenotype D4 from Mombasa. The HBsAg mutations were detected in nine isolates (42.9 %, 9/21). The HBV/A1 and HBV/D4 are dominant among blood donors in Kenya. This demonstrates that continuous monitoring of the HBV diversity would help reveal circulating genotypes and subgenotypes as well as mutants of clinical significance in Kenya.
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    Isolation and characterization of actinobacteria from Lake Magadi, Kenya
    (2013-05-29) Budambula, N. L. M.; Ronoh, Regina C.; Mwirichia, Romano K.; Boga, Hamadi I.
    Actinobacteria are ubiquitous and have been detected in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Although, various studies have focused on the ecology of this phylum, data on the ecology of actinobacteria endemic to soda lakes are scanty. This study aimed to determine actinobacterial diversity in Lake Magadi. Four different sampling points were selected randomly within the lake to cover a broad range of sample diversity. Wet sediments and water samples were collected from each sampling point. Good success in isolation of actinobacteria was obtained using a variety of strategies designed to select against fast growing bacteria. Serially diluted samples were plated on growth media containing complex substrates such as malt and chitin. The media was prepared using sterile lake water and pH kept at 8 which is high for most bacteria. DNA was extracted from the isolates and the 16S rRNA genes amplified using primers described to be domain specific for actinobacteria. The isolates were characterized both physiologically and biochemically and were screened for the presence of polyketide synthase-1 genes. The amplified 16S rRNA gene sequences were used for sequence analysis to identify the isolates and establish their phylogeny. Four actinobacteria isolates affiliated with the genera Rhodococcus, Dietzia, Microbacterium and Nocardia were obtained. BLAST analysis showed that all the isolates had between 97 and 99% similarity to their close relatives. Three of the isolates were positive for polyketide synthase genes. These results increase the number of actinobacteria isolates from soda lakes for potential use in biotechnology research.
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    Isolation, characterization and identification of Diazinon degrading bacteria from the soil and gut of macrotermes
    (2013) Budambula, N. L. M.; Ogot, H. A.; Boga, H. I.; Tsanuo, M; Andika, D.O.
    Diazinon degrading bacteria were isolated from the soil and gut of fungus cultivating termites Macrotermes michaelseni using MM7 media supplemented with pesticide as the sole source of carbon and energy. The isolates were gram negative rods the isolates from the soil were designated DS2, DS3 and DS5 while from termite gut was designated DT2. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that diazinon degrading isolate DS2 (from the soil) is closely related to Achromobacter xylosoxidan AF508101 (100%), isolate DT2 from termite gut is closely related to Klebsiella oxytoca AB004754 (99.7%). Whereas isolates DS3 and DS5 , both from the soil are closely related to p., AY082447 (99%). The ability of the isolates to degrade diazinon highlights their potential to be used in bioremediation.
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    Isolation, Characterization and Identification of Enterobacteriaceae from well water in Juja Town in Kenya
    (2009) Budambula, N. L. M.; Hamadi, I.B.; Mwirichia, R
    Water for docmestic use is increasingly becoming a scarce resource forcing communities to resort to underground water sources. However, increasing wells and boreholes are facing threats of pullution from sewage. Water samples were collected from 12 different wells in Juja town, Kenya using pre-sterilized 100 ml plastic bottles. Sampling was done in May 2004 during the long rains and in September 2004 during the dry season. All the water samples had total coliform counts >1100 per 100 ml of water. The Enterobacteriaceae isolated from the wells were from the following genera: Escherichia, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Proteus, Edwardsiella, Erwinia, Kluyvera, Klebsiella, Salmonella, Shigella, Serratia, Rahnella, Cedecea, Morganella, and Yersinia. Bacteria detected but not belonging to Enterobacteriaceae included the genera Vibrio, Acinetobacter, and Chromobacterium. Indiscriminate refuse disposals as well as the location of septic tanks, soak away pits and pit latrines in proximity to the wells could be the most probable cause of the overall high number of coliforms in the wells. Water treatment through chlorination or boiling was shown to reduce the microbial load to zero. Therefore it is recommended that water from the shallow wells be treated through chlorination or boiling before it can be used for domestic purposes.
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    Isolation, characterization and identification of roundup degrading bacteria from the soil and gut of Macrotermes michaelseni
    (2013-09-10) Budambula, N. L. M.; Ogot, H. A.; Boga, H. I.; Tsanuo, M.; Andika, D.O.; Ogola, H. J,
    Roundup degrading bacteria were isolated from the soil and gut of fungus cultivating termites Macrotermes michaelseni using MM7 media supplemented with the pesticide as the sole source of carbon and energy. The isolates were gram negative rods the isolate from the soil was designated GS1 while that from termite gut was designated GT2. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of the isolates revealed that isolates Both isolates GS1 and GT2 are closely related to Enterobacter sp AY 0822447 with 99% sequence similarity. The results of this study highlight the potential of these bacterial isolates to be used in bioremediation.
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    Laboratory surveillance of cholera in Nyanza Province.
    (2014) Budambula, N. L. M.; Odhiambo, S. G.; Odari, E.O
    Cholera continues to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality in many areas of the world, and there is currently a high frequency of new outbreaks in Africa. Following a confirmed cholera outbreak in Siaya, Kisumu, Bondo and Nyando districts, Nyanza province in western Kenya between April and July 2007, a laboratory surveillance study was conducted at the New Nyanza Provincial General Hospital’s Microbiology Laboratory. The study aimed at isolating and identifying the strain of Vibrio cholerae, Identifying the mean age of the patients and monitoring the susceptibility patterns to major antibiotics. It further aimed at determining effectiveness of empiric management of cholera. A total of 219 samples were processed out of which a total of 85 samples (39%) were found positive for Vibrio cholerae 01 sero‐type Inaba. The mean age recorded was 19 years (1 ≤ 80). The modal ages recorded were 8, 20 and 25. 55% (47) of the recorded cases were females while 45% (38) were males. Generally, V.Cholerae 01 sero‐type Inaba showed antibiotic resistance to trimethoprimsulfamethoxazole, nalidixic acid, sulfasoxazole, streptomycin and furazolidone. Tetracycline a commonly used antibiotic for empiric management was 100% effective on all isolates and remains the drug of choice. Samples obtained for case‐control study did not yield any cholera isolate. No prior exposure to any antibiotic was recorded among all the subjects. The study confirmed the effectiveness of empirical therapy on cholera and further identified the need of proper hygiene, water treatment, proper waste management and proper eating habits as means of controlling morbidity and mortality of cholera.
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    Metal Status of Nairobi Riverwaters and Their Bioaccumulation in Labeo Cylindricus
    (2005-03-03) Budambula, N. L. M.; Mwachiro, E.C.
    This study focused on the analysis of metals in water and fish from Nairobi River. Water from Kikuyu, Kawangware, Chiromo, Eastleigh, Njiru and Fourteen Falls along the Nairobi River was analyzed for the presence of metals. Most of the metal levels in water were below the critical limit of World Health Organization and Kenya Bureau of Standards except for lead, chromium, iron and manganese. Isolated cases of mercury and aluminium pollution were recorded. Except for iron, sodium and potassium, there was no significant difference in the concentration of metals at different sites. This study also analyzed metal levels in fish organs and tissues of fish caught from downstream (Fourteen Falls). The highest zinc concentration (360 μg/g) was in the scales, copper recorded the highest concentration in the kidney (45 μg/g), while cadmium recorded high values (167 μg/g) in the heart. Lead recorded high values (178 μg/g) in the heart and mercury recorded high values also in the heart (1000 ng/g). Most of these organs, are however, not eaten by man as food. Although metal levels were within normal levels in the water at Fourteen Falls, mercury, copper, lead and iron recorded higher than accepted levels in some fish organs. This calls for caution in the consumption of fish from Fourteen Falls.
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    Metal Status of Nairobi Riverwaters and Their Bioaccumulation in Labeo Cylindricus
    (Springer, 2005-03-03) Budambula, N. L. M.; Mwachiro, E.C.
    This study focused on the analysis of metals in water and fish from Nairobi River. Water from Kikuyu, Kawangware, Chiromo, Eastleigh, Njiru and Fourteen Falls along the Nairobi River was analyzed for the presence of metals. Most of the metal levels in water were below the critical limit of World Health Organization and Kenya Bureau of Standards except for lead, chromium, iron and manganese. Isolated cases of mercury and aluminium pollution were recorded. Except for iron, sodium and potassium, there was no significant difference in the concentration of metals at different sites. This study also analyzed metal levels in fish organs and tissues of fish caught from downstream (Fourteen Falls). The highest zinc concentration (360 μg/g) was in the scales, copper recorded the highest concentration in the kidney (45 μg/g), while cadmium recorded high values (167 μg/g) in the heart. Lead recorded high values (178 μg/g) in the heart and mercury recorded high values also in the heart (1000 ng/g). Most of these organs, are however, not eaten by man as food. Although metal levels were within normal levels in the water at Fourteen Falls, mercury, copper, lead and iron recorded higher than accepted levels in some fish organs. This calls for caution in the consumption of fish from Fourteen Falls.