Prevalence and antibiotic sensitivity patterns of bacteria from non-human primates in Nigerian zoos
Short Research Update
by Omonona, A.O., Ogunleye, A.O., Yusuf, B., Okunlade, A.O. and Adetuga, A.T
in WDA-AME Newsletter 2021, Vol.5, issue 1
The rectal swabs of non-human primates were collected from five randomly selected zoological gardens in Nigeria to investigate the bacteria profile and antibiotic susceptibility. The zoological gardens include U.I Zoo, UNILORIN Zoo, OAU Zoo, FUNAAB Zoo Park, and Qbrat Zoo. The study examined 67 primates cutting across eight species. Bacteria isolated were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility test using the disc diffusion method and the diameter of zone of inhibition were also measured. Escherichia coli (78%), Hafnia alvei (11%), Acinetobacter haemolyticus (7%) and Citrobacter amalonaticus (4%) were isolated from all the rectal swabs. Ciprofloxacin and Ofloxacin had the highest number of sensitive organisms (74.1%) while Amoxycillin had the highest number of resistant organisms (74.1%). The presence of the pathogenic bacteria isolated in this study has public health significance because of the nature and use of their location and its proximity to human dwellings.
For more details, see publication:
Name: Omonona, Abosede Olayemi
RESEARCH FOCUS
The global environment is being polluted with many chemical toxicants that negatively impact wildlife and environmental health. Also, wildlife pathogens directly or indirectly impact the health status of these animals. Hence, there is a crucial need to evaluate these effects under in-situ and ex-situ conditions. This is necessary so as to have a checklist of pathogenic organisms and xenobiotic substances ravaging our wildlife population since these have been incriminated as some of the factors in the decimation of wildlife species globally. Specifically, my research focus is on:
· Impact of pathogens on wildlife health and their public health implications.
· Implications of widespread exposure to chemical toxicants (such as persistent inorganic pesticides, heavy metals…