Microbiology

Microbial Contamination and Sterility Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Preparations

This study evaluated the microbial contamination and sterility of selected pharmaceutical preparations obtained from retail outlets. Oral and topical products were tested for total microbial counts and specified organisms using pharmacopoeial methods. The findings revealed that most samples complied with limits, while a proportion of topical preparations exceeded acceptable microbial counts. The study observed that packaging and storage conditions influenced contamination levels. It recommends enforcement of quality monitoring, proper storage, and surveillance of marketed products.

2025 — Undergraduate

Assessment of Vaccination Coverage and Seropositivity Among Children

This study assessed vaccination coverage and seropositivity among children attending a primary health centre. Vaccination records were reviewed and serum samples were tested for antibodies to a vaccine-preventable disease. The findings revealed that full immunisation coverage was below the national target in the study area, while seropositivity was significantly higher among fully vaccinated children. The study observed that missed doses and irregular schedules affected coverage. It recommends intensified outreach, documentation improvement, and post-vaccination monitoring.

2025 — Undergraduate

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity and Preservation of Cream Formulations

This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of selected cream formulations and the effectiveness of their preservative systems. Cream samples were inoculated with challenge organisms and tested for microbial survival over time, while intrinsic antimicrobial activity was assessed by plate methods. The findings revealed that formulations with adequate preservative systems limited microbial proliferation, while poorly preserved samples supported growth of challenge organisms. The study observed variation across product types. It recommends preservative efficacy testing in formulation development and quality assurance.

2025 — Undergraduate

Prevalence of Viral Infections Among Febrile Patients Attending a Health Centre

This study determined the prevalence of selected viral infections among febrile patients attending a health centre. Serum samples were tested for antibodies or antigens of common viral causes of fever using standard serological assays. The findings revealed that a substantial proportion of febrile patients had evidence of exposure to the tested viruses, while co-exposure was observed in some cases. The study observed seasonal clustering of cases. It recommends strengthening laboratory diagnosis of viral fevers and health education on prevention.

2025 — Undergraduate

Microbial Evaluation of Drinking Water Sources in Selected Rural Communities

This study evaluated the microbial quality of drinking water sources in selected rural communities. Water samples from wells, boreholes, and streams were analysed for total and faecal coliform counts and the presence of indicator organisms. The findings revealed that most unprotected sources failed standard guidelines, with faecal coliforms and Escherichia coli detected in several samples, while protected boreholes showed improved quality. The study observed seasonal variation with higher contamination in the rainy season. It recommends household water treatment, source protection, and community education on safe water handling.

2025 — Undergraduate

Evaluation of Immune Response Markers in Patients with Chronic Infections

This study evaluated immune response markers in patients with chronic infections compared with apparently healthy controls. Blood samples were analysed for leucocyte counts, differentials, and immunoglobulin levels using standard laboratory methods. The findings revealed significantly altered leucocyte profiles and elevated immunoglobulin concentrations in infected patients, reflecting active immune stimulation, while antibody responses varied by infection type. The study observed stronger humoral responses in bacterial than in parasitic infections. It recommends the use of immune markers in monitoring and management of chronic infections.

2025 — Undergraduate

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Viruses Among Blood Donors

This study determined the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses among blood donors presenting at a blood bank. Donor sera were screened using rapid and confirmatory assays for viral markers. The findings revealed measurable seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C antibody among donors, with variations by age and donation history. The study observed that repeat donors showed lower marker rates. It recommends sustained screening of blood, donor counselling, and vaccination of susceptible donors.

2025 — Undergraduate

Microbial Quality Assessment of Selected Street-Vended Foods in a Nigerian Market

This study assessed the microbial quality of selected street-vended foods sold in a major market in Nigeria. Food samples were collected and subjected to standard microbiological analysis for total viable counts, coliform counts, and the presence of pathogenic indicators. The findings revealed that most samples exceeded recommended microbiological limits for total and coliform counts, with higher contamination in protein-rich snacks, while Escherichia coli was detected in a proportion of samples. The study observed that poor hygiene and storage practices contributed to contamination. It recommends improved vendor hygiene, training, and regulatory enforcement of food safety standards.

2025 — Undergraduate

Microbiological and Safety Assessment of Locally Fermented Foods

This study assessed the microbiological status and safety of selected locally fermented foods. Samples were analysed for microbial populations, lactic acid bacteria, and spoilage and pathogenic indicators. The findings revealed that lactic acid bacteria dominated the microbial flora, consistent with beneficial fermentation, while coliforms and fungi were detected at public-health-relevant levels in some samples. The study observed variable hygiene across production sites. It recommends good manufacturing practices, improved fermentation hygiene, and quality monitoring of traditional fermented foods.

2025 — Undergraduate

Evaluation of Tuberculosis Case Detection and Treatment Outcomes in a Health Facility

This study evaluated tuberculosis case detection and treatment outcomes in a designated health facility. Registry data and treatment cards were analysed to determine detection rates, treatment success, and default and mortality levels. The findings revealed that detection improved with intensified screening while treatment success fell short of the target, with default and loss to follow-up contributing to unfavourable outcomes. The study observed variability by demographics. It recommends strengthened contact tracing, adherence support, and surveillance of treatment outcomes.

2025 — Undergraduate

Assessment of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Bacterial Isolates from Clinical Samples

This study assessed the presence of antibiotic resistance genes in bacterial isolates recovered from clinical samples. Isolates were tested phenotypically for resistance and screened by molecular methods for selected resistance determinants. The findings revealed that resistance genes were detected in a substantial proportion of resistant isolates, with correlations observed between gene carriage and resistance phenotypes, while some phenotypically resistant isolates lacked the tested genes. The study observed co-occurrence of multiple determinants in several isolates. It recommends combined phenotypic and genotypic surveillance to guide therapy and stewardship.

2025 — Undergraduate

Assessment of Hydrocarbon-Degrading Bacteria in Petroleum-Polluted Soil

This study assessed the potential of indigenous bacteria to degrade hydrocarbons in petroleum-polluted soil. Soil samples were collected from polluted and unpolluted sites, and hydrocarbon-utilising bacteria were isolated and screened in mineral medium supplemented with crude oil. The findings revealed that bacteria such as Pseudomonas, Bacillus, and Micrococcus grew on hydrocarbons, with measurable degradation indicated by biomass and growth responses, while degradation varied by isolate and concentration. The study observed greater occurrence of degraders at polluted sites. It recommends further molecular characterisation and field-scale bioremediation trials.

2025 — Undergraduate

Production and Characterisation of Bioethanol from Agricultural Waste Materials

This study produced and characterised bioethanol from selected agricultural waste materials through fermentation using yeast isolates. The substrates were pre-treated, hydrolysed, fermented, and distilled, and the resulting bioethanol was characterised for yield and physicochemical properties including density, pH, and flammability. The findings revealed that starch-rich substrates yielded higher ethanol concentrations, with measurable conversion efficiency across the tested materials. The study observed that pre-treatment enhanced fermentable sugar release. It recommends optimisation of fermentation conditions and scaling for renewable fuel applications.

2025 — Undergraduate

Epidemiological Assessment of Typhoid Fever Cases in a Tertiary Hospital

This study assessed the epidemiological profile of typhoid fever cases reported in a tertiary hospital. Hospital records and laboratory results were reviewed to determine case frequency, demographic distribution, and seasonal patterns. The findings revealed that cases clustered among young adults and rose during the rainy season, with laboratory-confirmed infection in a proportion of suspected cases. The study observed that unsafe water and sanitation likely sustained transmission. It recommends water quality surveillance, sanitation improvement, health education, and strengthening of diagnostic confirmation.

2025 — Undergraduate

Isolation of Antibiotic-Producing Actinomycetes from Soil Samples

This study isolated and screened actinomycetes from soil samples for antimicrobial activity against test bacteria and fungi. Soil samples were cultured on selective media, and actinomycete isolates were purified and tested by agar well diffusion. The findings revealed that a considerable proportion of isolates exhibited inhibitory activity against at least one test organism, with some showing broad-spectrum activity. The study observed that activity varied with isolate and extraction method. It recommends molecular identification of potent isolates and further bioassay-guided isolation of active compounds.

2025 — Undergraduate

Molecular Characterisation of Bacterial Isolates Using PCR-Based Techniques

This study characterised bacterial isolates using molecular techniques to confirm phenotypic identifications. Genomic DNA was extracted from isolates, conserved genes were amplified by PCR, and amplicons were analysed and compared with reference sequences. The findings revealed that molecular profiles supported and refined the phenotypic identities of the isolates, resolving several ambiguous identifications. The study observed high sequence relatedness within identified genera. It recommends routine incorporation of molecular methods in microbial identification and sequence-based confirmation of clinically relevant isolates.

2025 — Undergraduate

Bacteriological Analysis of Wound Infections in a Specialist Hospital

This study analysed the bacterial causes of wound infections among patients admitted to a specialist hospital. Wound swabs were collected and processed by culture, biochemical identification, and antibiotic susceptibility testing. The findings revealed that Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli were the most frequently isolated organisms, with polymicrobial infections recorded in a proportion of cases. The study observed high resistance to commonly used antibiotics, especially penicillins and tetracyclines. It recommends routine culture and sensitivity testing, aseptic wound care, and stewardship of antibiotics.

2025 — Undergraduate

Evaluation of the Hygiene of Food Contact Surfaces in Food Establishments

This study evaluated the hygiene of food contact surfaces in selected food establishments. Swab samples were collected from tables, cutting boards, and utensils and analysed for microbial counts and indicator organisms. The findings revealed that a substantial proportion of surfaces exceeded acceptable contamination limits, with coliform and staphylococcal counts higher on frequently reused items. The study observed gaps in cleaning protocols and sanitisation. It recommends documented cleaning schedules, sanitisation training, and routine surface monitoring.

2025 — Undergraduate

Isolation and Characterisation of Microorganisms from Hospital Air and Surfaces

This study examined the types and levels of microorganisms associated with air and surfaces in a tertiary hospital. Air samples were obtained by sedimentation and surface swabs from high-touch areas, and isolates were identified by cultural and biochemical methods. The findings revealed that bacteria dominated the isolates, with Staphylococcus, Bacillus, and coliforms frequently detected, while fungi such as Aspergillus and Penicillium were present in air samples. The study observed higher contamination in wards than in operating areas. It recommends regular environmental monitoring, disinfection, and improved ventilation.

2025 — Undergraduate

Prevalence of Urinary Tract Infections Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics

This study determined the prevalence of urinary tract infections among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in a selected health facility. Clean-catch midstream urine samples were cultured and isolates were identified and tested for antibiotic susceptibility. The findings revealed a substantial prevalence of bacteriuria, with Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus the most common isolates, while resistance to common antibiotics was observed among the isolates. The study observed higher prevalence in the second and third trimesters. It recommends routine urine screening, education on hygiene, and susceptibility-guided therapy.

2025 — Undergraduate