Wild Mushrooms: Potential Natural Sources of Antioxidant and Anti-Quorum Sensing Bioactive Compounds for Medical Applications.

Objective: This study was aimed at determining the antioxidant, anti-quorum sensing, and cytotoxic activities of five wild mushroom extracts.

Methods: Wild mushrooms of , , , and were collected from Arabuko-Sokoke and Kakamega National Forests, in Kenya. Specimens were identified and extracted using chloroform (CHL), 70% ethanol (Eth), and hot water (HW) solvents.

Serological evidence of chronic pulmonary Aspergillosis in tuberculosis patients in Kenya.

Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is a significant risk factor for fungal infection. The cavitary lesions post PTB serves as a good reservoir for fungal colonization and subsequent infection. Furthermore, the severe immunosuppression associated with HIV and TB co-infection is another predisposition.

antifungal susceptibility of yeasts and molds isolated from sputum of tuberculosis relapse and retreatment patients.

Introduction: opportunistic fungal infections due to immunosuppression coupled with antifungal drug resistance are an emerging challenge globally. The present study examined the antifungal susceptibility of yeasts and molds from sputum of tuberculosis retreatment and relapse patients at selected reference facilities in Kenya.

Methods: a total of 340 sputa samples from patients who gave written informed consent were examined.

CryptoType - Public Datasets for MALDI-TOF-MS Based Differentiation of Complexes.

Yeasts of the / species complexes are human pathogens mostly in immune compromised individuals, and can cause infections from dermal lesions to fungal meningitis. Differences in virulence and antifungal drug susceptibility of species in these complexes indicate the value of full differentiation to species level in diagnostic procedures. MALDI-TOF MS has been reported to sufficiently discriminate these species.

Postharvest Storage Practices of Maize in Rift Valley and Lower Eastern Regions of Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study.

An assessment of local farmers' knowledge, attitude, and practices on postharvest maize storage and management was carried out with a view of understanding its role in maize contamination with mycotoxins and postharvest losses in Rift Valley and Lower Eastern Regions of Kenya among 165 and 149 farmers, respectively. Differences between the two regions were analyzed using the Chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and two-sample -test. The median quantity of maize harvested by farmers in the two regions after shelling was 585 kg.

Challenges of intervention, treatment, and antibiotic resistance of biofilm-forming microorganisms.

Background: Biofilms are multicellular communities of microorganisms held together by a self-produced extracellular matrix. The ability of microbes to form biofilm is a universal, ubiquitous, and dynamic process. This dynamic process of biofilms establishes an important strategy to withstand and survive harsh environmental conditions and antimicrobial agents.

Investigation of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Different Extracts of and Species of Mushrooms.

Mushrooms produce a variety of bioactive compounds that are known to have a potential source of antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Natural antioxidants can protect against free radicals without any side effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of and extracts.

Determination of Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts of Indigenous Wild Mushrooms against Pathogenic Organisms.

Objective: This study has investigated the antimicrobial activity of extracts of indigenous wild mushrooms against selected organisms.

Methods: Thirty-five (35) indigenous wild mushrooms were collected from Arabuko-Sokoke and Kakamega National Reserve Forests, Kenya. All mushrooms were identified and their contents were extracted and screened for their antimicrobial activities against (clinical isolate) (ATCC 13883), (clinical isolate), (ATCC 27853), (ATCC 25923), MRSA (ATCC 33591), (clinical isolate), and (ATCC 90018) using tetrazolium microtiter plate bioassay method.

Spatial distribution, prevalence and potential risk factors of Tungiasis in Vihiga County, Kenya.

Background: Tungiasis is a parasitic disease caused by the sand flea Tunga penetrans also known as jigger flea. Communities living in precarious conditions in tropical and sub tropical countries bear the brunt of the infection. The main objective of this study was to determine the burden of Tungiasis in Vihiga County in Kenya.

Virulence and susceptibility patterns of clinical Candida spp. isolates from a tertiary hospital, Tanzania.

Despite the increased burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other comobidities in developing countries, information regarding antifungal susceptibility patterns of Candida spp. and their virulence potential are still limited. Here, we report the virulence and antifungal susceptibility patterns of Candida spp.

Triazole-Resistant from Fungicide-Experienced Soils in Naivasha Subcounty and Nairobi County, Kenya.

The mainstay in prevention and treatment of aspergillosis is the use triazole drugs. In Kenya, the use of agricultural azole is one of the predisposing factors in development of resistance. One hundred fifty-six (156) experienced soils were collected from agricultural farms and cultured on Sabouraud DextroseAagar.

Risk of Fungi Associated with Aflatoxin and Fumonisin in Medicinal Herbal Products in the Kenyan Market.

Utilization of herbal products is a major concern due to the possibility of contamination by toxigenic fungi that are mycotoxin producers such as species during processing and packaging. Research was carried out to determine the presence of aflatoxins and fumonisins in herbal medicinal products sold in Eldoret and Mombasa towns in Kenya. The study employed both exploratory and laboratory experimental design.

Secondary bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance among tungiasis patients in Western, Kenya.

Tungiasis or jigger infestation is a parasitic disease caused by the female sand flea Tunga penetrans. Secondary infection of the lesions caused by this flea is common in endemic communities. This study sought to shed light on the bacterial pathogens causing secondary infections in tungiasis lesions and their susceptibility profiles to commonly prescribed antibiotics.

Oral candidiasis among African human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals: 10 years of systematic review and meta-analysis from sub-Saharan Africa.

Oral candidiasis (OC) is the most common opportunistic fungal infection among immunocompromised individuals. This systematic review and meta-analysis reports on the contribution of non- species in causing OC among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals in sub-Saharan Africa between 2005 and 2015. Thirteen original research articles on oral infection/colonization among HIV-infected African populations were reviewed.

Prevalence, aetiology and antibiotic sensitivity profile of asymptomatic bacteriuria isolates from pregnant women in selected antenatal clinic from Nairobi, Kenya.

Introduction: Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is the presence of bacteria in urine without apparent symptoms of urinary tract infections. The importance of asymptomatic bacteriuria lies in the insight it provides into symptomatic infections. To determine prevalence, bacterial isolates and Antibiotic Sensitivity Profile of asymptomatic bacterial urinary tract infection in pregnant women in selected clinics in Nairobi.

Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Isolates Recovered from Herbal Medicinal Products Sold in Nairobi, Kenya.

Background: Medicinal herbs have been reported to be contaminated with microorganisms indigenous to the environment. These microbes become a threat when they harbour drug-resistant traits.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate phenotypic and genotypic drug-resistant traits of bacteria isolated from herbal medicinal products in Nairobi, Kenya.

Evaluation of the efficacy, acceptability and palatability of calcium montmorillonite clay used to reduce aflatoxin B1 dietary exposure in a crossover study in Kenya.

Acute aflatoxin exposure can cause death and disease (aflatoxicosis) in humans. Aflatoxicosis fatality rates have been documented to be as high as 40% in Kenya. The inclusion in the diet of calcium silicate 100 (ACCS100), a calcium montmorillonite clay, may reduce aflatoxin bioavailability, thus potentially decreasing the risk of aflatoxicosis.

Estimated burden of fungal infections in Kenya.

Introduction: Kenya is a developing country with a high rate of tuberculosis (TB) and a moderate HIV infection burden. No estimate of the burden of fungal diseases in Kenya is published.

Methodology: We used specific populations at risk and fungal infection frequencies from the literature to estimate national incidence or prevalence of serious fungal infections.

High Oral Carriage of Non-albicans Candida spp. among HIV-infected individuals.

Background: Non-albicans Candida (NAC) spp. in immunocompromised patients are linked to invasive infections with narrow treatment choice. This study aimed at comparing the oral colonization of NAC spp.

Molecular types of Cryptococcus gattii/Cryptococcus neoformans species complex from clinical and environmental sources in Nairobi, Kenya.

Cryptococcal meningitis infections cause high mortality rates among HIV-infected patients in Sub-Saharan Africa. The high incidences of cryptococcal infections may be attributed to common environmental sources which, if identified, could lead to institution of appropriate control strategies. To determine the genotypes of Cryptococcus gattii/C.

BSL-3 Laboratory User Training Program at NUITM-KEMRI.

Pathogens handled in a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) containment laboratory pose significant risks to laboratory staff and the environment. It is therefore necessary to develop competency and proficiency among laboratory workers and to promote appropriate behavior and practices that enhance safety through biosafety training. Following the installation of our BSL-3 laboratory at the Center for Microbiology Research-Kenya Medical Research Institute in 2006, a biosafety training program was developed to provide training on BSL-3 safety practices and procedures.

ISOLATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF CRYPTOCOCCUS NEOFORMANS AND CRYPTOCOCCUS GATTII FROM ENVIRONMENTAL SOURCES IN NAIROBI, KENYA.

Unlabelled: Objective: To establish the environmental reservoirs of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii in Nairobi, Kenya. Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Kenya Medical Research Institute, Mycology laboratory, Nairobi, Kenya.

Crash characteristics and injury patterns among commercial motorcycle users attending Kitale level IV district hospital, Kenya.

Introduction: Motorcycle users involved in crashes are likely to die or be severely injured due to high frequency of head, chest and leg injuries. We carried out a descriptive cross sectional study to determine crash characteristics and injury patterns among motorcycle users attending Kitale district hospital, Kenya.

Methods: Motorcycle trauma patients were recruited between 1(st) August 2013 and 31(st) October 2013.

Antimicrobial activity and probable mechanisms of action of medicinal plants of Kenya: Withania somnifera, Warbugia ugandensis, Prunus africana and Plectrunthus barbatus.

Withania somnifera, Warbugia ugandensis, Prunus africana and Plectrunthus barbatus are used traditionally in Kenya for treatment of microbial infections and cancer. Information on their use is available, but scientific data on their bioactivity, safety and mechanisms of action is still scanty. A study was conducted on the effect of organic extracts of these plants on both bacterial and fungal strains, and their mechanisms of action.

PRESENCE OF CRYPTOCOCCUS SPECIES IN DOMESTIC CHICKEN (GALLUS GALLUS) DROPPINGS AND THE POSSIBLE RISK IT POSED TO HUMANS IN KABIGERIET VILLAGE, NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA.

Objective: To isolate and identify Cryptococcus from domestic Chicken dropping.

Design: cross sectional study.

Setting: Kabigeriet village, Olenguorone Division, Nakuru county, approximately 282 km from Nairobi, Kenya.