RESUMO
Objective: This study aims to investigate the bacterial biofilm-inhibitory effect of mushroom extracts. Methods: Mushrooms were collected from Arabuko-Sokoke and Kakamega forests and identified using morphological and molecular approaches. Auricularia auricula-judae, Microporus xanthopus, Termitomyces umkowaani, Trametes elegans, and Trametes versicolor were extracted by chloroform, 70% ethanol, and hot water. Extracts were tested against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC25923). Data were analyzed using SPSS ver. 20.0. Results: Chloroform, 70% ethanol, and hot water extracts of A. auricula-judae (50 µg/mL) showed statistically significant antibiofilm activities against P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and S. aureus (p ≤ 0.05). M. xanthopus extracts (250 µg/mL) revealed significantly significant antibiofilm activities against each test bacterium (p ≤ 0.05). All extracts of T. umkowaani (250 µg/mL) exhibited statistically significant antibiofilm activities against S. aureus only (p ≤ 0.05). Chloroform extract of T. elegans (250 µg/mL) showed the best antibiofilm activity (69.75 ± 0.01%) against S. aureus. All T. versicolor extracts (250 µg/mL) indicated the best antibiofilm activities against S. aureus. Conclusions: Being the first study of its kind to be conducted in Kenya, it added a novel concept to the body of knowledge already known about medical biotechnology research. It offers a fresh understanding of the various varieties of mushrooms found in Kenya, their potential biological function in the production of drugs, particularly those that combat drug resistance, and perhaps even a peek at their bioactive elements. Wild mushrooms, a hidden gem, might help to reopen the pipeline of new antibiotics that have been on the decline. However, further research is required to determine the potential mechanism(s) of action of the extracts that are in charge of the apparent antibiofilm activity.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are among the most chronic viral infections worldwide. Co-infections with HBV and HCV have become increasingly common among people living with HIV, resulting in a growing public health concern. The primary aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV and their associated factors among HIV-1-infected patients attending the Ngong Sub-County Hospital comprehensive care clinic. METHODS: After providing consent, a 5 mL blood sample was collected from each study participant visiting the comprehensive care clinic. The blood was screened for hepatitis B surface antigen and HCV antibodies using chemiluminescence immunoassay test according to the manufacturer's instructions. The CD4 T-cell counts were determined using FACSCalibre machine, while HIV-1 viral load was determined using the Abbott m2000rt System according to the manufacturer's instructions. A questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic information and data on factors associated with HBV and HCV co-infections. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety HIV-1-infected patients participated in this study: 150 (78.9%) women and 40 (21.1%) men. In the overall study population, the prevalence of HBV co-infection was 5.8% (95% CI, 2.6%-8.9%) and of HCV co-infection was 4.2% (95% CI, 1.6%-7.4%). However, no individual was co-infected with all 3 viruses. HCV was associated with antiretroviral treatment (OR 0.2; 95% CI, 0.0-0.8; P=.036), while HBV showed a significant association with condom usage (OR 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1-0.9; P=.039) and median viral load. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of HIV/HBV and HIV/HCV co-infection was reported in this study, suggesting that HIV-infected patients should be routinely screened for HBV and HCV infections, and preventive and control measures should be put in place that include public education on HBV and HCV infections.