Seroprevalence and genomic epidemiological studies on Respiratory Tract viruses (RTIs), Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Zika virus, and Rubella virus play a pivotal role in addressing critical public health concerns. These investigations are essential for understanding the seroprevalence and genotypes of these viruses, enabling targeted interventions, and vaccine design, and informing real-time preventive strategies and control.
We documented 37 patents and novel contributions as well as 82 genomic microbial contributions to the NCBI, USA. Prevalence and dominance of respiratory viruses were reported among over 80% of children below the age of 5 years in Nigeria. Amongst the identified viruses included Respiratory Syncytial virus, Adenovirus, Para-Influenza virus, and Coronavirus OC 229 E/NL63 for the first time in Nigeria which contributed to the understanding of the prevalence and impact of the viruses on treatment approach. Unveiling the genomic epidemiology of HPV contributes to understanding prevalence rates and identifying specific genotypes which is crucial for developing tailored vaccines and screening programs. The identification of the high-risk genotypes of HPV 31 and 35 not covered by the existing vaccines was a significant advancement in the understanding and treatment of cervical cancer in Nigerian women. We offer valuable insights for developing targeted prevention strategies, addressing Female Genital Mutilation, and exploring novel therapeutic approaches. We opined the efficacy of Bridelia ferruginea nanoparticles in inducing apoptosis and beneficial gene modulation in cervical cancer cells as well as Schiff base polyphenols exhibition of anticancer activities. We optimized the molecular detection protocols for Zika virus among serologically positive respondents with contributions of new strains in circulation from Nigeria thereby addressing the challenges of viral confirmation as well as identifying the associated significant risk factors for public health interventions. These contributions would further guide targeted healthcare interventions, vaccine design, and vaccination strategies.
Published articles on Coronavirus provided good insights into curtailing the transmission in Nigeria and Africa region. A diverse array of 19 HPV genotypes (12 high-risk and 7 low-risk) among Nigerian women was reported which is crucial for developing region-specific vaccines and screening programs. Anticancer capabilities of iron nanoparticles produced from the Bridelia ferruginea plant and synthetic Schiff base polyphenols are a major breakthrough paving the way for the development of more novel therapeutic agents to effectively combat cervical cancer. Confirmation of Zika virus using optimized primers from multiple lineages is therefore advocated to overcome the challenges of false negativity from serological analysis. Also, the primer design for diagnosis of rubella virus using the NSP200 was confirmed revealing the replicative state of rubella infection in pregnant women for appropriate intervention. Genetic sequences of viral strains in Nigeria were deposited in the NCBI genomic bank to support the global surveillance of viruses of public health interest influencing policies, vaccination programs, and healthcare practices (several media interviews, UNILORIN Bulletin, Journals, Channels TV, Press releases and Newspaper blog).
We documented in Nigeria the epidemiological data of wastewater microflora to efficiently map the pathogenic (particularly polioviruses) bio-community of the immediate environment to curb community transmission and address population immunity gaps from vaccination. Also, the undesirable human and environmental implications of chemical and synthetic flocculants in the process of wastewater treatment has warranted the need for safer and sustainable options that are potent, and non-toxic to both humans and the environment. CAMATINFECTANT 1, 2 & and 3 are biologically produced macromolecules that perform similar function using the principle of flocculation. It has a high Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5) removal efficiency of 97% and minimum flocculating activity of 62%. Unlike the currently used chemical flocculants (Aluminium sulfate and Ferric chloride) that require a minimum of 5 g/ml effective dose, these products have a low-concentration effective-dose application of 0.2 mg/ml and a turn-around dissolution time of 30-50 minutes. It is efficient in flocs formation and sedimentation and dissolves readily upon application with no trace of smell or taste, which is uncommon with chemical flocculants. These novel products extracted from novel bacteria (Kolawole et al., 2019, Kolawole et al., 2020) have no health-related impact on humans and are biodegradable, eco-friendly, and easily accessible with low cost of production.
A review of country water and wastewater indicators as well as treatment protocol is hereby advocated to provide real-time data to critical stakeholders for policy formulation and public health intervention via Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programs. Today, Nigeria uses wastewater sources in communities to track and detect non-polio enteroviruses (NPEV) transmission which often elude clinical diagnosis (AFP) in asymptomatic individuals. Also, CAMATINFECTANT 1, 2 & and 3 will have a significant impact on water resources management and environmental sustainability. Specifically, it will be a valuable substitute for use in wastewater treatment plants which will in turn reduce the concerns for trace chemicals in the treated wastewater before discharge into surface rivers as well as eliminate the presence of chemical-related emerging contaminants in the environment. This is an alternative product that is easy to use with low cost and could be applied in areas with no advanced technology, particularly in low- and medium-income countries where wastewater treatment facilities are costly to establish and expensive to use. Hence, due to its low cost, easy application, and safe usage (to both consumers and the environment), these products will be a suitable alternative to chemical and synthetic flocculants in both developing and developed countries.
Our research has improved community and national surveillance, awareness, and preparedness for potential outbreaks of bacteria and viruses that have been classified as moderate to high water transmissible pathogens of public health significance by the World Health Organization. The pilot stage of the CAMATINFECTANT 1, 2 & 3 has successfully reached the Technology Readiness Level Four (TRL 4), an international collaboration for product characterization at the University of Warwick, United Kingdom, products exhibited at Federal Ministry of Science and Technology-International Expo 2023, Abuja, Nigeria, several media interviews (UNILORIN Bulletin, Africa Hub Warwick, Press releases and Newspaper blog). Standardization and Optimisation process ongoing, nano-modification products development, scale-up and industrial production with commercialization drives is being planned. Plans are ongoing for submission for patent and journal publication.
Introducing a groundbreaking application designed to revolutionize the determination of flocculating activity in water and wastewater analyses. This cutting-edge tool seamlessly integrates an embedded formula for precise calculations. The user-friendly interface allows researchers to effortlessly control inputs and add samples with a simple click of a button. The application's key feature lies in its dynamic functionality. As users insert control parameters, they can conveniently add multiple samples, streamlining the data input process. Once all relevant samples are incorporated, a single click on the 'Calculate' button triggers the application's artificial intelligence algorithms to swiftly process the data.
The application presents comprehensive results, enhancing the efficiency of researchers working on flocculants for water and wastewater treatment. The output reveals the percentage of flocculating activity, providing a clear quantitative measure. Additionally, the tool automatically computes the mean, standard deviation, variance, and ANOVA, offering researchers valuable statistical insights into the performance of flocculant samples.
This innovative calculator serves as an indispensable asset for researchers seeking to streamline and enhance the accuracy of flocculating activity assessments. By amalgamating advanced computational capabilities with user-friendly design, the application empowers researchers in the field of water and wastewater analyses, contributing to advancements in environmental science and wastewater reuse. Plans are ongoing for submission for patent and journal publication.
I am a consultant virologist to WHO with research networks spanning Africa, Europe, America and Asia. I have previously worked as a member of committees in different ministry, departments and agencies for the achievement of project deliverables, policy formulation, and implementation in Nigeria. I have a decade of experience serving as an expert advisor and consultant to WHO on infectious diseases in Nigeria and Africa. To date, I serve as a member of the Ministerial Expert Advisory Committee on COVID-19 Health Sector Response in Nigeria. In this capacity, we provide advisory roles and responsibilities in curtailing the spread of COVID-19 by investigating and providing real-time valid and reliable evidence on the global, regional, national, and sub-national epidemiological trends of SARS-CoV-2 Infection. As a member of Ministerial Committee, I was awarded the WHO AFRO grant as the principal investigator to investigate the population based seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in low and high burden of diseases in the six geographical zones of Nigeria. This serosurvey was the study with the largest sample size in Nigeria and Africa region providing a formidable baseline data for policy formulations and implementation to the control of community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic. This fostered my participation in the WHO AFRO COVID-19 Unity Study Group for global surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 which indicates my adaptability and responsiveness to emerging public health needs in the global space.
I have a strong knowledge of global health securities and International Health Regulations and have been at the forefront of infectious diseases outbreak response in Africa, particularly in the eradication of poliovirus via surveillance, routine immunization, and containment programs. My knowledge and activities in this field led to my appointment as the National Coordinator, Poliovirus laboratory containment programs in Nigeria since 2015, a position I have held to date and in which I have played vital roles towards the certification of Nigeria as Polio free since August 2020. I am currently a member of the National Taskforce on Poliovirus Laboratory Containment in Nigeria. I have been able to coordinate training workshops in the past. I was directly responsible for the training, professional development, and capacity building of over 1,000 surveyors and WHO consultant virologists from 2015 to date using the WHO GAP II, III templates and Containment Advisory Group guidelines towards achieving the Poliovirus end game strategic plan. Also, I have organized different international training sessions and workshops as the Director, Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology, University of Ilorin, Nigeria with over 1,500 participants in attendance.