Research
Excellence
Advancing global health through molecular epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance surveillance, and One Health.
Medical & Public Health Microbiology
Research on bacterial pathogens of humans, zoonotic bacterial agents including Salmonella, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus, Brucella, Pseudomonas, Escherichia, and viral zoonotic agents.
Molecular Epidemiology
Molecular epidemiology and pathogenesis of diseases, with special attention to AMR surveillance, evaluation, and monitoring in animal and human diseases.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
Interdisciplinary research from One Health perspective, particularly on W.H.O. priority 1 ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter).
One Health Perspective
Application of molecular biology approaches to bacterial pathogens that lead to serious complications and death with a high tendency to spread to environmental and animal settings.
Team Leader: Emerging and Re-emerging ESKAPE bacterial pathogens Antimicrobial Resistance
Contribution to Knowledge
Established national cut-off antibody titre for Widal agglutination test (1997) for fast preliminary diagnosis of typhoid fever in Nigeria.
Revealed Salmonella agglutinin cross-reaction with malaria parasite in endemic environments like Nigeria (early 2000s).
Provided insight that peripheral leucocyte count is not adequate as an index for diagnosis of Salmonellosis.
Pioneered solar irradiation as a water disinfectant for typhoid prevention – now embraced by many Nigerians without potable water access.
Contributed extensively to medicinal plant research for treatment of Salmonella-associated diseases, MRSA-associated diseases and other enteric diseases.
Guided physicians and policymakers on antimicrobial agent prescriptions via AMR surveillance in Salmonella and other enteric pathogens.
Provided insight into molecular basis of AMR in Salmonella: plasmid-encoded S. Typhi, stn genes, and virulence genes in Salmonella enterica serovars.
First in Nigeria to apply phage typing and PFGE to trace community outbreak-associated Salmonella infections (S. Typhimurium DT71).
Applied molecular techniques to detect bla CTX and AmpC beta-lactamases producing strains of Salmonella spp.
Revealed epidemiology of Typhoid fever and contributed to global typhoid epidemiological data and policy formulation.
Piloted laudable research projects promoting international academic cooperation for reviewing drug-resistant Salmonella.
Engaged in international collaborations (Germany, Canada, USA) resulting in technology transfer and research laboratory development.
Served as Country (Nigeria) lead collaborator on the Global Tackling Typhoid (T2) Project – SickKids, Toronto, funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Currently collaborating with FLI (Germany) on genomic sequencing of Salmonella, and University of Nebraska (USA) on genomic invasive Enterobacteriales.
Working to establish a network with Germany, Italy, UK, and USA institutions for whole genome sequencing, AMR detection, and research infrastructure.
Established first functional molecular laboratory at LASU Microbiology Department through Alexander von Humboldt Foundation grants.
Engaged in collaborations with ISoGH (40+ universities) on COVID-19 Research Ideas in LMICs for research priority setting and policy direction.
In Progress
- • Molecular studies of Salmonella species from human, animal and Environmental samples.
- • Molecular characterization of Carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia and K. pneumoniae from clinical and environmental isolates.
- • Characterization of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria from Clinical samples in Lagos public hospitals.
- • Studies on Multiple Drug-resistant Candida albicans from Immunocompromised patients.
- • Molecular characterization of Acinetobacter baumannii from human, food animals and environments and development of diagnostic markers.
- • Studies on the efficacy of some Nigerian Medicinal plants on food spoilage bacterial agents and their roles in food safety and security.
- • Zoonotic diseases: Human and Animal brucellosis and Significance in public health.
Collaborations
Laboratory Research
ESKAPE Pathogens Research Team
Team Leader
Emerging and re-emerging AMR in Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, and Enterobacter.
Functional Molecular Laboratory
Founder
Advanced genomic research facility at LASU funded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
Research Completed
- Patterns of Drug Resistance and Activity of Garcinia kola on Streptococcus pneumoniae from Patients with Acute Pneumonia in Lagos.
- Occurrence of Extended-Spectrum and AmpC Beta-Lactamases in MDR Salmonella Isolates from Clinical Samples in Lagos.
- Bacterial enteropathogens associated with diarrhoeal diseases in HIV and paediatric patients in Lagos.
- Research priority setting and policy direction on COVID-19 in LMICs.
- Co-existence of blaCTX-M-9 and blaCTX-M-15 genes in Salmonella spp from Lagos.
- Detection methods and occurrence of MDR non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) bacteremia from different sources in Lagos.
- Candida albicans and Co-Infection with Microbial Pathogens Among Female Sex Workers in Lagos.
- Whole genomic sequencing of Salmonella enterica serovars from human, animal and environmental sources from Nigeria.
International Collaborations
- Salmonella bacteremia
- Tracking Typhoid (T2) – What do Global & Country Trends Teach, Trends of Typhoid fever in Lagos — SickKids Centre for Global Child Health, Toronto, Canada / Aga Khan University (AKU), Karachi. Funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation 2016-2018
- Next-generation Gene sequencing and bioinformatics on Salmonella strains — Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
- Review on Anaplasmosis in Arabian Countries of Regional/Intercontinental Corridors — FLI, Jena, Germany
- Genomics of Invasive Enterobacteriales — University of Nebraska, USA
- Brucellosis in Nigeria: Epidemiology and Control — FLI, Jena, Germany
- Molecular basis of Carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae from One Health perspective
- Research Priorities settings on Critical infectious diseases in LMICs
- Research on Acinetobacter spp, Brucellosis, and Salmonella from One Health perspective — FLI, Jena, Germany
- Collaboration on Salmonella and other enteric bacteria research (Data and joint publications) — Dept. of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Local Collaborations
- Efficacies of Silver nanoparticles on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Detection — Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR)
- Detection and Characterization of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae — Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, 2017-present
- Molecular detection and characterization of AMR and virulence genes in Salmonella from clinical samples
- Cloxacillin-resistant Salmonella spp and other gastrointestinal bacterial agents — Adekunle Ajasin University
Convener of Training / Workshops
LASU-Humboldt Kolleg: Repositioning Science and Technology to Tackle Food Insecurity, Environmental and Health Challenges
Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung (AvH), Bonn, Germany
May 2023
Sensitization Programme on Building Strong Local and International Academic Linkages and Collaborations
Vice Chancellor's office, LASU (with Legal Department)
February–May 2022
Training Workshop and Capacity Building on Real-time PCR
Bristol Scientific Ltd, Lagos / QIAGEN, Germany
September 2018
Papers Presented at Conferences
Phenotypic and genotypic characterisation of Acinetobacter species isolated from humans, animals, and the environment in Lagos, Nigeria
FUNAAB Humboldt Kolleg, Abeokuta, 2025. Oral Presentation
Advancement and Linkages in the University System for Sustainable Teaching and Research
National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Virtual Workshop, 2025. Guest Speaker
Extended-spectrum β-lactamase and carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in different environments
International One Health Symposium, Berlin, Germany, 2024. Presenter
Zoonotic Diseases and Microbial Transmission
2nd Int. Conference of NSME, Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan, 2024. Lead Paper Presenter
Guide to Effective Mentorship for the Next Generation Academia
Humboldt Kolleg, Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State, 2023. Presenter
Is there a dark side to the Internationalisation of Higher Education (IoHE)?
6th InterUni 2023, WSB University, Poland, 2023. Invited Speaker
Emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases: Collaboration and Multidisciplinary Biotechnology Approach
Lagos Alexander von Humboldt Kolleg, University of Lagos, 2022. Invited Paper
Acinetobacter baumannii from the One Health Perspective in Nigeria
LASU 4th Research Fair, 2022. Presenter
Candida albicans and co-infections among Female sex workers in Lagos
Humboldt Kolleg, Federal Univ. of Technology, Akure, 2022. Presenter
MDR Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) bacteraemia from different sources in Lagos
Virtual Humboldt Colloquium, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Bonn, 2022. Presenter
National Education Challenges: Postponing the Evil Days
Church of the Lord, Igbogbo, Ikorodu, 2020. Presenter
Review on Anaplasmosis in Arabian Countries of Regional and/or Intercontinental Corridors
FLI, Jena, Germany, 2019. Presenter
Antimicrobial resistance patterns in Salmonella enterica from Clinical samples
Humboldt Kolleg, AAUA, Ondo State, 2018. Presenter
AMR and Plasmid profiles of Salmonella enterica serovars from different sources in Lagos
5th Faculty of Science, LASU Conference, 2017. Presenter
Tackling Typhoid: Trends in Lagos, Nigeria
10th Int. Conference on Typhoid, Kampala, Uganda, 2017. Presenter
Overview of Salmonellosis in Nigeria
T2 Project Advisory Group Meeting, London, 2016. Presenter
Paper presented at ICAAC/ICC 2015, San Diego, California, USA
ICAAC/ICC 2015, American Society for Microbiology, 2015. Presenter
Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis C virus in HIV-seropositive Children in Lagos
38th Annual NSM Conference, University of Lagos, 2015. Presenter
Activities of three Nigerian medicinal plants on plasmid-mediated MDR enteric pathogens
XIV IUMS, Montréal, Canada, 2014. Presenter
Application of RAPD and emerging Plasmid-mediated 3rd gen cephalosporins resistance in Salmonella from Lagos
5th Congress of European Microbiologists (FEMS), Leipzig, Germany, 2013. Presenter
Salmonella diseases: The potential use of Medicinal plants as remedies
Humboldt Conference, OAU, Ile-Ife, 2009. Presenter
In vitro Activities of quinolones against respiratory and urinary tract pathogens in Lagos
Humboldt Conference, OAU, Ile-Ife, 2008. Presenter
Influenza: the disease and the virus
WHO/GSK International Workshop, Accra, Ghana, 2007. Presenter
Mechanism of action of HIV infection in the human body
World AIDS Day seminar, LASU, 2006. Presenter
Application of phage typing and PFGE analysis of Salmonella isolates
University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany, 2006. Post-doctoral Seminar
Molecular characterization of Salmonella isolates from Lagos, Nigeria
Introductory meeting of Humboldt fellows, Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany, 2006. Presenter
Anti-typhoidal activity of Lagenaria breviflorus (Tagirl) against Salmonella typhi
1st Annual Research Conference, Faculty of Science, UNILAG, 2005. Presenter
Comparison of relative effectiveness of culture and serological methods in typhoid fever diagnosis
1st Int. Conference on Science and National Development, FUNAAB, 2004. Presenter
Potency Trend of Measles Vaccines Administered to children in Lagos State
Faculty of Science Annual Conference, LASU, 2005. Presenter
Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Virus Infections among HIV seropositive patients in Lagos
Faculty of Science Annual Conference, LASU, 2005. Presenter
Blood Leucocyte counts in systemic Salmonella infection in ciprofloxacin-induced mice
Faculty of Science Annual Conference, LASU, 2005. Presenter
Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of septicaemic bacterial agents from HIV-patients in Ibadan
Faculty of Science Annual Conference, LASU, 2005. Presenter
Measles resurgence in Nigeria: a review on the attributable factors
2nd Annual Faculty of Science Conference, LASU, 2001. Presenter
Complement-fixing antibody titres among HIV-1 sero-positive patients in Lagos
2nd Annual Faculty of Science Conference, LASU, 2001. Presenter
An attempt to produce Salmonella rabbit antisera in Lagos, Nigeria
2nd Annual Faculty of Science Conference, LASU, 2001. Presenter
Levels of measles HI-antibody in unvaccinated children in LILG Lagos
1st NICA Scientific Conference, 1998. Oral Presentation
Anti-bacterial screening of five Nigerian Medical plants against S. typhi and S. paratyphi
1st NICA Scientific Conference, 1998. Poster Presentation
Conferences / Seminars / Workshops Attended
- 7th LASU Research Innovation Fair: Promoting Quadruple Helix Collaboration — Lagos State University, Ojo, October 8-9, 2025
- FUNAAB Humboldt Kolleg: Regenerative Agriculture — FUNAAB, Abeokuta, Ogun State, September 22-25, 2025
- International Germany Alumni Advanced Training Seminar (BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg/U. Johannesburg) — Online + Johannesburg, South Africa, Feb–May 2025 (online), Jun 30–Jul 11, 2025 (in-person)
- International One Health Symposium (Helmholtz, Greifswald) — Mercure Hotel, Berlin, Germany, October 17-19, 2024
- International Germany Alumni MANDELA Training Seminar (BTU/University of Buea) — Online + Buea, Cameroon, Nov 2023–Feb 2024 (online), May 21-28, 2024 (in-person)
- Conference e-learning Africa (DAAD SDG Alumni Projects) — Kigali Conference Centre, Rwanda, May 29-31, 2024
- 2nd International Conference of NSME: Microbial Dynamics at the Nexus of Environment — Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan, May 19-20, 2024
- Training Workshop on Intellectual Property Rights & Technology Transfer — LASU Senate Chamber, May 3-14, 2024
- Ibadan Humboldt Kolleg 2024: Empowering Women in Academia — University of Ibadan, March 5-8, 2024
- LASU Biennial Faculty of Science International Conference: Research and Innovation — LASU, Ojo, November 11-14, 2024
- Humboldt Kolleg: Envisioning the Future – Higher Education & Modern Technology — Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State, October 23-26, 2023
- 6th InterUni 2023 – Forum for Internationalization of Higher Education — WSB University, Poland, October 1-5, 2023
- LASU Centre for SDGs National Conference: At the Midpoint of Agenda 2030 — LASU, Ojo, August 28-29, 2023
- LASU 5th Research and Innovation Fair — LASU, Ojo, September 5-6, 2023
- Humboldt Kolleg: Research and Capacity Building for Agricultural Industrialized Economy — Federal University of Technology, Akure, June 6, 2023
- LASU-Humboldt Kolleg 2023: Repositioning Science and Technology (Convener) — LASU, Ojo, May 1-5, 2023
- Lagos Alexander von Humboldt Kolleg: Africa's Bioeconomy and Sustainable Development — University of Lagos, November 7-8, 2022
- 3rd ISoGH Annual Conference: Pandemic Preparedness, Research Priority Setting — Dubrovnik, Croatia (Online), September 12-14, 2022
- LASU 4th Research and Innovation Fair — LASU, Ojo, September 6-7, 2022
- LASU Workshop on Leadership: Leading Through Unstable Business Environment — LASU, Ojo, August 17-19, 2022
- Workshop on Revamping Academic Culture Towards Academic Excellence — LASU, Ojo, May 5, 2022
- Virtual Humboldt Colloquium: Science and Research as Drivers for Development – German-African Cooperation — Online — Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Bonn, March 30-31, 2022
- Humboldt Kolleg: Impact of AvH-sponsored Programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa — Federal University of Technology, Akure, March 21-23, 2022
- Humboldt Kolleg: Related Research Outcomes — Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, November 23, 2021
- Humboldt Kolleg: Achieving SDGs – Related Research Outcomes — Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomosho, June 29–July 2, 2021
- 11th Annual Vaccines World Summit 2021 — Virtual (IMAPAC Singapore), May 19-20, 2021
- Workshop on Strategic Blueprint for RLIDs of Tertiary Institutions — SEAN Cussons Business School, Abuja (Virtual), May 17-18, 2022
- Faculty of Science International Conference: Combating Global Challenges — LASU, Ojo, December 2-4, 2020
- LASU 2nd Research Fair: Innovative Products for MSMEs — LASU, Ojo, November 17, 2020
- IMAPAC's 1st Corona 360 on SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines — Webinar, June 11, 2020
- National Conference: National Education Challenges – Postponing the Evil Days — Church of the Lord, Igbogbo, Ikorodu, March 8, 2020
- International JSS Programme at FLI: Changes in Prevention and Eradication of Infection — FLI, Jena, Germany, September 25-27, 2019
- Annual Meeting of Alexander von Humboldt: Climate Change and Robotic Science (250th Anniversary) — Berlin, Germany, June 26-28, 2019
- EKST-Humboldt Kolleg: Green and Sustainable Development through Renewable Resources — Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, April 7-11, 2019
- 6th Faculty of Science, LASU Annual Conference: Greener Environment — LASU, Ojo, October 15-19, 2018
- Humboldt-FUTA Kolleg: Science/Technology as Panacea to Revitalize Insurgence-based Economy — Federal University of Technology, Akure, October 1-5, 2018
- Symposium: Research Collaboration and Networking in a 21st Century Knowledge-Driven Economy — University of Lagos (AvH/German Consulate), September 28, 2018
- Real-time PCR Installation and Training (Bristol Scientific/QIAGEN) — LASU, Dept of Microbiology, August 6-7, 2018
- Humboldt-AAUA Kolleg: Commercialization of University-based Research — Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State, June 4-7, 2018
- Intensive National Workshop on Research Grant Writing and Administration — LASU, Ojo, February 12-14, 2018
- 5th Faculty of Science, LASU Annual Conference — LASU, Ojo, October 10-14, 2017
- 10th International Conference on Typhoid and Invasive Salmonellosis — Kampala Serena Conference Centre, Kampala, Uganda, April 4-6, 2017
- Humboldt Kolleg: Translating Research into Policy in Developing Countries — LAUTECH, Osogbo, Osun State, January 24-27, 2017
- 7th Annual Scientific Conference of NIMR: Achieving Health-Related SDGs — NIMR, Yaba, Lagos, November 8-10, 2016
- Humboldt Kolleg: Molecular Technology – Revolutionary Research in Nigeria — University of Lagos, October 11-15, 2016
- Tackling Typhoid (T2) Project Advisory Group Meeting — Hilton London Paddington, London, March 9-12, 2016
- Bio-Risk Management, Curriculum Development in Nigerian Universities (Sandia/DoS/BEP) — Transcop Hilton Hotel, Abuja, November 16-20, 2015
- ICAAC/ICC 2015 (ASM) — San Diego, California, USA, September 16-21, 2015
- Humboldt Kolleg: Harvesting Research Outcomes – Millennium Development Goals — LAUTECH, Ogbomosho, January 13-16, 2015
- XIV International Microbiology Congresses (IUMS) — Montréal, Canada, July 27–August 1, 2014
- 5th Congress of European Microbiologists (FEMS) — International Conference Centre Leipzig, Germany, July 21-25, 2013
- Workshop on Strategic Management of Student Affairs — Hilton London Docklands, London, April 23-26, 2013
- Alexander von Humboldt Kolleg: Climate Change and Sustainable Development — University of Ibadan, October 11-14, 2011
- Molecular Biology Workshop: Backbone of Evidence-based Medicine — NIMR, Yaba, Lagos, August 2-7, 2010
- Humboldt Kolleg: Building a Non-oil Export-based Economy for Nigeria — LAUTECH, Ogbomosho, January 11-14, 2010
- Humboldt Kolleg: Biotechnology, Development and Climate Change in Africa — OAU, Ile-Ife, September 6-10, 2009
- Humboldt Conference: Nutritional and Environmental Issues in Developing Countries — OAU, Ile-Ife, August 3-7, 2008
- 31st NSM Annual Conference: Microbiology and Sustainable Development — Usman Dan-Fodio University, Sokoto, October 28-31, 2007
- International Vaccinology Workshop/Course (GSK/WHO/U. Ghana/UCT/U. Antwerp) — Earl Beam Hotel, Accra, Ghana, June 24-30, 2007
- Annual Workshop on Laboratory Safety and Infection Controls — University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany, January 12, 2006
- Workshop on Treatment of Drinking Water Safety (EnBW) — Stuttgart, Germany, December 4, 2005
- 4th Annual Conference, Faculty of Science, LASU — LASU, Ojo, September 11-14, 2005
- Annual Introductory Meeting of AvH Stiftung — Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany, February 13-15, 2005
- 1st International Conference on Science and National Development — FUNAAB, Abeokuta, October 25-28, 2004
- Workshop on Molecular and Cellular Basis of Immune Response (U. Ibadan/Luxembourg) — College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, December 8-12, 2003
- 2nd Annual Faculty of Science Conference, LASU: Food and Environment — LASU, Ojo, November 1-3, 2001
- 2nd Annual NICA Scientific Conference: Waste Disposal and Health — Nigeria, October 27, 1999
- 1st NICA Scientific Conference: Setting up Infection Control Programmes — Nigeria, December 9-10, 1998
- 23rd NSM Annual Conference: Challenges in Biotechnology for the Next Millennium — Nigeria, December 1-4, 1998
- 1st International Workshop on Herbal Medicinal Products (Pharmacognosy/Commonwealth) — University of Ibadan, November 22-24, 1998
- 16th Annual Meeting, Nigerian Society of Pharmacognosy: Commercialisation of Medicinal Plants — Nigeria, November 12, 1998
- 5th NIVEDA Annual Conference: HIV-AIDS in Women and Children — Nigeria, September 10-12, 1998
- Opening NICA Conference: Infection Control in Nigeria – A Time for Action — Nigeria, January 27, 1998