Francis Chukwuebuka Ihenetu

Dr. Francis Chukwuebuka Ihenetu

Imo State University, Owerri, Imo, Nigeria
orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

9Years (2018-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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14 November 2024 in Antibiotics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
OIOnyinye Ifedinezi
Onyinye Ifedinezi
Nnabueze Darlington NnajiNnabueze Darlington Nnaji
Nnabueze Darlington Nnaji
Christian AnumuduChristian Anumudu
Christian Anumudu
Chiemerie Theresa EkwuemeChiemerie Theresa Ekwueme
Chiemerie Theresa Ekwueme
Chijioke Christopher UhegwuChijioke Christopher Uhegwu
Chijioke Christopher Uhegwu
Helen OnyeakaHelen Onyeaka
Helen Onyeaka
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious global health issue, aggravated by antibiotic overuse and misuse in human medicine, animal care, and agriculture. This study looks at the different mechanisms that drive AMR, such as environmental contamination, horizontal gene transfer, and selective pressure, as well as the severe implications of AMR for human and animal health. This study demonstrates the need for concerted efforts across the scientific, healthcare, agricultural, and policy sectors to control the emergence of AMR. Some crucial strategies discussed include developing antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs, encouraging targeted narrow-spectrum antibiotic use, and emphasizing the significance of strict regulatory frameworks and surveillance systems, like the Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) and the Access, Watch, and Reserve (AWaRe) classification. This study also emphasizes the need for national and international action plans in combating AMR and promotes the One Health strategy, which unifies environmental, animal, and human health. This study concludes that preventing the spread of AMR and maintaining the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary, and internationally coordinated strategy.

20 August 2022 in The Open Microbiology Journal
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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Helen OnyeakaHelen Onyeaka
Helen Onyeaka
CAChristian K. Anumudu
Christian K. Anumudu
COCalistus Okpe
Calistus Okpe
Arthur C. OkaforArthur C. Okafor
Arthur C. Okafor
FIFrancis Chukwuebuka Ihenetu
Francis Chukwuebuka Ihenetu
AAAmarachukwu Anyogu
Amarachukwu Anyogu
Introduction: Predictions on the world’s population in the next few decades suggest that the global demand for animal-derived proteins may not be met if current conventional agriculture approaches are used. One promising solution to this complex crisis lies in the use of single-cell proteins (SCP). SCP refers to the edible biomass of unicellular microorganisms and can be developed as animal feeds or human foods. This paper provides a detailed overview on research towards the production and utilisation of SCPs and trends within the field.Study Design: A bibliometric based study was conducted on 425 SCP research articles collected from the Web of Science database, analysing the most cited papers using VOSviewer software, and contributing authors, affiliations and country of origin. Research publications on SCP started in 1961 and has grown steadily over the years.Discussion: Emerging research topics within SCP production focused on the use of improved fungal strains, the composition and characteristics of SCPs based on the type of substrates used, industrial production processes and the use of waste for SCP production, which serves the dual purpose of mitigating the cost associated with waste disposal and production of a valuable product.

7 May 2025 in Applied Sciences
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Journal Article
Open access
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BSBlessing Oteta Simon
Blessing Oteta Simon
Nnabueze Darlington NnajiNnabueze Darlington Nnaji
Nnabueze Darlington Nnaji
Christian AnumuduChristian Anumudu
Christian Anumudu
JAJob Chinagorom Aleke
Job Chinagorom Aleke
Chiemerie Theresa EkwuemeChiemerie Theresa Ekwueme
Chiemerie Theresa Ekwueme
Helen OnyeakaHelen Onyeaka
Helen Onyeaka
The human microbiome plays a critical role in health and disease, with recent innovations in microbiome research offering groundbreaking insights that could reshape the future of healthcare. This study explored emerging methodologies, such as long-read sequencing, culturomics, synthetic biology, machine learning, and AI-driven diagnostics, that are transforming the field of microbiome–host interactions. Unlike traditional broad-spectrum approaches, these tools enable precise interventions, such as detecting foodborne pathogens and remediating polluted soils for safer agriculture. This work highlights the integration of interdisciplinary approaches and non-animal models, such as 3D cultures and organ-on-a-chip technologies, which address the limitations of current research and present ethical, scalable alternatives for microbiome studies. Focusing on food safety and environmental health, we examine how microbial variability impacts pathogen control in food chains and ecosystem resilience, integrating socioeconomic and environmental factors. The study also emphasizes the need to expand beyond bacterial-focused microbiome research, advocating for the inclusion of fungi, viruses, and helminths to deepen our understanding of therapeutic microbial consortia. The combination of high-throughput sequencing, biosensors, bioinformatics, and machine learning drives precision strategies, such as reducing food spoilage and enhancing soil fertility, paving the way for sustainable food systems and environmental management. Hence, this work offers a comprehensive framework for advancing microbiome interventions, providing valuable insights for researchers and professionals navigating this rapidly evolving field.

18 May 2023 in Journal of Advances in Microbiology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
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IAIfeoma Ijeoma Anekwe
Ifeoma Ijeoma Anekwe
CIChikwendu Chinwe Ifenyinwa
Chikwendu Chinwe Ifenyinwa
EAEkperechi Sabinus Amadi
Ekperechi Sabinus Amadi
NUNwogwugwu Ngozi Ursulla
Nwogwugwu Ngozi Ursulla
FIFrancis Chukwuebuka Ihenetu
Francis Chukwuebuka Ihenetu
Background: The Evaluation of plants for its bioactive compounds is of great importance to researchers because of their therapeutic properties which can be harnessed to serve as alternatives to antibiotics or the development of novel drugs to fight human infectious diseases. Moringa oleifera is a member of the Moringaceae family with nutritional and medicinal properties. Aim: To identify the bioactive constituents present in Moringa oleifera leaves using Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry. Methodology: The bioactive compounds were extracted using the Soxhlet method of extraction and was analyzed using Gas chromatography mass-spectrometry. Results: The chromatogram of the GC-MS analysis used to identify the bioactive constituents present in the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves extract showed the presence of seventy-eight compounds. This includes 1H-Indene, 2-pyridinyl–methyl ester (9.82%), Anthracene, 9-(2-propenyl) (6.72%), 2,6- Lutidine 3,5- dichloro-4-dideiylthio (5.67%) and various other compounds which were identified as low level. Conclusions: The GC-MS analysis of Moringa oleifera showed the presence of bioactive compounds. These compounds are of high importance because they can be used in the production of new antimicrobials due to their valuable medicinal and therapeutic properties.

27 April 2023 in International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
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COChinyere I. Okoro
Chinyere I. Okoro
FIFrancis Chukwuebuka Ihenetu
Francis Chukwuebuka Ihenetu
KDKingsley Excel Dunga
Kingsley Excel Dunga
MOMakuochukwu M. Ozoude
Makuochukwu M. Ozoude
KAKingsley I. Achigbu
Kingsley I. Achigbu
JOJohnbull Sonny Ogboi
Johnbull Sonny Ogboi
Introduction: In Malaria endemic countries, gestational and cord blood malaria prevalence are highly variable. A comprehensive study to determine the prevalence of placental and cord malaria has not been undertaken in Imo state, south eastern Nigeria. Thus, the need to determine prevalence of placenta and chord blood with Plasmodium falciparum infection among pregnant mothers and their neonates in Federal university teaching hospital Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Methodology: A hospital based cross sectional study was carried out between the months of July 2021 and June, 2022 in some public and private hospitals in Owerri, south eastern Nigeria. Malaria transmission is stable with a high seasonal transmission from July to October. Placental and umbilical cord blood was collected into an EDTA bottle from mothers who consented and their neonates respectively at delivery. The presence of Plasmodium speciewas assessed microscopically and quantified by WHO Certified Malaria Microscopists. Parasite density was determined using WHO malaria microscopy protocol. Malaria parasite density was grouped as 1-500parasites/µl, 501-5,000parasites/µl (low), 5,001–10,000 parasites/µl (high), and >10,000 parasites/µl (very high) respectively for ease of analysis. Data was analyzed considering the parasite density grouping and parity while placenta and cord malaria prevalence were determined. Results: Placental and congenital malaria prevalence by microscopy was 21.3% vs. 8.2%. The primigravid had the highest infection rate of 33.0%. Considering the relationship between infection prevalence and parity of pregnancy, there was a significant difference P=.001. 4.2% of 119 neonate and 13.6% of 88 neonates from multigravid and primigravid mothers respectively examined had cord malaria. There was significant difference P=.002 comparing cord malaria infection prevalence and parity of pregnancy of matched mothers. The relationship between parasite malaria density and parity of pregnancy both in placental and cord malaria were not significant. Age group 20-25 years (45%) had the highest Prevalence while age groups 26-30 years recorded a prevalence of 33.3% for the primigravid and multigravid groups, respectively (P<0.05). The Geo mean range of 220 (3-8,250) vs. 23(2-6,412) parasite/µl of blood were recorded in primipare vrs multipare group. The result of this study showed moderate placental malaria infection and a low prevalence of cord malaria by microscopy. The presence of malaria parasites in cord blood at delivery and non in maternal placental blood was also demonstrated. There is a significant association between ITN (Insecticide-Treated Net) usage compliance rate and gravidity (primigravid vs. multigravid) among pregnant mothers. There is also a statistically significant relationship between age and gravidity in the occurrence of placenta malaria, as indicated by the chi-square test results. Conclusion: Antenatal exposure to malaria parasites may have profound effects on the fetus therefore prevention of malaria infection during pregnancy which may reduce the incidence of adverse perinatal outcomes should be strongly advocated.

1 January 2019 in International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
NINwachukwu Micheal Ikechukwu
Nwachukwu Micheal Ikechukwu
FIFrancis Chukwuebuka Ihenetu
Francis Chukwuebuka Ihenetu