Biography

Prof. Enweani’s research interests include elucidating various alterations in gene expression of some pathogenic viruses, yeasts, moulds, parasites and bacteria isolated from humans, fomites and environment which may have immensely contributed to human disease. Incidence and Antimicrobial Studies on Candida species from various clinical samples was carried out showcasing that some of these species were involved in UTI infections, diarrhoea in children, opportunistic infections in HIV / AIDS patients. Molecular typing of these isolates were carried out revealing the genetic alterations in some of the pathogenic isolates. Susceptibility patterns of these isolates using antifungal agents and plant extracts of medicinal properties were done which showed that local Nigerian herbs are rich in antioxidants and possess antimicrobial properties. Virulence markers of these Candida strains were also studied. Molecular typing of Nigerian dermatophyte isolates and association with ABO blood group was done using ITS region. It was shown that Trichophyton rubrum complex has other species like T. violaceum, T. soudanense which emanated as variants. Antimicrobial activities of several Nigerian plants had been evaluated using pathogenic Nigerian microbial isolates. Combinations of fractions of some of these herbal extracts had shown very promising efficacy on some of the multidrug resistant tested isolates. Association of indoor air quality with respiratory tract infections were also handled and findings indicated that poor indoor air quality could contribute to respiratory tract infections of the residents. Candidate also studied the gut microbiome of Nigerian children suffering from diarrhoea. Microbial isolates worked on included enterobacteriaceae, yeasts, and parasites. She has a passion for health and wellbeing of Nigerians using food as medicine as revealed in the use of fruit juice in control of diarrhoea. She has received several academic, teaching, administrative and community service awards. Currently, she directs Directorate of International Collaboration and Linkages in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.