Microbiome and Anti-Microbial Resistance

The Microbiome and Anti-Microbial Resistance Unit of REFOTDE is a laboratory devoted to the culturing, examination, and identification of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi (moulds and yeasts), and some viruses etc. Our role which include the isolation and characterisation of microorganisms causing infections in humans, animal and environment has two important functions among others; regular basis disease management at clinical level and deep knowledge on the presence, source, and transmission mode of an infective microbe in the environment, animal and human (One Health) at the epidemiological level.

The Microbiome and Anti-Microbial Resistance Unit of REFOTDE is supervised by Professor Samuel Wanji and a panel of professionals with proper educational qualifications and training. The unit accept, assist and train students within and out of the University of Buea.

Training on the Use and Maintenance of VITEK 2 COMPACT and BACT-ALERT (Right to left; Professor Samuel Wanji, Trainees, and User Trainer) — Training on the Use and Maintenance of VITEK 2 COMPACT and BACT/ALERT (Right to left; Professor Samuel Wanji, Trainees, and User Trainer)

At the Microbiome and Anti-Microbial Resistance Unit of REFOTDE, GMP which comprises of aseptic techniques and other good microbiological techniques/practices are of utmost importance in preventing contamination of the laboratory when handling microorganisms. GMP employs microbiological laboratory techniques or microbiology laboratory procedures to keep the microorganisms in their safe place without coming in contact with other organisms and the people around. Thus, extracting the research result without any adulteration or contamination is our ultimate goal.

Some of Our Recent Publications

1. Phenotypical characterization, and antibiotics susceptibility patterns of skin bacteria found in podoconiosis patients in the North West Region of Cameroon. BMC Microbiology (2023) 23:189 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12866-023-02923-9
Derick Lekealem Nkwetta^1,2,3, Bangsi Rose Fuen^1,2,3, Njodzeka Flora Yenban^1,2,3, Nancielle Mbiatong^1,2,3, Gordon Takop Nchanji^1,2,3, John Bonekeh³, Bertrand Lontum Ndzeshang^1,2,3, Narcisse Victor Tchamatchoua Gandjui^1,2, Fanny Fri. Fombad^1,2,3, Ute Klarmann-Schulz^4,5, Mathias Eyong Esum^1,2, Abdel Jelil Njouendou^2,3,6, Jerome Fru Cho^1,2,3, Achim Hoerauf^4,7, Manuel Ritter^4† and Samuel Wanji^1,2,3*†

2. Tropical leg lymphedema caused by podoconiosis is associated with increased colonisation by anaerobic bacteria. Scientific Reports (2023) 13:13785 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-40765-7
Claudio Neidhöfer¹, Derick Lekealem Nkwetta^2,3, Bangsi Rose Fuen^2,3, Njodzeka Flora Yenban^2,3, Nancielle Mbiatong^2,3, Gordon Takop Nchanji^2,3, Patricia Korir¹, Nina Wetzig⁴, Martin Sieber⁴, Ralf Thiele⁴, Marijo Parcina¹, Ute Klarmann‑Schulz^1,5, Achim Hoerauf^1,5,6, Samuel Wanji^2,3,7& Manuel Ritter^1,7*