Lecturer I, Microbiology Department

Dr Robert K. Obi


Dr Robert Kelechi Obi

Lecturer I

B.Sc Microbiology, M.Sc Medical Microbiology (Medical Virology), M.Sc Medical Parasitology, PhD Medical Microbiology (Medical Virology)
Mobile Number: +2348038757515
Email: robert.obi@futo.edu.ng

 

Biography

Dr Robert Kelechi Obi was born into the Royal Family of Eze Obi, Ezedibia Emekuku, Owerri North LGA, Imo State. He was the last child in a family of three men and two women.

He started his academic career at Chief Memorial Primary School, Emekuku where he had his First School Leaving Certificate in 1979. He then proceeded to the University of Port Harcourt where he obtained his B.Sc in Microbiology in 1989. His M.Sc in Medical Microbiology (with research in Medical Virology) was from the University of Lagos in 1999. In 2009, Dr Obi obtained another M.Sc in Medical Parasitology from the University of Lagos. In 2019, Dr Obi bagged his PhD in Medical Microbiology (Medical Virology) also from the University of Lagos.

Dr Robert Obi is married to Barr. (Mrs.) Ndidi Robert Obi and the marriage is blessed with a baby girl.

Academic Qualifications

  • B.Sc Microbiology,
  • M.Sc Medical Microbiology (Medical Virology)
  • M.Sc Medical Parasitology
  • PhD Medical Microbiology (Medical Virology)

Membership of Professional Bodies

  • Affiliate Institute of Biomedical Science, London (IBMS) 1998
  • Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU) 2005
  • Nigerian Society for Microbiology (NSM) 2006
  • Parasitology & Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN) 2007
  • Virology Research Group, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria, – 2012
  • American Society for tropical medicine and hygiene (ASTMH)    –    2013
  • International Society for infectious diseases (ISID)      –      2013
  • Epicore member on disease surveillance and reporting      –    2016
  • International Society for Antiviral Research (ISAR)    –    2016
  • British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (BSAC)     –    2017
  • American Society For Microbiology (ASM)   –    2017

Course code and Courses assigned: 

  1. MCB 301       Bacteriology
  2. MCB 302        Pharmaceutical Microbiology
  3. MCB 305        Introductory Virology
  4. MCB 308        Microbial Genetics and Molecular Biology
  5. MCB 403        Virology and Tissue culture
  6. MCB 411        Pathogenic Microbiology
  7. MCB 503        Immunology and Immunochemistry
  8. MCB 505        Seminar in Microbiology
  9. MCB 515        Principles of Epidemiology and Public Health
  10. MCB 507/MCB 508   Research Project in Microbiology
  11. MCB 512        Diagnostic and Forensic Microbiology

Experience:

  • Department of Microbiology,   –   Assistant Lecturer    –   ’05-‘08
    • Federal University of  Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

 

  • Department of Microbiology,  –  Lecturer II   –   ’09-‘11
    • Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

 

  • Department of Microbiology,   –   Lecturer I    –  ’11-DATE
    • Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

Research Interest

Research interest/Specialization: Medical Virology (Viral haemorrhagic fever)/Immunology (cell-mediated immunity to infection).

Specialization: Medical Virology

Publications:

  1. Obi, R.K., Umeh, S.C., Okurede, O.H., Iroagba, I.I. (2006). Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection among pregnant women in an antenatal clinic in Port Harcourt, Nigeria   Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 7(2):78 – 82.  
  2. Obi, R.K., Ojiako, O.A., Iroagba, I.I. (2006). Virucidal Potential of some edible Nigerian Vegetables. Afr. J. Biotechnol. 5(9):1785 – 1788.
  3. Obi, R.K., Ojiako, O.A., Iroagba, I.I. (2007). Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among pregnant women in an antenatal clinic in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Afr. J. Biotechnol. 6(3): 533-536.
  4. Ojiako, O.A., Obi, R.K., Nwanebu, F.C. (2007). Pharmacologic evaluation of the activities of four traditional herbs on Onchocerca volvulus and Hookworms. International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences 3(2):146-152.
  5. Obi, R.K, and Nwanebu, F.C. (2008). In vitro effect of some quinolone antibiotics on strains of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from a hospital environment. Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 9(3): 142-146
  6. Obi, R.K., Amadi, A.N., Idika, I.M., Nwanebu, F.C. (2008). Studies on the distribution of clinically diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Parasitology 29(2): 106-109.                    
  7. Oparaocha, E.T., Okorie, C.C., Anosike, J.C., Obi RK (2008). Vermifugal effect of three local herbs (Carica papaya, Spigilia anthemia and Phyllantus niruri) on broiler chickens infected with Ascaridia galli. Afr. J. of Appl. Zool. & Environ Biol. 10: 61-64.
  8. Obi, R.K., Nwanebu, F.C., Ndubuisi, U.U., Orji, N.M. (2009). Antibacterial qualities and phytochemical screening of the oils of Cucurbita pepo and Brassica nigra. J. Med. Plant. Res. 3(5): 429-432.
  9. Amadi, A.N., Iro, O.K., Obi, R.K., Amadi, C.O.A. (2009). Effect of antiretroviral therapy on work productivity of HIV/AIDS patients in Abia State, Nigeria. J. Appl. Biosci. 18: 976 – 982.
  10. Obi, R.K., Okangba, C.C., Nwanebu, F.C., Ndubuisi, U.U., Orji, N.M. (2010). Premunition in Plasmodium falciparum malaria. African Journal of Biotechnology, 9(10): 1397-1401.
  11. Obi, R.K., Oyibo, W.A., Okangba, C.C., Nwanebu, F.C., Orji, N.M., Ndubuisi, U.U. (2010). Human Adaptation to Parasitism. Asian J. Exp. Biol. Sci., 1(2): 262-270.
  12. Obi, R.K., Orji, N.M., Nwanebu, F.C., Okangba, C.C., Ndubuisi, U.U. (2010). Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases: perpetual menace. Asian J. Exp. Biol. Sci., 1(2): 271-282.
  13. Obi, R.K., Oyibo, W.A., Okangba, C.C., Nwanebu, F.C., Oparaocha, E.T., Orji, N.M., Ndubuisi, U.U. (2010). Concurrent parasitosis in an onchocerciasis endemic Community. Asian J. Exp. Biol. Sci., 1(2): 283-287.
  14. Oparaocha, E.T., Iroegbu, O.C., Obi, R.K. (2010). Assessment of quality of drinking water sources in the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Journal of Applied Biosciences 32: 1964 – 1976.
  15. Obi, R.K., Okangba, C.C., Nwanebu, F.C., Ndubuisi, U.U., Mgbemene, I.C., Braide, W. (2010). Relationship between HIV/AIDS and poverty: A case study of two cities in Abia State, Nigeria. Current Research Journal of Biological Sciences 2(6): 356-360.
  16. Chikwendu, C.I., Amadi, E.S. and Obi, R.K. (2010). Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumonia isolate from non-clinical urine samples. New York Science Journal, 3(11): 194-200.
  17. Orji NM, Nwoke BE, Ukaga C, Obi RK, Anyaegunam L (2010). Studies on the local Names, knowledge, attitude, and practices of Loa loa infection in Okigwe Zone of Imo State, Nigeria. XII International Congress of Parasitology Melbourne Australia 15th-20th August 2010. Pp 181-185.
  18. Obi, R.K., Nwanebu, F.C., Ndubuisi-Nnaji, U.U., Onuoha, L.N., Chiegboka, N.  (2011). Ethanolic extraction and phytochemical screening of two Nigerian herbs on pathogens isolated from wound infections. Pharmacie Globale (IJCP), 2(10): 1-5.
  19. Obi, R.K., Nwanebu, F.C., Ndubuisi-Nnaji, U.U., Okangba, C.C., Braide, W., Orji, N.M., Ukegbu, A.D., Ukegbu, P.O. (2011). Endemicity of lymphatic filariasis in three local government areas in Imo State, Nigeria. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences 5(5): 875-879.
  20. Obi, R.K., Nwanebu, F.C., Chikwendu, C.I., Ndubuisi-Nnaji, U.U., Okangba, C.C., Orji, N.M. (2011). Concurrent Parasitosis in the Liver of Seropositive HIV Patients. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences 5(5): 599-609.
  21. Oyibo, W.A., Okangba, C.C., Obi, R.K., Nwanebu, F.C., Ojuromi, T. (2011). Diagnosis of intestinal cryptosporidiosis in Africa: Prospects and Challenges. Journal of Applied Biosciences, 40: 2599-2667.
  22. Nwanebu, F.C., Ogbulie, J.N., Obi, R.K., Ojiako, A.O. (2011). Chemical and silt-induced eutrophication syndrome at Otamiri River, Owerri, Nigeria. Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology 3(8): 358-361.
  23. Nwanebu, F.C., Obi, R.K., Chikwendu, C.I., Okangba, C.C. (2011). Implications of Parasitosis as a health-care index among indigenes of Umueze II Community, Ehime Mbano. International Journal of Environmental Health and Health Development; 12(2): 20-24.
  24. Nwanebu, F.C., Obi, R.K., Ogbulie, C., Nwachukwu, I.N., Chukwu, F.N. (2011). Antimicrobial activity of leaf and root extracts of Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter leaf) on some bacterial isolates. International Journal of Health and Human Development. 12(1): 51-59.
  25. Nwanebu, F.C., Ojiako, O.A., Obi, R.K., Chikwendu, C.I., Igwilo, C.R. (2011). Microbial succession in meat spoilage; International Journal of Environmental Health & Human Development 12 (1): 31-37.
  26. Okechukwu, R.I., Okereke, J.N., Onyedineke, N.E., Obi, R.K. (2011). Microbial and nutritional qualities of mushroom. Asian J. Exp. Biol. Sci., 2(4): 746-749.
  27. Tony-Chiegboka, N.A., Opara, F.N., Udoye, A.A., Obi, R.K., Okechukwu, R.I. (2011). Studies On the prevalence and susceptibility pattern of malaria infection in young ABO blood group patients attending the Federal Medical Center, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. International Journal of Environmental Health & Human Development, 12 (2): 14-19.. SCI. VOL 2(4) 2011: 746- BIOL. SCI. VOL 2(2011:
  28. Mgbemena, I.C., Udensi, U.J., Nnokwe, J., Obi, R.K., Ogbonna, E.A. (2012). Antibiotic sensitivity of bacterial pathogens isolated from Tilapia in aquaculture systems Owerri, Imo State. Journal of Aquatic Sciences 27 (1): 15-22.
  29. Obi, R.K., Nwanebu, F.C., Okangba, C.C., Nwanebu, C.K. (2012). Malaria prevalence in Children under 5 years and pregnant women attending selected hospitals in Ihitte Uboma LGA, Imo State, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Parasitology, 33(1): 73-76.
  30. Ohalete, C.N., Obi, R.K., Emeakaraoha, M.C. (2012). Bacteriology of different wound infections and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in Imo State, Nigeria. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1(3): 1155-1172.
  31. Duru, U.N., Orji, J.C., Obi, R.K. (2012). Larvicidal potential of crude extracts of      Azadirachta indica (Neem). World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1(3): 1188-1197.
  32. Emeakaraoha, M.C., Obi, R.K., Nwanebu, F.C., Ogbulie, J.N., Uwaezuoke, J.C., Ohalete, C.N. (2012). Antibiotic sensitivity pattern of bacterial isolates from semen of men with infertility problems. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1(3): 1198-1209.
  33. Obi, R.K., Nwanebu, F.C., Ohalete, C.N., Onyemekara, N.N. (2012). A prospective study of three blood-borne viral pathogens among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Owerri, Nigeria Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology; 4(9): 226-229.
  34. Orji N.M., Esiaka EE, Anyaegbunam LC, Obi RK, Ezeagwuna DA (2012). Parasite Contamination of Nigerian currency (paper and polymer Notes) in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. The Internet Journal of Infectious Diseases. 10 (1): http://www.ispub.com:80/journal/the-internet-journal-of-infectious-diseases/volume-10-issue-1/parasite-contamination-of-nigerian-currency-paper-and-polymer-notes-in-the-ihiala-local-government-area-of-anamber-state-nigeria.html.
  35. Orji NM, Okafor JE, Obi RK, Ezeigbo EU, Opara KN (2012. Intestinal Parasite and Nutritional Status among School Children Of Mmiata -Anam, Anambra West Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria. The Internet Journal of Parasitic Diseases. 5(1): http://www.ispub.com:80/journal/the-internet-journal-of-parasitic-diseases/volume-5-issue-1/intestinal-parasite-and-nutritional-status-among-school-children-of-mmiata-anam-anambra-west-local-government-area-anambra-state-nigeria.html
  36. Obi, R.K. (2013).  Advances in HIV Herbal Research: successes/adverse effects. Research Desk; 2(1): 90-96.
  37. Chikwendu, C.I., Obi, R.K., Amadi, E.S. (2015). Assessment of the Microbiological status of some commercial yoghurt brands sold in Owerri Metropolis, Imo State, Nigeria; Nigerian Journal of Microbiology 28: 2872-2877.
  38. Obi, R.K., Oke, B.O., Anjorin, A.A., Bidmos, I.K., Salu, O.B., Omilabu, S.A. (2015). Evaluation of Techniques for the Diagnosis of Rotavirus Gastroenteritis in Paediatric Patients; Genes Review; 1(1): 6-27.
  39. Ogbolu, E.E. and Obi, R.K. (2016). Detection of Hepatitis E Virus RNA in Chicken Droppings and Pig Feces in Ogun and Lagos States, South-Western, Nigeria. British Journal of Medicine and Medical Research; 12(4): 1-8.
  40. Ewelukwa, C.O. and Obi, R.K. (2016). Molecular Detection of Swine Influenza Virus in Pigs and Pig Handlers in Some Communities in Lagos State, South-Western, Nigeria. Journal of Disease and Global Health; 5(4): 179-185.
  41. Obi, R.K., Anjorin, A.A., Oke, B.O., Salu, O.B., Adesegun, S.A., Adeleke, T.I., Olayinka, O.A., Ogunsemowo, O.S., Shenge, J.A., Adedeji, O.A., Ajuwon, B.O., Adeleke, J.O., Salawu, KM, Omilabu SA (2016). Evaluation of the sensitivity of measles virus and herpes simplex virus-1 to three locally available herbs in Nigeria. Pharmacologia 7(2-3): 93-103.
  42. Obi, R.K., Oke, B.O., Anjorin, A.A., Bidmos, I.K., Salu, O.B., Omilabu, S.A. (2016).  Hepatocarcinogic Properties of Hepatitis B Virus. International Journal of Tropical Disease and Health; 16(2): 1-12.
  43. Chikwendu, C.I., Obi, R.K., Amadi, E.S., Shenge, J.A., Ogbulie, J.N. (2018). Prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen among healthy asymptomatic students of a tertiary institution in South Eastern, Nigeria. FUTO Journal Series; 4(1): 255-262.
  44. Obi, R.K., Shenge, J.A., Chikwendu, C.I., Amadi, E.S., Ogbulie, J.N. (2018). Risk factors and seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus antibody among undergraduate students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. FUTO Journal Series; 4(1): 326-333.
  45. Obi, R.K. and Shenge, J.A. (2018). Susceptibility of two RNA viruses of public health significance to selected Nigerian medicinal plants. Nigeria Journal of Microbiology, 32 (1): 4269-4277.
  46. Obi, R.K. and Shenge, J.A. (2018). In vitro antiviral activity of Bryophyllum pinnatum (Odaa opuo) and Viscum album (Awuruse). Research Journal of Microbiology; 13: 138-146.
  47. Chikwendu, C.I., Obi, R.K., Okeke J.A., Amadi E.S. (2018). Comparative antibacterial Studies of Loranthus micranthus (African mistletoe) from different host trees against urinary tract bacterial isolates. FUTO Journal Series; 4(2): 189-201.
  48. Obi, R.K., Olayinka, O.A., Adesegun, S.A., Olaleye, D.O., Omilabu, S.A. (2019). Antiviral activities of vacuum liquid chromatography fractions of Azadirachta indica (A. Juss.); Journal of Virology and Antiviral Research; 8(1): 1-8.
  49. Chikwendu, C.I., Okere, C.E., Obi, R.K., Nwogwugwu, N.U. (2019). The effect of Moringa oleifera and Ocimum gratissimum essential oils and extracts on antimicrobial-resistant Enterobacteriaceae from environmental sources. Journal of Advances in Microbiology; 19(4): 1-9.

 

CHAPTER CONTRIBUTIONS TO TEXTBOOKS

  1. Obi, R.K. and Nwanebu, F.C. (2010). Prions and Prion Diseases. In Microbiology, 1st Edition, Adegboro, B. (ed). Ibadan University Press, Publishing House, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Pp 455-470.
  2. Obi, R.K. (2011). Antiviral Potential of Vegetables: Can They Be Cost-Effective Agents for Human Disease? In Nutrients, Dietry Supplements, and Nutriceuticals: Cost analysis Versus Clinical Benefits, 5th edition, Watson, R.R., Gerald, J.K., Preedy, V.R. (eds). Humana Press c/o Springer Science+Business Media, New York, USA. Pp 259-276.
  3. Obi, R.K. (2015). Nutritional Intervention in reducing morbidity and mortality in People with HIV. In Health of HIV Infected People: Food, Nutrition and Lifestyle with Antiretroviral Drugs, Vol. 1. Watson, R.R. (ed). Elsevier Inc. (Academic Press publications), San Diego, USA; pp 483-507.
  4. Obi, R.K. and Shenge, J.A. (2018). The environment and transmission of viral diseases. In Dynamics of Natural Resource and Environmental Management in Nigeria: theory, practice, bureaucracy, advocacy. 1st edition, Okoye, C.U. and Abah, D. (eds). Debees Printing and Publishing Company, Nsukka, Nigeria. Pp 66-78.
  5. Obi, R.K. (2018). Rickettsia and Chlamydia. In Principles of General Microbiology 1st ed. Amadi, E.S., Ugbogu, C.O., and Ogugbue, C.J. (Eds). WebsMedia Communications Ltd., Owerri, Nigeria. Pp 110-145.
  6. Obi, R.K. (2018). Viruses. In Principles of General Microbiology 1st edition. Amadi E.S, Ugbogu C.O, and Ogugbue C.J. (Eds). WebsMedia Communications Ltd., Owerri, Nigeria. Pp 149-195.
  7. Obi, R.K. (2018). Prions, Viroids and Virusoids. In Principles of General Microbiology 1st edition. Amadi E.S, Ugbogu C.O, and Ogugbue C.J. (Eds). WebsMedia Communications Ltd., Owerri, Nigeria. Pp 268-298.
  8. Obi, R.K. and Shenge, J.A. (2019). Nutrition and viral infections of the eye In Handbook of Nutrition, Diet, and the Eye. 2nd ed, Preedy V and Watson RR (eds). Elsevier Inc. (Academic Press publications), San Diego, USA; pp 338-345.