Bacterial Empire

BIODEGRADATION OF GLYPHOSATE CONTAINING HERBICIDE BY SOIL BACTERIA

Omorinola A. A., Ogunbiyi O. J., Owoh-Etete U. — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Sixty bacterial isolates were isolated from two herbicide contaminated soil farms (Amoyo and University of Ilorin Nursery section both in Kwara State) after enrichment with mineral salt medium (MSM) supplemented with glyphosate containing herbicide. The organophosphorus herbicide efficiently stimulated the growth of bacterial isolates. Bacteria isolated were subjected to screening using varying concentrations of the herbicide ranging from 0.1 to 3% prepared with mineral salt medium. This screening revealed that all the bacterial isolates had biodegradative potential. They however had varying degradative potentials as some had heavy growth while others had only slight growth or no growth on increased concentrations of herbicide. Screening reduces the bacterial populations with growth ranging from 5.0 x 10⁴ to 2.33 x 10⁸ while the number of bacterial isolates reduced from sixty to thirteen. These bacterial isolates were Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus safenis, Lysinibacillus fusiformis, Micrococcus sp., Arthrobacter sp., Aeromonas sp., Bacillus cereus, Flavobacterium sp., Acinetobacter rhizoshaerae, Bacillus pumilus, Achrobacterium sp., Bacillus sp., and Ochrobacterium sp. The increase in viable bacterial counts over the period of 21 days indicated the use of herbicide as carbon source for their various metabolism processes. These bacteria can be recommended as environmentally safer alternatives tools to protect soil from excessive use of glyphosate containing herbicide residues which might contaminate the soil.

BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY AND MICROBIAL HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH FRESH-FROZEN AND DRIED-PROCESSED READY-TO-SELL PRAWNS (MACROBRACHIUM ROSENBERGII)

Chinedum Agha-Orji, Olalemi Adewale Oluwasogo, Abiola Edema — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0100

This study set out to determine the bacteriological quality and the microbial health risks associated with ready-to-sell prawns. Fresh-frozen prawns were obtained from supermarkets and dried-processed prawns were obtained from local markets in Akure, Nigeria (n = 120). Levels of E. coli, faecal coliforms, Shigella, Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus in the samples were determined using standard microbiological methods. Probabilities of infection (P_i) associated with exposure to Salmonella and Shigella were determined using beta-Poisson model and for S. aureus exponential model was adopted. Mean level of Salmonella was 0.9 log₁₀CFU 100 g^-1 in fresh-frozen prawns whereas mean levels of Shigella in fresh-frozen and dried-processed prawns were 4.4 and 4.5 log₁₀CFU 100 g^-1 respectively. Probability of infection with exposure to a single CFU of Salmonella, Shigella and S. aureus was predicted at 1.6 × 10^-7, 1.9 × 10^-4and 7.6 × 10^-8 respectively. This study demonstrates that the levels of bacterial contamination of the prawns and the risks per serving per year were unacceptable.

ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITIES OF ETHANOL EXTRACTS FROM Croton macrostachyus (Hochst. Ex Delile) AND Justicia schimperiana (Hochst. Ex Nees) BARK AND LEAF AGAINST CERTAIN PATHOGENIC BACTERIA

Lire Dindamo, Sasikumar Jagathala Mahalingam, Andualem Getachew, Ameha Kebede — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Our study was designed to evaluate antibacterial activities of ethanol extracts from Croton macrostachyus and Justicia schimperiana bark and leaf against certain bacterial pathogens such as E. coli O157 H:7 ATCC 25922, Salmonella Typhi ATCC 13311, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Streptococcus pyogenes ATCC 196151. Qualitative and quantitative methods were followed to screen the phytochemicals in the plants extracts and to estimate total phenolic content (TPC) and terpenoids. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion method and by determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). The results of the investigation revealed that both the plants were found to contain alkaloids, saponin, steroids, tannins and terpenoids. Highest TPC (3.82±0.82 mg/g Tannic Acid Equivalent) and highest Terpenoid content (118.33±4.4 mg/g) were observed in the leaf extract of C. macrostachyus. Bark extract of C. macrostachyus displayed the strongest activity against the gram-positive bacteria S. aureus with an inhibition zone of 16.17±0.67 mm. E. coli O157 H:7 and S. Typhi were found more resistant to bark extract of J. schimperiana at the concentration of 100 mg/ml. The potent plant part extract should be subjected for further phytochemical analysis and bioactive investigations.

DETERMINATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF Plumbago zeylanica L.

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Background: Numerous studies have been conducted on antimicrobial properties that may be useful to overcome the emerging antimicrobial resistance. Plumbago zeylanica (Ela nitul) is especially known as Ceylon leadwort. Plumbago zeylanica has been used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases, including skin rashes, scabies, ringworm, hookworms, dermatitis, acne, sores, and ulcers.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to study the antimicrobial activity of P. zeylanica against a selected panel of pathogenic microorganisms in vitro and to screen the presence of phytochemicals in the aqueous extracts of P. zeylanica root, leaf, stem qualitatively.

Material and Methods: The antibacterial effect of aqueous extracts of roots, leaves and stems of Plumbago zeylanica against Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumanniii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and antifungal effect against Candida albicans were studied using well diffusion assay and macro-dilution method. Qualitative screening of the phytochemicals was done using standard methods.

Results: Among the panel of organisms, Candida albicans exhibited the highest susceptibility against root extract of P. zeylanica followed by other organisms including Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, respectively. In qualitative analysis, secondary phytochemicals including alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, saponins, taninns, chalcones, were determined in the aqueous extract root, leaf and stem, respectively.

Conclusion: Plumbago zeylanica root extract has exhibited stronger antifungal and antibacterial activity rather than the leaf extract. Stem extract of Plumbago zeylanica didn't show antimicrobial activity against selected organisms. The presence and absence of phytochemicals in different plant materials explain the antimicrobial properties of root, leaf and stem of P. zeylanica.

EFFECT OF Mg, Zn, Ca, AND Fe SUPPLEMENTS ON GROWTH, PROBIOTIC POTENTIAL, AND BIOFILM-FORMING CAPACITY OF LACTOBACILLUS BACTERIA

Selma Cifric Mujezinovic — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0200

The gut microbiome is a complete set of microorganisms found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Lactobacillus spp. are beneficial bacteria that are normally found in the gut. They are used as a type of probiotic in order to create a homeostasis in the human microflora. One of the challenges for these bacteria is the ability to adapt to different environments in order to survive and function properly. The main research question of this study was to see whether specific dietary supplements (calcium citrate, iron(II)fumarate, zinc, magnesium oxide) change bacterial properties of Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) (DSM 17938) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus) GG (ATCC 53103). Presence of dietary supplements affected antibiotic sensitivity of tested bacteria. Results of biochemical testing minimally changed. MICs of tested supplements have been determined as well, where L. reuteri tolerated higher concentrations of supplements compared to L. rhamnosus. Probiotic efficiency was also tested through bile and acid tolerance assays. Obtained results showed that presence of dietary supplements did not alter probiotic efficiency. According to other studies L. reuteri and L. rhamnosus form biofilm structures in the human gut, however they showed very low affinity to form biofilms before and after treatment with dietary supplements when tested in vitro. Previous studies showed that L. reuteri could be used in a treatment for autistic-spectrum disorders. According to results from this study, patients with ASD should avoid zinc in the form of capsules (as dietary supplements) from their diets, since it inhibits growth of L. reuteri. In general, tested dietary supplements, except zinc, did not affect bacterial properties on a large scale.

COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF MEDICATED SOAPS ON STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS ASSOCIATED WITH WOUNDS AND POST-OPERATIVE WOUNDS FROM HOSPITALS IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Ekemini Bassey, Prof. Daniel Juwon Arotupin, BABAJIDE AJAYI — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus remains one of the leading causes of wound infection and medicated soaps have antimicrobial substances which when applied on living tissues, reduces the possibility of S. aureus wound infection, sepsis or putrefaction.

Aim: Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the antibacterial activities of 6 medicated soaps on S. aureus isolated from wounds.

Methodology: One hundred and eight (108) wound samples were collected from patients with wound infection found in the orthopedic and surgical wards of selected hospitals in Ondo State. The antibacterial activity of medicated soaps on S. aureus isolated from wound infection was determined using agar well diffusion technique and the antibiogram profile was determined using disc diffusion technique.

Results: Of the 108 wound samples tested, 64 (59.3%) were infected with S. aureus. Tetmosol soap recorded the highest zone of inhibition against all S. aureus strains with (24.3 mm) at 200 mg/ml and (20.3 mm) at 100 mg concentrations. Carat soap had the least antibacterial activity against all staphylococcus strains with (6.0 mm) for both concentrations. Over 70% of the isolates were resistant to amoxicillin, rocephine, gentamycin, zinnacef, ampiclox and septrin; whereas, ≤ 50% were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, streptomycin, erythromycin and perfloxacin. Medicated soaps had a better activity on S. aureus compared to conventional antibiotics.

Conclusion: Therefore, antiseptic soaps could be used in the cleaning of wounds and cuts during time of hurts to prevent infection and the transmission of wound pathogens. However, this should be used moderately by patients in order to avoid irritation and development of microbial resistance in the future.

MINIMUM INHIBITION AND BACTERICIDAL CONCENTRATIONS OF THE PLANT MORINGA OLEIFERA EXTRACTS AGAINST THE BACTERIA ESCHERICHIA COLI AND STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0100

This study aimed at assessing the MICs (Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations) and the MBCs (Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations) of the methanolic extracts from 4 different parts (leaves, seeds, stem, roots) of the plant Moringa oleifera against the bacteria E. coli and S. aureus. Phytochemical profile of each extract has been determined using LC/MS analyses. Microbial analyses were done using 96-wells plate method. Results showed that the four parts on the plants contain heterosides and glucosinolates. Iridoids were found in leaves, stem and roots. Flavonoids were found in leaves and stem. Phenolic acids were found only in leaves and carboxylic acids found only in stem. The abundance and the number of identified compounds of a given class varied from one part of plant to another. The MICs and MBCs varied with respect to the microorganism and the part of the plant. With E. coli, the MICs varied from 0.009 (leaves) to 1.25 mg/mL (seeds), and the MBCs varied from 0.156 (leaves) to 2.5 mg/mL (seeds and stem). With S. aureus, the MICs varied from 0.009 (stem and roots) to 0.039 mg/mL (leaves and roots), and the MBCs varied from 0.078 (leaves) to 4 mg/mL (stem). The bactericidal or bacteriostatic properties of the extracts varied depending on the part of the plant and the microorganism considered. Against E. coli, the leaves, stem and roots extracts were bacteriostatic whereas seeds extract was bactericidal. Against S. aureus, the seeds, stem and roots extracts were bacteriostatic whereas leaves extract was bactericidal.

EFFECT OF OXIDATIVE STRESS ON CATALASE INDUCTION AND OPTIMIZATION OF KINETIC PERFORMANCE OF ENZYME FROM B. SUBTILIS KIBGE HAS 1

Saeeda Bano, Samina Iqbal, Kanwal Abbasi, Kauser Siddiqui, A. Aman — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0100

The Catalase (H₂O₂ oxidoreductase, EC.1.11.1.6) is an enzyme that catalyses the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to oxygen and water to protect the cell against oxidative stress. The aim of current study is to observe the effect of increasing oxidative stress on the catalase synthesis. Results of the study shows that the increase in oxidative stress by adding 0.1 % cholesterol in medium raises the catalase production by B. Subtilis KIBGE HAS 1. The molecular mass of this partially purified catalase was found to be 210 kDa by native PAGE. The enzyme was purified up to 8.9 %. The enzyme exhibits high thermal stability and retain 80.2 % of its original activity when stored at 50°C for 120 min. with Km and Vmax of 41.89 mM and 77.97 U/mg of protein respectively. Among various metal ions, Na⁺, Ca⁺ and Ba⁺ ions enhance the catalase activity however; Hg⁺ causes an inhibitory effect. The findings of this study give advantage to industries regarding augmentation of catalase production by generating the oxidative stress and therefore indirectly increase the production of enzyme.

MICROBIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF RECYCLED MANURE USED IN DAIRY COWS BEDDING – REVIEW

Tomas Jambor, Zdenek Drotar, Jozef Bires — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0100

The economic and social value of cattle, especially dairy cows, is continuously increasing and is defined by the number of lactations during the production period or the milk yield of the individual itself. A significant influence on dairy production of dairy cows has housing comfort and therefore maintaining the quality parameters of the dairy farm is essential. The decreasing availability and increasing costs of traditional underlining materials have increased interest in finding and using alternative materials for underlaying. In this review, we focus on the separated fraction of livestock manure, which, after hygienization, can be a suitable bedding material for dairy cows. We identify possible negative impacts and risks in the context of human or animal health. This article also identifies pathogenic microorganisms that can initiate inflammation of the mammary glands in dairy cows and thus reduce the quality of final food products. Farmers using recycled livestock manure as bedding, reduce the total amount of nutrients which become part of the manure stream due to no net addition of nutrients in the form of bedding, thus increasing potential compliance with environmental regulations.