study ABSTRACT The study was aimed at investigating the heavy metal tolerance profile among bacteria from auto-mechanic workshop and pristine soil samples. Auto-mechanic workshop and pristine soil environments were randomly sampled within Calabar Metropolis. The research was undertaken within a period of six months. Standard microbiological methods were used to isolate, characterize and identify bacteria isolates from the collected soil samples, while heavy metal tolerance test of the bacteria isolates was carried out using agar dilution method. Bacterial isolates from auto-mechanic workshop soil samples showed a marginally higher percentage tolerability to Pb, Ni, Cr, Cd, Co and V than their pristine soil counterparts. Serratia spp (AMM 2 , AMME 2 ), Klebsiella sp (AMM 3 ), Corynebacterium (AME 1 ), Yesinia sp (AME 3 ), Pseudomonas sp (AMT) and Bacillus sp (AME 4 ) tolerated high heavy metal concentration (300 µg/ml) of chromium, copper and lead either actively (bioaccumulation) or passively (adsorption) as compared to other bacteria isolates from both auto-mechanic workshop and pristine soil samples. Thus, these bacteria isolates could have applicability in bioremediation of heavy metal polluted environments and in the production of biosensors which can be utilized for both background and anthropogenic environmental heavy metal pollution.
The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanisms of third generation cephalosporins resistance among blood isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. A total of 549 isolates, Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=369) and Escherichia coli (n=180) were included. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern, phenotypic and genotypic detection of ESBL and AmpC production were carried out. The genetic environment surrounding blaCTX-M gene was assessed for insertion sequences. The plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) and integron carriage rate of ESBL producers were studied. The clonality was assessed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Also, the plasmids bearing the ESBL, AmpC genes were studied by incompatibility typing and conjugation assay. By phenotypic tests, K. pneumoniae (79.8%) and E. coli (74.1%) were ESBL producers. Similarly, K. pneumoniae (70.5%) and E. coli (76.8%) were AmpC producers. By PCR, K. pneumoniae (68%) and E. coli (62%) carried ESBL genes. blaCTX-M- 15 was the prevalent type (98.1%). The linkage of ISEcp1 with blaCTX-M-15 gene was found in 92.5% of the blaCTX-M-15 genes. blaCMY-2 was present in 57% isolates. PFGE showed no clonal relatedness however; replicon typing revealed that ESBL genes were carried on 5 different replicon types, IncA/C being the commonest type present in this region. Also, PMQR was found in 19.3% of the ESBL producers. As high as 21.5% of class 2 integron was noted for first time from this region. A high prevalence of ESBL and AmpC genes was noticed. The clonal diversity, transferability of blaCTX-M plasmids suggest a higher incidence and wider distribution of ESBL and AmpC producing bacteria existing in the South India.
This study was conducted to determine the incidence of Campylobacter jejuni in Chicken meat and faeces in Kano metropolis.
The effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in deionized water and normal saline, phosphate buffered solution mitigated the inhibitory effect of ZnO nanoparticles on the growth dynamics and population density of E. coli and S. aureus.
Aims: This study was conducted to isolate, identify and screen microorganisms associated with soy iru for the ability to be used as starter in the fermentation of soya bean (Glycine max) to produce soy iru. Study Design: To control the fermentation of soya bean (Glycine max) to produce soya iru using functional starter culture in order to improve the quality of the product. Place and Duration of Study: Soybeans (Glycine max) samples were collected from markets in Ibadan, in Oyo State Nigeria. Analyses of the samples were conducted in the Department of Microbiology, University of Ibadan and Central Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory in the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. The sampling and analyses were done between August 2014 to January 2015. Methodology: Soybean (Glycine max) seeds were purchased from markets, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Original Research Article Afolabi et al.; BMRJ, 13(6): 1-10, 2016; Article no.BMRJ.24593 2 Nigeria. Spontaneously fermented locust bean iru samples were also purchased from iru seller from markets, Ibadan, Oyo State and they were analysed using Nutrient agar, DeMann Rogosa and Sharpe medium (MRS), MacConkey Agar and Malt Extract Agar and isolates were also screened for enzymatic activity. The antibacterial activity of LAB metabolites against some indicator organisms was also determined; Results: A total of thirty eight (38) strains of bacteria were isolated, seven (7) isolates from locust bean iru (LBI) and thirty one (31) isolates from soya bean iru (SBI). Bacillus subtilis SBI 13 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides SBI 15 produced the three enzymes and the highest protease activity was produced by Bacillus subtilis SBI 13. All the isolated LAB produced antimicrobial compounds; lactic acid, diacetyl and hydrogen peroxides with Leuconostoc mesenteroides SBI 15 producing the highest quantity of diacetyl (0.91 g/l) and hydrogen peroxide (1.10 g/l) while the highest quantity of lactic acid (1.61 g/l) was produced by Lactobacillus plantarum. Bacillus subtilis SBI 13 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides SBI 15 were chosen as starter cultures for further study. Conclusion: Bacillus subtilis and Leuconostoc mesenteroides exhibit the best potentials of a good starter so they can be used as starter culture in the fermentation of soya beans to produce Soy Iru.
Laccases are diphenol oxidases that have numerous applications in biotechnological processes. In this work, the production of fungal laccase using organic and inorganic feed substrates in submerged static fermentation was investigated. Study Design: One-factor-at-a-time strategy was adopted to optimize the cultural parameters for enhanced laccase production. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, between October 2014 and November 2015. Methodology: A total of nine fungal isolates were obtained from wood decaying sites of University of Port Harcourt forest areas and subjected to laccase screening with 2,2-Azinobis-3- ethyl(benzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS). The influence of medium components using the basal medium at pH 5.0 as base was evaluated and these cultural parameters include carbon sources (glycerol, rice bran, glucose and ground orange peelings), nitrogen sources (yeast extract, potassium nitrate, peptone and ammonium chloride), metal ions (copper sulfate and manganese sulfate) and inducer compounds (ABTS, Tween 80 and soya oil). Time course study was conducted with the unoptimized and optimized cultural medium. Results: Out of nine cultures tested, seven were found to be laccase-positive with isolates CF-1 and CF-2 being the best potential cultures. Isolate CF-1 which had the highest laccase activity was identified as Pleurotus ostreatus and was chosen for further studies. Ground orange peelings (0.1% w/v) and NH4Cl (0.1% w/v) were the most suitable carbon and nitrogen source for laccase production by the fungus. Maximum laccase production was obtained with Cu2+ at a concentration of 0.05%w/v among other metal ions. Soya oil at concentration of 0.05% (v/v) was the best inducer of the enzyme. The highest laccase production was achieved at an Initial pH 4.5. Under optimal culture medium, the maximum laccase activity was determined to be 7.21 U ml-1 on the 7th day of cultivation; which was approximately three times higher than that in basal medium (2.5 U ml-1). The results obtained indicate that the extracellular laccase production is dependent on various cultural parameters. Conclusion: One-factor-at-a-time strategy adopted in this study proved that the optimum conditions enhanced laccase production by three folds using orange peelings. The results obtained are very interesting since orange peelings are common agricultural wastes in several countries and imply that their re-utilization in the production of enzymes would help solve pollution problems caused by their improper disposal. In addition, Pleurotus ostreatus having shown promise for laccase production using low-cost lignocellulosic substrates could be suggested as a prospective candidate for higher laccase production for several biotechnological applications.
Background: The laid protocols by CDC (center for disease control) narrated the dire need of local anti-biograms. Therefore the current study had been planned to acquire the knowledge about sensitivity pattern of various isolates in different specimens. Objectives: To identify the local antibiotic sensitivity data against various isolates from different specimens. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted at the Pathology Original Research Article Ahmend et al.; BMRJ, 13(3): 1-8, 2016; Article no.BMRJ.23795 2 department of Al Nafees Medical College & Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan. The duration of study was 04 months i.e 01st June to 01st Oct. 2015. Frequencies and percentages were the numerical variables extracted by using the SPSS version 16. Results: A total of 336 different specimens were received during study period. E. coli is commonest organism isolated from urine, high vaginal swabs (HVS) and Pus i.e. 60.60%, 100% and 25% respectively. Klebsiella species is the second most common organism (12.12%) followed by Pseudomonas (9.09%) isolated from urine. E. coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated at same frequency (25%) from pus. Salmonella typhi was isolated from blood (100%). The drugs of choice for E. coli are quinolones and aminoglycosides by showing the sensitivity of about 75% each. For Klebsiella pneumoniae, the ideal antibiotics are aminoglycosides (85.1%) and 2 generation cephalosporins (85%). For Pseudomonas aeruginosa, extended spectrum penicillin, quinolones, 2 and 3 generation cephalosporins are the most suitable ones showing the sensitivity of 100% each. Conclusion: Quinolones, aminoglycosides, 2 and 3 generation cephalosporins are the drugs of choices for the treatment of many gram positive and gram negative infections.
Aims:To detect the effect of microbes isolated from peels of Carbohydrate rich tubers on Albino rats. Study Design:The study was a comparative and descriptive study.Cassava and cocoyam peels were bought from Obanla market, Federal University of Technology, Akure.Those samples were put into a sterile polythene bag and transported to microbiology laboratory for microbiological analysis.
Middle determined spp. 1 (5.3%) . β -lactamase detection ranged from 28.6% in M. morganii to 55.6% in S. marcescens . Haemolysin and DNase producing C. albicans and other Candida spp were isolated. Between 55.9% and 60.8% isolates were sensitive to ceftriaxone, cefotaxime and ceftazidime, while between 44.4% to 62.5% of Enterobacter spp and S marcescens were resistant to penicillin and ceftazidime. Of the 243 MDR bacteria, 136 (56.0%) were resistant to 4-8 antibiotics with indices ranging from 0.17 to 0.67. C. albicans and A. niger were more sensitive to nystatin than other fungal spp, while between 30.2% to 39.6% of the fungi were resistant to fluconazole and ketoconazole. Conclusively, this study showed the need to find compounds that potentiate antimicrobial activity against multidrug resistant organisms especially those associated with chronic otitis media.
Aims: To determine the susceptibility of stored cocoa beans to ochratoxigenic fungi in Ondo State, Nigeria. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria; and cocoa beans samples were collected from stalls in Ondo, Idanre, Oda-Akure, Oba-Akoko, Ile-Oluji, and Ikpenmen towns in Ondo State for a period of twelve months. Methodology: The serial dilution method was used in plating and isolating susceptible to ochratoxin A contamination, and generally high concentration of the toxin is produced in the wet season than in the dry season. The study further showed that ochratoxigenic moulds infesting stored farm produce such as cocoa bean seeds in Ondo State are majorly the Aspergillus species.
The aim of this study was to demonstrate that biogas can be generated from biodegradable domestic wastes and to determine the bacterial succession involved in the anaerobic decomposition of the wastes. Ten kilogram (10 kg) of biodegradable domestic waste was made into slurry with tap water. The slurry was fed into a batch system biodigester and left at room temperature for 12 weeks. Metagenomic method was used to determine the bacterial and archaeal species involved in the anaerobic digestion. MULTIRAE PGM 50 was used to confirm the presence of the generated biogas from the slurry. Serial dilutions of the slurry was made on alternate days and the appropriate dilutions were inoculated onto nutrient agar plates for bacterial isolation and incubation was at 35°C for 48 hrs. Potato dextrose a gar was used for fungal isolation, and incubation was at ambient temperature for three days. Pure isolates of representative communities were maintained on agar slants at 4°C. Triplicate sampl es from various tubes were cultured and the average count was used. Fungal growth occurred on the PDA plate only on the first day of incubation. The mean total bacteriaial count was highest on the second day (1.3 x10 7 cfu/ml); it decreased with increasing incubation time and became constant from the 23 rd day to the end of the experiment (1.0 x10 1 cfu/ml). The microorganisms involved in the biodegradation were found to be Lactobacillus rapi strain LA1165, Clostridyum tyrobutyricum, Ralstonia pickettii, Methanoculleus marisnigri , Methanosarcina acetivorans C2A, Clostridium acetobutylicum EA 2018, Clostridium tyrobutyricum 5S, Halothermothrix oremii H168, Lactobacillus rapi strain LA1165, Lactobacillus buchneri, Solobacterium moorei W540, B. vulgatus ATCC 8482. Rhizopus spp and Aspergillus spp were isolated only on the first two days of incubation. The result from this study proves that, it is possible to generate biogas from domestic wastes and diverse species of microorganisms are involved in anaerobic digestion of biodegradable domestic wastes.
Aim: The present study was conducted to evaluate the occurrence of bacterial respiratory pathogens, particularly members of the family Pasteurellaceae in healthy domestic goats in Grenada, and to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of the predominant species. Original Research Article Hariharan et al.; BMRJ, 11(1): 1-8, 2016; Article no.BMRJ.21925 2 Study Design: Nasal and pharyngeal swabs from 161 adult goats from the six parishes of Grenada were collected during a ten month period from May 2012 to March 2013 and examined for potential bacterial respiratory pathogens. Methodology: Bacteria resembling Pasteurellaceae, and Corynebacterium spp. were presumptively identified by phenotypic characteristics. For definitive identification to species level, DNA from the isolates were subjected to 16s ribosomal RNA sequencing. The closest matches to sequences in GenBank, and their percentage identity were the criteria used to determine the bacterial species. The major members of Pasteurellaceae were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility to 11 antibiotics using the disk diffusion method. Results: Of a total of 98 Gram-negative isolates, 41% were Mannheimia haemolytica, followed by Bibersteinia trehalosi (37%), Mannheimia glucosida (9%), and the remainder comprising of 11 different species, including five species of Moraxella. Of the three Gram-positive isolates, two were Rhodococcus equi, and one was Trueperella pyogenes. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests on a total of 73 isolates of M. haemolytica and B. trehalosi showed that 18% isolates were resistant to tulathromycin, a recently introduced drug for use in goats. Moreover, 77% of isolates were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, another drug with application in goats. Tulathromycin resistance was accompanied by resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in 12 of the 13 isolates. Resistance to these two drugs is not in accordance with published data, and need detailed further investigation. Resistance to ceftiofur, a drug used for pneumonic pasteurellosis was minimal (one isolate only), and none of the isolates were resistant to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid or enrofloxacin. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study, first of its kind in the Caribbean, showed that M. haemolytica and B. trehalosi, two major respiratory pathogens of ruminants colonize nasal cavity and pharynx of healthy goats in Grenada. Both organisms showed uncommon high resistance to tulathromycin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, the reasons for which are not understood, and need further investigation.
The risk of infections associated with microbiological quality of swimming pools in Kumasi was investigated. A variety of microorganisms can be found in swimming pools and similar recreational water environments which may be introduced in a number of ways. In many cases, the risk of illness or infection has been linked to faecal contamination of the water. Many of the outbreaks related to swimming pools would have been prevented or reduced if the pool had been well managed. Sixty (60) samples were collected from five hotels within three months, five samples in the afternoon and five samples in the morning. The samples were analyzed for the presence of Staphylococcus spp, Pseudomonas spp, Enterococcus spp, Salmonella spp, Shigella spp, total heterotrophic bacteria count, Vibrio cholerae, Escherichia coli, total coliform and faecal coliform using Plate Count Method and Multiple Tube Fermentation-Most Probable Number method respectively. Almost all the water Original Research Article Adetunde and Ninkuu; BMRJ, 15(4): 1-7, 2016; Article no.BMRJ.24125 2 samples were contaminated with Staphylococcus spp ranging from 7 x 10 cfu/ml to 16 x 10 cfu/ml, Pseudomonas spp ranging from 4 x 10 cfu/ml to 19 x 10 cfu/ml, Enterococci spp ranging from 12 x 10 cfu/ml to 14 x 10 cfu/ml, Total Heterotrophic bacteria count ranging from 6 x 10 cfu/ml to 13 x 10 cfu/ml, Total and Faecal coliform ranging from 4 to 6 MPN/100 ml and 0-4 MPN/100 ml respectively. Salmonella spp, Shigella spp and Vibrio cholerae were not detected in all the water samples. E. coli was isolated in one swimming pool of the hotels while Enterococcus spp were isolated in two swimming pools. There were differences in bacteriological quality of the water samples obtained from the swimming pools.
Aim: To establish the occurrence of Listeria contamination of raw bovine milk and the contributory factors in Greater Luweero. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out during 2013; in Luweero, Nakaseke and Nakasongola districts, in Central Uganda. All the 16 milk collecting centers in the study area were sampled and the supplying farms identified for trace back. A total of 100 bulk raw milk samples, each representing a farm, were analysed using the VIDAS® Listeria monocytogenes II (LMO2) enzyme-linked fluorescent immunoassay (ELFA) kit (BioMérieux, Durham NC, USA). The supplying farms were systematically random sampled; and the managers together with those of the milk collecting centers were interviewed to establish the management practices and environmental risk factors associated with Listeria contamination of the milk. Results: High level of Listeria contamination of raw milk from farms (72%); knowledge gap and significant non-adherence to milk trade guidelines (50% and 31.25%; and 88% and 39% among milk collecting center and farm managers, respectively) were encountered. Among the factors influencing occurrence of Listeria in raw milk, the significant ones ( P =.05) included improper hygienic practices; such as poor faecal disposal, improper cleaning of milking utensils and of hands before milking; and non-adherence to Dairy Development Authority (DDA) guidelines; lack of access to dairy extension services; and absence of farm entry restriction and biosecurity measures. Conclusions: There is a high occurrence of Listeria contaminated raw bovine milk from farms in Greater Luweero district. The risk factors that were significantly associated with the contamination can be minimized through sensitization and training of farmers and center managers. Listeriosis is of great public health significance, hence effective inspections to assess compliance to guidelines for quality and safety is recommended. Establishing Listeria monocytogenes carrier status of cattle; and microbial levels in milk will inform on policies for prevention of contamination.
Aim: To determine the prevalence of vaginal Candida colonization among female students in Bingham University. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Bingham University, Auta balefi, Karu LGA, Nasarawa State between the months of March and July 2015. Research Hypothesis: The prevalence of Candida albicans is not significantly high in the high vagina swab of most females; therefore the null hypothesis will be that the prevalence of Candida albicans is highly significant in the high vagina swab of most females. Materials and Methods: High vagina swab of ninety six female students was collected and screened for the presence of Candida albicans. Questionnaires were issued to obtain demographic information. Inoculation was carried out on Sabourad Dextrose Agar, incubated for 48 hours at 37oC and positive growth was checked for on Corn Meal Agar after 72 hours of incubation at 37oC, positive growth was identified further by the use of the germ tube test using human serum and incubated between 2 to 4 hours. Original Research Article Maikenti et al.; BMRJ, 12(2): 1-7, 2016; Article no.BMRJ.22843 2 Results : Ninety six females were screened and 25(26.0%) was infected. This reveals that the prevalence of Candida albicans was highly significant at X =1.758, df = 2 at .05, P =. 05. The highest prevalence was recorded among female students within the age group of 16-20 years, (15.6%). Conclusion: This study reveals that candidiasis caused by C. albicans is a major health challenge among female students. Therefore the practice of good personal hygiene is highly recommended in order to prevent the spread of the infection.
Many strains of Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) have been proven to be pathogenic and are sometimes responsible for deadly outbreaks. This bacterium has become more resistant to antibiotics to which it is often sensitive. The aim of this study was to study the evolution of E. coli resistance to antibiotics from 2009 to 2013 at the Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital. We included archived bench files containing information on patient’s demographic data and results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The data were analyzed using Microsoft office, Excel 2007 software and SPSS. A total of 350 strains of E. coli were collected from both hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients. The antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using 23 antibiotics from January 2009 to April 2013 at the Bacteriology Unit of the Yaounde University Teaching Hospital. We observed a decrease in the trend of the resistance to 8 of the antibiotics tested: Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid, cefuroxime, cefoxitin, imipenem, ofloxacine, colistin, gentamicin and netilmicin. Meanwhile, we noticed an increase in the trend of resistance to 15 antibiotics: Amoxicillin, cephalothin, cefoxitin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, cefixime, cefepime, aztreonam, amikacin, nalidixic acid, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, nitrofurantoin, chloramphenicol, fosfomycin). The trend observed were statistically significant, for the resistance rate to amoxicillin + clavulanic acid (P value=0.002), also to resistance rates of amikacin and cefotaxime (P-values=0.008 and 0.014 respectively). This increase in resistance over the years to most of the commonly used antibiotics has caused E. coli to be classified among multidrug resistant bacteria. In order to avoid a therapeutic impasse, it is necessary to carry out sensitization against the abusive use of antibiotics; surveillance activities for multidrug resistant bacteria and nosocomial infections should be reinforced as E. coli is one of a most common nosocomial bacteria.
