Asian Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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ISOLATION AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF PHOSPHATE SOLUBILIZING BACTERIA FROM RHIZOSPHERIC SOILS OF TROPICAL LOWLAND RICE
No full textPhosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) can promote the dissolution of insoluble phosphorus in soil, enhancing the availability of soluble P and reducing the consumption of fertilizer and aid in sustainable agricultural development. The phosphate solubilising bacteria were isolated from the rhizospheric soils of the experimental site located in the ICAR-National Rice Research Institute\u27s experimental farm in Cuttack, India. & the population of PSBs varied between 1-22.5 cfu/gm*104 and higher in DSR (Direct seeded rice) compared to TPR (Transplanted rice). Phosphate solubilization efficiency (PSE) of the isolates gave better result in Pikovskaya’s agar medium plates i.e. 188.9% in K6 (Kasalath, P80, DSR) rather than National Botanical Research Institute’s Phosphate growth medium (NBRIP) i.e. 73.3% for K6. The highest PSE% in C sources was found in lactose i.e. 166.7% for the isolate K9 (Kasalath, P0, DSR) and 180.0% for the isolate D17 (Dular, P80, TPR) for potassium nitrate as N source. The morphological study by staining characteristics showed that all the isolates were gram negative and cocci except D19 (Dular, P80, TPR) which was gram positive and rod shaped. Amplified fragments of oligonucleotide primers in RAPD characterization showed 51.81% polymorphism and 44.54% monomorphism. Based on dendrogram all the isolates were placed in group A except S11 (Dular, P80, TPR) which was placed in major group B showing great variation from all other isolates and group A consists of 6 minor groups in which minor group A6 was the largest containing 5 isolates i.e. Kasalath, P40, DSR (S13), Kasalath, P80, DSR (S14, S15, S16) & IR36, P40, DSR (S17).
 
ISOLATION OF Bacillus subtilis CAPABLE OF DEGRADING AGRICULTURAL WASTES
No full textEpe district is a town located on the north side of Lekki, Lagos state. Epe’s temperature ranges from about 40 to 70 degrees centigrade. Considering humidity, temperature peaks high most of the time. The months with the highest temperatures are February, March, and April. And the rainy seasons start from June to September. The sample solid waste materials considered for this study were chopped and weighed approximately 3.0 to 3.5 Kgs, were mostly taken from the Epe district and then moved to a garden where it was let to decompose for 4 weeks. The soil test sample that was used weighed approximately 2.5 to 3.0kgs and was taken to the laboratory for further investigation for the presence of bacteria. Objective: The goal of the study includes the extraction of the Solid waste sample and isolation of B. subtilis bacteria. Other bacillus species like Pseudomonas spp, B. cereus, Bacillus subtilis, E. coli, and B. thuringiensis. were found in the sample. According to previous research, B. subtilis has been found to produce cellulase enzymes that degrade cellulose into sugars. Agriculture wastes like rice straw and husk, maize, wheat, woodchips, and other agricultural waste are rich in cellulose. Other enzymes like pectinase and lignin peroxidase are found in bacteria that degrade complex components like cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin in agricultural waste. The B. subtilis was bacteria of interest whereby isolation was done by screening microorganisms producing cellulase using CMC agar. Then identification of the bacterial isolate was done through morphological and physiological characterization and identifying the genus level according to Bergey’s Manual of Determination Bacteriology (8th edition). API strips (20E kit) were used in identifying gram-positive bacteria.
 
EVIDENCE-BASED OCCUPATIONAL RISK OF CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) AMONG HEALTH WORKERS
No full textIntroduction: Epidemiologic variables (prevalence and impact) of coronavirus disease were evaluated among health workers to elucidate the occupational risk of frontline fighters of the viral infection.
Methods: This is a descriptive study performed from September to December 2021 on all consenting healthcare workers (HCWs) in a health facility in southern Nigeria. Data collected were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 23.
Results: About 339 volunteered HWs consisting of doctors 88 (26.0%), nurses 78 (23.0%), midwives 54 (15.9%), laboratory scientists 32 (9.4%), pharmacists 21 (6.2%), Public Health Surveillance Officer 29 (8.6%), psychosocial counselor 11 (3.2%), administrative officers 17 (5.0%) and others 9 (2.7%) were involved in the study. About 98 (28.9%) were COVID-19 patients while 241 (71.1%) were healthy. Among 98 unhealthy HCWs, 55 (56.1%) were male, and 43 (43.9%) with an age range of 18 – 79 years. The symptoms distribution produced among the unhealthy volunteers included; fever 12 (12.2%), dry cough 17 (17.3%), productive cough 6 (6.1%), Dyspnea 7 (7.1%), Anosmia 9 (9.2%), headache 8 (8.2%), fatigue 8 (8.2%), Myalgia 4 (4.1%), Aguesia 6(6.1%), Diarrhea 4 (4.1%), sore throat 5 (5.1%), Rhinorrhea 3 (3.1%), Vomiting 2 (2.0%) and Others 7 (7.1%). The study also showed that there was a significant distribution of anxiety and depression among the frontline fighters, P<0.05.
Conclusion: The distribution and impact of the virus observed among clinical and clinical support staff in this study provided an evidence-based occupational risk of the virus on HCWs, especially the frontline fighters; Hence, forming a basis for the need to put in place measures to manage and curtail the viral infection rate in hospital facilities in addition to enhancing prevention behavior of HCWs
MICROBIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF SOIL SAMPLES IMPACTED BY HYDROCARBONS FROM SELECTED SITES IN THE NIGER DELTA REGION OF NIGERIA
No full textThis study determined the microbiological properties of soil samples from selected hydrocarbon impacted sites in the Niger Delta region. Standard sampling and analytical methods were employed. The following microbial properties were analyzed; Heterotrophic bacteria counts (cfu/g), Hydrocarbon Utilization Bacteria (cfu/g), Heterotrophic fungi counts (cfu/g) and Hydrocarbon Utilization Fungi (cfu/g). Findings revealed that the microbial properties of soil samples across selected impacted sites of the Niger Delta showed a significant difference in the surface and sub-surface levels with values for Total Heterotrophic Bacteria (THB) ranging from (1.04 × 103 to 2.45 × 103 cfu/g) and Hydrocarbon Utilizing Bacteria (HUB) ranging from (3.96 × 103 to 9.99 × 103 cfu/g) for surface and sub-surface respectively with p-values <0.05 across all the sampled stations. Hydrocarbon Utilizing bacteria and fungi genera isolated were Clostridium, Bacillus, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium, Vibrio, Achromobacter, Arthrobacter, Corynebacterium, Citrobacter, penicillium, Trichoderma, Geochrichum, Candida, Fusarium, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus sp., Cladosporium, Condiva, and Rhodotorula. Based on these findings, it is concluded that, the higher the concentration of pollutants in the soil, the more the number of microorganisms. Hence, it is recommended that the relevant agencies should constantly check the levels of microbial properties as per WHO guidelines
TYPE III-A CRISPR/CAS SYSTEMS AND COMPARISON OF CAS1, CAS2, AND CAS10 PROTEINS OF LACTOBACILLI
No full textThe most abundant CRISPR systems are type I and type II in lactic acid bacteria, however, type III also exists in a few genera. In this study, lactobacilli that possess a type III-A CRISPR system were detected and Cas10 signature nucleases, Cas1, Cas2 proteins, and repeat sequences were compared. 39 strains belonging to 9 species had Type III-A CRISPR system within all lactobacilli. Ligilactobacillus salivarius strains had the most abundant type III-A system among all species. “agtaagaacatatctccgaatataggagacgaaaac” was the most frequent repeat sequence and the secondary structure was predicted using the RNAfold analysis tool. Cas1, Cas2, and Cas10 amino acid sequence alignment and the phylogenetic tree revealed that the strains tended to split into branches according to species. L. ruminis ATCC 27782 and ATCC 27780 had IS66 family insertion sequence element accessory protein TnpB between cas6 and CRISPR array, and also, DEDDh genes. The endogenous Cas10 enzyme of type III-A CRISPR systems has recently started being utilized in genetic engineering studies, and reprogrammed type III-A systems have been evaluated for endogenous genome editing. Therefore, this study retraced type III-A CRISPR systems of lactobacilli to evaluate clustering of repeat sequences, Cas1, Cas2, Cas10 proteins among strain, and also intended to discover lactobacilli as a candidate for utilization in reprogrammed endogenous genome editing in the future
EMERGING MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT Escherichia coli AND Staphylococcus aureus ISOLATED FROM MOBILE PHONES OF STAFF AND STUDENTS IN A POLYTECHNIC
No full textThis study investigated the antibiotic resistance profile of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus isolated from mobile phones of staff and students of Fidei Polytechnic Gboko. Samples were collected from sixty (60) mobile phones of staff (30) and students (30) of the institution by swabbing mobile phones with swab sticks moistened with peptone water. The samples were inoculated on Mannitol salt agar and Eosin methylene blue agar and incubated at 37 0C for 24hrs. Further characterization of isolates was achieved by Gram-staining and Biochemical tests. The results obtained from all samples in the study revealed that Escherichia coli 29 (46.7%) and Staphylococcus aureus 33(53.3%) were present on mobile phones. Antibiotic resistance test on the isolates by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method revealed that Staphylococcus aureus isolates were all resistant Ampiclox, Cefuroxime, and Amoxicillin 33(100%), followed by Septrin 30(90.9%), Gentamycin 16(48.48%), Erythromycin 15(45.45%), Streptomycin 14(42.4%), Ciprofloxacin 12(36.36%), and Perfloxacin 11(33.3%) while the least resistance was observed with the antibiotic Ceftriaxone 10(30.3%). Escherichia coli isolated from mobile phones in this study were all resistant to Septrin, Amoxicillin and Augmentin 29(100%), resistance to Gentamycin were 27(93.1%) followed by Ofloxacin 26(89.7%). E. coli isolates also showed significant resistance to Streptomycin 25(86.2%), Sparfloxacin 25(86.2%), Ciprofloxacin 25(86.2%) and Perfloxacin 21(72.4%). In this study Escherichia coli showed the least resistance to Chloramphenicol 14(48.3%). The presence of multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria on mobile phones that receive little or no cleaning by users presents a major threat to human life in this part of the world. It is recommended that routine handwashing and proper cleaning of mobile phones will check the spread of multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria
STUDY OF ANTIMICROBIAL PEPTIDES EXTRACTED FROM CYANOBACTERIUM, Spirulina sp.
No full textMarine microalgae are specifically noteworthy right now they have created resilience and safeguard procedures to oppose the introduction to pathogenic microbes, infections, and growths in the aquatic environment. Microalgae are quite compelling because of their gigantic biodiversity and their generally simple development needs. Spirulina is the most explored microalgae due to its commercial importance as as a source of protein, vitamins, amino acids, and fatty acids. It is a blue-green multicellular microalgae attributable to chlorophyll (green) and phycocyanin (blue) shades in its concoction piece. The protein-rich Spirulina species is inoculated in Zarrouk’s medium. In this study, the biomass of Spirulina sp is increased for extraction of peptide fractions. Acid extraction is the method employed for the extraction of antimicrobial peptides from the Spirulina sp. Moreover, sonication is carried out to disrupt the cell membrane. This process is used to enhance the process of extraction. Sonication uses probe to apply sound energy to a liquid containing particles. Furthermore, the extracted peptide can be bound to solid-phase extraction and active fractions can be obtained and purified by HPLC. The peptide sequence can be identified by mass spectroscopic techniques and can be further subjected to antimicrobial activity in future studies
ASSESSING THE MICROBIAL DYNAMICS OF DIETARY FISH SPECIES (Pseudotolithus elongatus) FROM BONNY RIVER IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA
No full textPoor management of the aquatic ecosystem has resulted in gross pollution with diseases implications. Oil-degrading microorganisms can be used as biological indicator for the level of hydrocarbon pollution in contaminated sites. This study was aimed at assessing the microbial dynamics of dietary fish species (pseudolithiasis elongatus) from contaminated Bonny River in Rivers State, Nigeria. Sixty samples of pseudotolithus elongatus were collected from the Bonny River over two seasons and analyzed for microbiological parameters using serial dilution culture techniques with nutrient agar (NA), the potatoes dextrose agar (PDA), mineral salt agar (MSA) and MacConkey Broth. Total coliforms units were high (2.40E+03 ± 0) in fish body and guts, same fish organ revealed results of (8.90E+ 02 ± 1.35E + 03) for fecal coliform. Total Heterotrophic bacteria and fungi counts (1.23E+05 ± 1.53E+05, 2.28.30E+05±1.69E+05, 1.03E+04 ±1.05E+04, &9.67E+04±6.81E+03) also revealed significant contamination levels. hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria (HUB) (2.67 E+05±4.62 E+05) in fish body and hydrocarbon utilizing fungi (HUF) (5.33E+02 ±3.21E+02). Result of the present studies indicates that there could be high potential hydrocarbon related contaminants evident by the presence of HUB and HUF implying high human health risk of consumption. Results also indicates high contamination by fecal coliform, which is indicator of animal and human excreta
PHYSICOCHEMICAL, NUTRITIONAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE STORED Akara ogbomoso A NIGERIAN INDIGENOUS BEAN CAKE
No full textAkara Ogbomoso is a plant protein that has constituted a means of livelihood among the traditional for a long period of time, however its short shelf live prompted the investigation of its physicochemical, nutritional and microbial analysis. A total of five (5) bacteria obtained from Akara Ogbomoso were identified as Bacillus cereus, Bacillus lencheniformis, Bacillus stratosphericus, Flavobacterium aqautile and Pseudomonas fluorescence. Bacillus cereus had the highest occurrence (33%) while Flavobacterium aqautile had lowest occurrence (7%). Macromolecule degrading ability of bacteria investigated revealed that Bacillus cereus had the largest cleared zone of 6.7mm while Bacillus stratosphericus had the lowest cleared zone of 6.2 mm for protease activity. Bacillus lencheniformis had the largest cleared zone of 6.8mm while Bacillus cereus had the lowest cleared zone of 5.6 mm for lipase activity. However, for amylase activity, Bacillus lencheniformis had the largest cleared zone of 10.6 mm while Flavobacterium aqautile had the lowest cleared zone of 6.8 mm. Utilization of oligosaccharide sugars by bacteria isolates revealed that Bacillus stratosphericus had the highest zone of clearance (9.1mm) for arabinose while Pseudomonas flouresence was the only bacterium that able to utilize raffinose with 9.5 mm zone of clearance. Bacillus stratosphericus was the only bacterium that was unable to utilize rhamnose. Proxmate analyses of Akara Ogbomoso (1 and 120 days) shows that protein, fat and carbohydrate was well utilized by the bacterial isolates. Protein content of sample AK1 reduced from 24.20% to 14.93% while that of sample AK2 reduced from 23.10% to 15.30%. Also, the fat content for sample AK1 reduced from 13.07% to 10.47 % while that of sample AK2 reduced from14.10 % to 11.43 % and carbohydrate content of sample AK1 reduced from 50.13 % to 47.87 % while that of sample AK2 reduced from 49.60% to 48.10% at the end of storage period. This research showed reduction in the nutritional value of the snack as a result of activities of bacteria enzymes that contaminated these snacks. The ingestion of contaminated snacks should be discouraged, proper preparation and packaging should be ensured to eliminate pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms in order to prolong the shelf life of the snacks
BACTERIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF SMOKED CATFISH SOLD IN AWKA
No full textThe study was carried out in the bacteriology evaluation of smoked fish sold in Awka was evaluated. Five (5) samples, each of smoked fish of average size, were purchased from five different major markets. The degree of fish sanitation was evaluated through visual observation of the cleanliness of the sale’s environment, the vendor and the product. The fish samples were transported to the laboratory using sterile plastic bags with each smoked fish packed individually and stored in a refrigerator prior to analysis. A ten-fold serial dilution was made using Ig of different portion of each smoked fish mashed together to give a representative sample. Pour plate method was carried out and the plates incubated for 24hours at 37°C. After 24hours, the plate count and biochemical characterization of bacteria were carried out. Organisms isolated include Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coIi and Bacillus spp. From this study, two market, Ifite awka market was identified to have the highest viable count of microorganisms showing a total viable count of 3.72 x 107cfg while smoked fish from Nkwo Amaenyi has the lowest viable count of microorganisms showing a total viable count of 0,68 x 107cfg. The higher microbial load may be as a result of contaminations by the surrounding microorganisms from the environment br=efore and after cmiking process and also in the consistent of the smoking process. To reduce this occurrence of high microbial growth in smoked fish, education of fish processors and the general public on good fish handling should be carried out.