Asian Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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INNATE IMMUNITY AND MICROBIAL INVASION
No full textAim of Review: Studies have been published in the field of innate system and microbial invasion but much is not know on the mechanisms involved. This review is organized into areas of components and function of the immune system, microbial detection, cells of the innate immune system and homeostasis.
Findings: The innate immune system activates and instructs adaptive immune responses, regulates inflammation, and mediates immune homeostasis which is the balance between opposing pro inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes. The cells of the innate immune system use pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) on microorganisms, and communicate through cytokines. Activation of the innate immune system begins with resident cells such as the macrophages, epithelial cells and mast cells in the tissues at the site of the infection. If the threat of infection accelerates, these cells recruit other cells such as the neutrophils, NK cells, dendritic cells, monocytes and platelets from the circulation into the inflamed tissues. Many of the same cells and mechanisms used to recognize and attack microbes and initiate inflammatory reactions are also used to clear away damaged and dying cells and down regulate inflammation to maintain homeostasis within the host.
Conclusion: The innate immune system refers to germline defense mechanisms that are directed against molecular components found only in microorganisms. These mechanisms are not learned, adapted, or permanently heightened as a result of exposure to microorganisms, although they are refined by evolution over generations
POLIO ERADICATION PROGRAMME IN NIGERIA: THE CURRENT SITUATION
No full textTransmission of wild poliovirus (WPV) continues uninterrupted in only three countries (Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan). Nigeria is one of the remaining 3 endemic countries in the world that has never interrupted the transmission of the poliovirus compared to more than 125 countries since 1988 when the Global Polio Eradication Initiative was launched. The present study established the current situation of polio eradication in Nigeria. Nigeria has made tremendous strides towards eliminating polio and was declared polio free until August and September 2016, where four type 1 WPV (WPV1) cases were reported from northeastern Nigeria, Borno State, which is currently experiencing violent insurgency. The humanitarian crisis in the North-East, Circulating Vaccine-Derived Polioviruses transmission, resistance to accepting vaccination during scheduled campaigns among other factors have hindered the efforts of polio eradication I the country. However, sustained focus towards getting rid of all types of poliovirus by improving population immunity and enhancing disease surveillance will be needed to ensure it sustains the polio-free status in 2019
ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF CRUDE ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF Nigella sativa SEED ON MOLECULARLY IDENTIFIED METHICILLIN RESISTANT CLINICAL ISOLATE OF Staphylococcus aureus, IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
No full textThe use of herbal plants as alternative medicine over centuries remains a popular choice for primary health care. This study determined the antibacterial activity of crude Aqueous and Ethanolic extracts of Nigella sativa seed against molecularly identified methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Finely ground Nigella sativa seed powder was soaked in ethanol in a flask at a ratio of 10:100 and placed on a shaker at room temperature for 72 hrs. The solution was filtered through Whatman filter paper No.24 and dried in a rotary evaporator at 50-60°C. Phytochemical screening was carried out using standard procedures and different concentrations of Aqueous and Ethanolic extracts of Nigella sativa were tested for their antibacterial activity on molecularly identified methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by using agar well diffusion method. Single cell polymerase chain reaction was carriedout to amplify Mec A gene of Sstaphylococcus aureus strain. Bacterial growth was inhibited at concentrations of 80% and 60% ethanolic extract while it was inhibited at a concentration of 80% aqueous extract. Minimum inhibitory concentration showed the highest concentration (80%) having the less turbidity and the lowest concentration (20%) having the highest turbidity. Phytochemical screening for secondary metabolites shows the presence of steroids, alkaloid, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, saponins and terpenoids in the plant. There was amplification of mec A gene at 312bp reion of the MRSA. The results obtained from this research shows that Nigella sativa extract could serve as an alternative source of chemotherapy in treating methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus caused ailments
PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS IMPORTANCE AND EFFECTS: A REVIEW
No full textPlant growth regulators are very important compounds in the growth and response of plants, especially in the plant tissue culture technology. The response of cultivated plants in the field or the growing plant parts is based on plant tissue culture technology. Plant tissue culture is considered as a signal of plant orientation for vegetative or root growth, flowering or maturation, including what is produced naturally in the plant, including what is manufactured and then added to the plant to stimulate growth in a certain direction
MENINGITIS; THE RESIDENT GUEST AND THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM IN NIGERIA (A CASE OF 2017)
No full textThis article seeks to review the preparedness of the health care system in the last outbreak of meningitis in Nigeria that has come to be our residential guest. Nigeria is one of the 26 countries within the extensive region of sub-Saharan Africa known as the "meningitis belt," where large epidemics occur. The outbreaks peak in the dry season in certain states is due to the low humidity and dusty conditions and usually end as the rainy season approaches, Meningitis is a tough disease and it is associated with overcrowding, which is why Nigeria records some of the highest incidences of the disease on the continent. Concerted efforts should centre on bringing the outbreak under control, as all stalk holders must work towards preventing outbreaks of this scale in the future. It is expected that States takes ownership of outbreak preparedness and ensure that all efforts put into preparedness translate to meaningful action for response. Hence local and international collaborations cannot be over emphasized in managing the epidemic
BIOSYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF LEAD SULFIDE NANOPARTICLES USING WASTEWATER BACTERIA
No full textMany bacterial isolates were isolated from Zenine wastewater treatment plant, Giza, Egypt. The ability of the isolates to resist lead ions was studied. Serratia plymuthica was one of the most potent isolates that had the ability to resist lead ions at 80 ppm. the synthesize of lead nanoparticle by Serratia plymuthica was studied. Serratia plymuthica was grown aerobically and the cultures were challenged with Tryptic soy bean broth (TSB) containing 80 mg/l of Pb(NO3)2 in requisite ambience of laboratory. Cell lysate obtained, after the centrifugation of cultures were characterized through optical absorption by UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The lead nanoparticles showed absorption peaks at ~ 330 nm corresponding to the Plasmon resonance lead nanoparticles (PbNPs). XRD Spectrum of these nanoparticles confirmed the formation of lead sulfide (PbS) particles by showing their respective characteristic peaks. TEM showed the production of these metal nanoparticles intracellularly and extracellularly. DLS results showed the ability of Serratia plymuthica to biosynthesis PbNPs with mean diameter 92.93 nm
ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PROBIOTIC MICROORGANISMS FROM THE BOVINE TRIPE
No full textProbiotics are live microorganisms that confer useful health effects on the body of human beings when provided in sufficient amounts. The probiotics isolated from natural foods have demonstrated the ability to inhibit the microbial growth and reduce cholesterol levels in the human body. Nevertheless, scanty research work on the activity of probiotics especially the lactobacillus strain obtained from the bovine tripe has so far been carried out. Natural foods are more preferable and acceptable in the modern society than pharmaceutically prepared food products and therefore this study was conducted to isolate probiotic organisms from a natural food for health benefits. This study also focused on obtaining the Lactobacillus strain to be consumed directly as a diet. The cultures of Lactobacillus strains were isolated and then characterised morphologically and biochemically at the species level. Results showed that isolated strain (Lactobacillus acidophilus) had the ability to remain alive and proliferate at pH 3.0 -7.0 with optimum growth pH at 4.0. In addition, all isolates tolerated 0.0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0 % bile salt concentrations. The test antibiotics sensitivity tests showed that the strains could resist streptomycin, Neomycin, penicillin and Vancomycin. However, the strains were sensitive to Erythromycin, Azithral and Chloramphenicol. The strain also reduced serum cholesterol level as far as 67.0 % which is a crucial finding. Therefore, bovine tripe is a potential source of probiotics that can be used in the development of new products that can benefit human health
PRODUCTION OF TERREIN ANTIBIOTIC AND EXAMINATION OF ITS ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY ON SOME SELECTED MICROBIAL SPECIES
No full textAntibiotics used for the treatment of a infection (bacterial and fungal infection) and their substantial production in worldwide has resulted in their easy availability. The antibiotic (Terrein) developed recently, although approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), are not currently available in the market. Therefore, this study aimed to produce antibiotics (Terrein) from the actual source (organisms) in the laboratory. In this study, we targeted Aspergillus terrus, ubiquitous filamentous fungus usually isolated from soil rhizospheres. Aspergillus terrus is the unique Aspergillus species producing Terrein as one of its extensive secondary metabolites. A series of recent studies stated that the economic importance of Terrein as an inhibitor of plant growth. Furthermore, a series of essential biological activities have been associated with Terrein, such as antimicrobial, antiproliferative and antioxidative activities. In our study, we analyzed that the antibiotic produced in our fermentation media was more effective against Aspergillus niger, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and less effective against Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the same antibiotic produced using Czapek-Dox agar media was more effective against A.niger and E. coli and less effective against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. The ciprofloxacin showed very appreciable results in all the plates. Antibiotic Terrein inhibits age-related inflammation and also response for metabolite strength such as anticancer properties and hypopigmentary effect
HYDROTHERMAL ASSISTED Bacillus sp. AY8 PRETREATMENT ON LIGNOCELLULOSE FOR THE LIQUEFACTION AND ENHANCEMENT OF ENZYMATIC HYDROLYSIS
No full textLignocellulose liquefaction by bacterial treatment is a quite challenging task yet. The microstructural changes and liquefaction efficiency of hydrothermal associated Bacillus sp. AY8 treated lingo-cellulosic straw have been focused in this study. The straws (5%) of rice, barley, and wheat were treated at 170°C, 180°C and 190°C for 30 min in biomass digester. The optimum hydrothermal treatment conditions to complete liquefaction of rice, wheat, and barley straws with Bacillus sp. AY8 were obtained at 180°C, 190°C and 190°C for 30 min, respectively. In minimal nutrient media, the Bacillus sp. AY8 degraded aromatic dyes and lignin derivatives when those were utilised as sole carbon and energy sources by the strain. The scanning electron microscopy exhibited the porous structure of the rice straw due to the loss of lignin and other impurities. Moreover, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy demonstrated that the lignin-associated peaks at 1516 and 1325 cm-1 intensities were almost disappeared due to the removal of lignin wrapping on the surface of cellulose fibers of treated samples. The crystalline index of the rice straw was 78.30, 63.69, 57.16, and 36.10 on 0, 4, 6, and 8 days treatment respectively with Bacillus sp. AY8. The liquefaction of lignocelluloses was observed likely due to a combination of extracellular enzymes of Bacillus sp. AY8. The Bacillus sp. AY8 treated rice straw yielded maximum 73.5% reducing sugar after 72 h in saccharification. This is the first report that suggests hydrothermal associated bacterial pretreatment to liquefy lignocellulose that has opened a new route of biomass pretreatment
CHANGES IN THE PROTEIN AND CARBOHYDRATE PROFILE OF KEFIR BEVERAGE, ACQUIRED FROM KEFIR GRAIN OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN
No full textThe purpose of the present study was to compare the nutritional quality of kefir, produced from kefir grains of uncontrolled origin to commercially available kefir beverage. Two-dimensional protein electrophoresis (isoelectrofocusing, followed by SDS PAGE) was used to compare protein profiles at different stages of the fermentation process. Carbohydrate profile was studied by thin layer chromatography. Both proteins and carbohydrates were determined quantitatively with colorimetric methods. The resulting beverage showed similar to the commercial kefir properties in term of pH, protein and reducing sugars content between the 24th and 36th hour of fermentation. No significant change in the protein profile on 2D electrophoregrames was found up to the 24th hour and the following reduction of protein spots was mainly attributed to protein precipitation rather than digestion to smaller peptides. Unlike commercial kefir, no galactose or other monosaccharides were found even after 36 hours of incubation suggesting different properties. Our study showed an efficient and low-cost methodology for characterization of fermented milk products. The kefir beverage, investigated in this particular study proved to possess slightly different characteristics than the commercially available and showed the necessity of a quality control