Asian Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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Molecular Detection and Isolation of Chicken Astrovirus from Commercial Chicken Flocks of Kerala, India
No full textReduced productivity due to enteric infections in chickens is a very common challenge in the poultry industry of India. Various studies associated Chicken astrovirus (CAstV) as a common pathogen in commercial flocks exhibiting poor weight gain, stunted growth and visceral gout. However, no published report documented the detection of the virus from Kerala so far. Hence, this study was done to investigate the presence of CAstV in 50 broiler flocks from different parts of Kerala with clinical signs such as retarded growth, diarrhoea, and a mortality of 5 to 10 %. Out of the 50, five flocks were found positive for the virus by using the Reverse Transcriptase – Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) method with the primers targeting the partial ORF1b gene of the viral nucleic acid. The viral presence was confirmed by isolation using embryonated chicken eggs (ECE), which produced notable alteration to the infected embryos. Nucleotide sequencing of the isolates revealed a high identity of up to 100 % with the other CAstV sequences retrieved from the NCBI database. The study confirms the first report of molecular detection and isolation of CAstV from the state of Kerala
Reaction of Gidami Coffee Collections against the Major Diseases
No full textEthiopia\u27s largest export commodity is coffee arabica, one of the most significant goods that significantly contribute to the national economy. However, diseases including coffee berry, coffee leaf rust, and coffee wilt have been significantly reducing its yield. In order to assess Gidami coffee arabica accessions’ reaction to serious fungal infections, this study was started. The total of 100 genotypes was evaluated under Gera and Haru field situations for these major diseases. Whereas, 92 accessions with two checks were tested under greenhouse condition for coffee wilt. The results showed a highly significant variation (p<0.001) among genotypes in both conditions with 0–51%, 4–36%, and 0–100% disease severity ranges respectively. Except the four accessions namely G67/13, G71/13, G54/13, and G66/13, most of them showed susceptible reactions to CBD under Gera conditions. As well, 36 and 12 coffee accessions revealed <10% CLR reactivity at Haru and Gera conditions respectively. But none of the accessions had resistance levels higher than the two checks (Challa and 8136) at either of the locations. In other word, Gera had much greater levels of CBD and CLR pressure than Haru. On the other hand, only two accessions, G57 and G20, showed 100% CWD survival rate in greenhouse environments. This study showed how plant genetics and environmental variables affect diseases development and demonstrated that the response of Gidami coffee accessions to the major coffee diseases highly influenced by geographical and genetic variables. Therefore, continual and massive genotype screening across the locations must be taken into account in order to get resistance genotypes as the best disease mitigation to overcome the coffee diseases problem
Effects of Climate Change on the Spread and Severity of Potato Virus Y: An In-depth Examination
No full textPotatoes are a cornerstone of global agriculture and a fundamental component of diets worldwide, with plant viruses accounting for nearly half of the emerging crop epidemics. Among these, Potato Virus Y (PVY) poses a formidable challenge to potato farming, leading to significant economic repercussions and threats to food security. Understanding the influence of climate on PVY is pivotal in tackling this viral menace. Climatic conditions, including temperature, precipitation, and humidity, play a key role in the behavior of aphids, the primary vectors of PVY, thereby impacting the disease\u27s prevalence in potato fields. With climate change modifying these key weather variables, there\u27s a looming risk of enhanced PVY spread and a shift in its geographical presence. Recognizing and adapting to these climate-induced changes is vital for formulating effective strategies and sustainable practices to counter PVY\u27s effects, safeguarding potato crops from this major viral threat. This analysis delves into the complex dynamics between climate change and PVY, focusing on how changes in weather patterns influence the virus\u27s behavior and impact, with the aim of enhancing our preparedness and response to this agricultural challenge
Molecular Prevalence of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae in Small Ruminants in Tamil Nadu, India
No full textMycoplasma ovipneumoniae (M. ovipneumoniae) causes atypical, non-progressive pneumonia in sheep and goats, leading to significant economic losses in the global small-ruminant industry. In the current study, we assessed the molecular prevalence of M. ovipneumoniae infections in sheep and goats showing respiratory Clinical signs in Tamil Nadu, India.During the period from January 2023 to March 2024, a total of 200 samples (186 nasal swabs and 14 lung tissue samples) were collected from sheep and goats exhibited typical respiratory signs reared in various districts of Tamil Nadu. The growth of mycoplasma on cultures indicated by a color change in Mycoplasma experience liquid media, were used for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay targeting the 16S rRNA gene of the Mycoplasma genus and M. ovipneumoniae specifically. The results showed that 78 out of 200 samples (39%) tested positive in the 16S rRNA Mycoplasma genus-specific PCR test, with an overall positivity rate of 30% for M. ovipneumoniae.This study revealed that M. ovipneumoniae is the most common Mycoplasma species found in sheep and goats with respiratory infections in Tamil Nadu
Isolation, Characterisation and Identification of Bacteria from Three Different Unpasteurized Fruit Juices Sold at a Local Market in Guyana
No full textFruit juices are widely consumed for their nutritional value. However, fruit juices that are unpasteurised may be unsafe to drink because they are not subject to heat processing and much of their human handling results in contamination. The fruits used to make these juices have resident microflora, transient bacteria from handling and equipment, and bacteria from water used to wash fruits and in some cases make the juice. The objective of this research was to determine the bacteria present in unpasteurised passionfruit, cherry, and tamarind juices respectively. Through the use of a survey, and standard methods for isolation, identification and characterisation of bacteria, the results showed that temperature and pH did not significantly affect the diversity of bacteria. Cherry juice had the highest number of Colony Forming Units while passion fruit juice had the lowest. In total seven (7) species of bacteria were found including E.coli, S. aureus, Lactobacillus sp, Acetobacter sp, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, and Micrococcus. The results for the Colony Forming Units were found to be above maximum acceptable levels for fruit juices. The results of this study demonstrate that unpasteurised juices may be a threat to public health and hazardous to humans if not processed in a sanitary manner
Potassium Solubilizing Bacteria Having Antagonistic Effect on Plant Pathogenic Fungi and Inducing Effective Brinjal Seed Germination
No full textThe aim of this research was to identify potassium-solubilizing bacteria (KSB) and evaluate their ability to release available potassium (K) from the soil for enhanced plant uptake. After assessing various strains for plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits and potassium-solubilizing effectiveness, five significant strains were selected. Using the BIOLOG system for further identification, it was determined that two of the most effective strains belong to the genus Bacillus. In laboratory conditions, potassium solubilization ranged from 1.89 to 46.52 μg/ml. The most effective strain, Bacillus licheniformis, achieved a potassium solubilization of 46.52 μg/ml, while Bacillus subtilis followed with 40.58 μg/ml. These KSB strains also demonstrated phosphate solubilization, IAA production, and potential for biocontrol against plant pathogenic fungi. In an In vitro experiment with brinjal seeds, three highly efficient KSB isolates (KSB-1, KSB-3, and KSB-20) with strong phosphate solubilizing and antagonistic abilities were tested. Bacillus licheniformis (KSB-1) showed the highest potassium solubilization, increased potassium content in plants, and improved growth parameters, with Bacillus subtilis (KSB-3) showing significant, though slightly lower, effects
Combined Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Bradyrhizobium japonicum on Growth, Yield and Nodulation in Soybean
No full textResponse of soybean for combined application of AM fungi and Bradyrhizobium japonicum were studied in pot culture experiment in completely randomized design (CRD). Dual inoculation of AM fungi and B. japonicum improved growth, yield, AMF colonization and nodulation in soybean plant, in comparison to single inoculation. Increase in the level of AMF inoculation promoted the growth significantly. Dry weight of the plant was 5.54 g/ plant and 6.02 g/ plant in plants treated with B. japonicum and AMF respectively, which significantly increased to 7.36 g/ plant up on combined application. Similar results were obtained in plant height, No. of pods /plant, seed index, nodulation, AMF density and colonization and chlamydospore population in soybean rhizosphere. Thus, the experiment signifies the importance of combined application for the improvement of crop growth and yield
Bioremediation of Spent Engine Oil Polluted Soil Enhanced with Blends of Poultry Manure and Pig Dung
No full textThe disposal of spent oil into open vacant plots and farms, gutters and water drains is an environmental risk. This study was conducted to explore the bioremediation of spent engine oil polluted soil enhanced with blends of poultry manure and pig dung, as well as its effects on microbiological composition of the soil. Top soil (0-15 cm depth) samples were collected from areas with history of spent engine oil contamination within Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria. One kilogram of soil was measured into nine clean dry containers of three litres each. The prepared blends of poultry manure and pig dung (PMPD) was mixed with the soil samples at the rate of 0, 50 and 100 g kg-1 soil in triplicates. The experiment used a Completely Randomized Design. Soil samples were taken from each container at 0 and 28 days for hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria and total petroleum hydrocarbon determination using standard methods. Data obtained from the experiment were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. The species identified were Enterobacter sp and Pseudomonas aeuginosa. Enterobacter sp was the most predominant isolate. The total petroleum hydrocarbon (mgkg-1) of the soil on day 0 was 59.78±1.84. After the amendments (at control, 50 and 100 g kg-1), the total petroleum hydrocarbon (mgkg-1) values were 44.92 ±2.26, 35.54 ± 2.78 and 29.52±1.28 at 28 days respectively. The blends of PMPD and the high level carbon utilizing bacteria, Enterobacter sp, showed promising potentials in the bioremediation of spent engine oil polluted soil by significantly enhancing the biodegradation process, as an impressive 50.62% remediation efficiency was achieved 28 days after amendment in soil treated with 100g of PMPD blend
Phenotypic Resistance Pattern of Bacterial Isolates from Gold Mine Tailings in Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
No full textArtisanal gold mining and the resultant environmental degradation and health hazards have been a cause for public health concern. This, specifically as heavy metal contaminated environments have been pointed out as major players in the dissemination of resistant pathogens of public health concern. This study aimed to determine the phenotypic antibiotic resistance profiles of bacteria isolated from gold mine tailings in a community in Osun State, Nigeria. Bacteria were isolated from excavation soil samples using standard microbiological methods, with general-purpose and selective media. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Isolates recovered were identified and their zone of growth inhibition was determined. Of the 32 isolates identified, 100% were resistant to ceftriazone, and also 100% resistance respectively to oxacillin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid by all the isolates tested, while 96.67% were resistant to ceftazidime. The isolates exhibited 12 phenotypic resistance pattern of which 100% were resistant to at least three types of antibiotics and over 45% MDR-multidrug resistance. These findings indicate a high frequency occurrence of antibiotic resistance in the goldmine tailings including multidrug resistant bacteria in the environment. Hence, this calls for the concerned stakeholders to take necessary measures in safeguarding the catchment community against this public health menace
Exploring the Microbiome of Mobile Devices: Implications for Public Health and Hygiene
No full textThis study, which examined the diversity of microorganisms found on mobile phones, took a novel approach by identifying pathogenic microbes on phone users within different age groups. The study also aimed to test the effectiveness of a simple disinfection method using 70% sterile alcohol pads. Samples were collected using sterile cotton tip applicators and transport broth media before and after disinfection. The samples were cultured and incubated on Muller Hinton agar petri plates at 32 degrees Celsius for 48 hours. The isolated microbes were identified based on their morphological characteristics, gram-stain test, and biochemical analysis. The survey, conducted to determine the frequency of mobile phone usage and factors contributing to microbial contamination, revealed significant findings. Participants from two villages were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. The sample size of participants was generated using a sample size calculator. Two participants from each age group per village were selected randomly for microbial sample collection from their mobile phones using R Studio software. The results showed that older adults\u27 mobile phones were more contaminated than younger adults and adolescents, providing valuable insights. The frequency of usage and hygiene did not determine the total viable count of pathogenic microbes found, challenging existing assumptions. The study also found that disinfection using 70% sterile alcohol pads was 76% effective in reducing microbial contamination