Microbiology Research Journal International

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https://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/151203

Chief Editor: Prof. En Tao Wang
ISSN: 2456-7043

Frequency: Quarterly

Language: English

Open Access Peer-reviewed journal

Web site: https://www.journalmrji.com/index.php/MRJI

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 312

Influence of Soil Ameliorants, Manures and Fertilizers on Bacterial Populations, Enzyme Activities, N Fixation and P Solubilization in Peanut Rhizosphere under Lateritic Soil.
(2011-01) Basu, M; Bhadoria, P B S; Mahapatra, S C
The aim of this study was to investigate relative efficacy of different organic wastes like farmyard manure (FYM) and water hyacinth (WH) and industrial wastes like paper factory sludge (PFS) on balancing with chemical fertilizers (CF) along with soil ameliorants viz., lime (L) or rice husk ash (RHA), another industrial waste, on dry matter production and biological properties of the rhizosphere soil of peanut (Arachis hypogaea), grown as intercrop with sabai grass (Eulaliopsis binata) in acid lateritic soil. Population of symbiotic nitrogen fixing and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria, activity of dehydrogenase and phosphatase enzymes (i.e. acid and alkaline phosphomonoesterases), nitrogen accumulation in nodules and phosphorus solubilizing power of rhizosphere soil were measured after 25, 50, 75 and 100 days after sowing (DAS) of peanut for two years. Results showed significant effects of nutrient sources and growth stages of the crop on the microbial activities. Higher values of all the biological properties and plant growth parameters were recorded significantly under the integrated application of CF and any of the organic or industrial wastes over sole application of CF. Among three organic or industrial wastes WH was superior to others regarding microbial activities at 25 DAS, whereas PFS became superior at 50, 75 and 100 DAS. Application of lime or RHA improved the activity of dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphomonoesterase enzymes, while decreased acid phosphomonoesterase activity. This study revealed that integrated application of organic or industrial wastes, soil ameliorants and inorganic fertilizer, could improve the biological properties of an acid lateritic soil as well as the dry matter production of peanut, intercropped with sabai grass under lateritic soil.
Characterization of Some Agricultural Soils: Presence and Activity of Tilemsi Rock Phosphate-Solubilizing Thiobacilli.
(2011-01) Babana, Amadou Hamadoun; Samaké, Fassé; Maïga
The bacteria Thiobacillus thioparus, Thiobacillus thiooxidans and Thiobacillus ferooxidans are known to be able to oxidize elemental sulfur in soils and influence phosphorus solubilization. These bacteria can solubilize the phosphorus of apatite rock by producing sulfuric acid from the oxidation of elemental sulfur and some sulphide. We think that the capacity of these bacteria can be exploited to set up a biophosphate from Tilemsi natural rock phosphate exploited in Mali. This work aims to identify, isolate and characterize Tilemsi rock phosphate (TRP) solubilizing Thiobacillus strains in various agricultural soils. Obtained results showed that the analyzed soils are poor in Thiobacillus and that the quantity of acid produced and TRP solubilized is directly proportional to the growth of these bacteria.
Antibacterial Activity of the Himalayan Lichen Parmotrema nilgherrense Extracts.
(2011-04) Sati, S C; Joshi, Savita
The antibacterial activity of the methanol, ethanol, chloroform and aqueous extracts of the lichen Parmotrema nilgherrense collected from Nainital, Kumaun Himalaya, has been investigated. The extracts were tested against five pathogenic bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Erwinia chrysanthemi, Escherichia coli, Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Xanthomonas phaseoli) using agar-well method. All the extracts of P. nilgherrense were found effective by showing a mark zone of inhibition (ZOI) except aqueous extract. The chloroform extract exhibited potential antibacterial activity against the tested microorganisms (ZOI, 23-38mm) followed by ethanol and methanol extract (ZOI, 12-24 mm). Solvents treated wells were used as negative control and wells filled with standard antibiotic served as positive control in the experiment. Obtained results showed that P. nilgherrense extracts possess a broadspectrum activity against a panel of bacteria responsible for the most common plants and animal diseases.
Frequency Distribution of Hemoglobin Variants, ABO and Rhesus Blood Groups among Students of African Descent.
(2011-04) Pennap, G R; Envoh, E; Igbawua, I
Background: Hemoglobin variants, ABO and Rhesus blood groups are known to vary from one population to another. This study therefore sought to study the frequency of these indices among a cohort of Nigerian University students of African descent. The result will serve as a platform for instituting genetic counseling services with a view to reducing hemoglobinopathies. Methods: Two hundred consenting students were recruited and screened for hemoglobin variants by standard alkaline cellulose acetate electrophoresis. ABO and Rhesus blood groups were determined by the hemagglutination technique. Results: Of the 200 students aged 18 – 25 years that were screened, 123 (61.5%) were males and 77 (38.5%) were females. Those with blood group O were the most prevalent (45%) followed by groups A (25.5%), B (25%) and AB (3.5%). Only 2 genotypes HbAA (78.5%) and HbAS (21.5%) were reported in this study. Rhesus D antigen was positive for 94% and negative for 6% of the study population. Conclusion: The frequency of ABO and Rhesus blood groups appeared to be stable and consistent with reports from previous studies in Nigeria. Blood group O was the most prevalent. This also means there is a large pool of ‘’apparently’’ universal blood donors in this population. There was only one genotype variant reported (HbAS). This could imply a decline in hemoglobinopathies among Africans. Therefore the culture of genetic counseling must be encouraged and sustained.
Prevalence of Treponema pallidum Infection among Human Immunodeficiency Virus Seropositive Persons and Their Corresponding CD4 Counts in a Nigerian Cohort.
(2011-07) Pennap, G R; Osita, S O; Adoga, M P; Owuna, G; Agwale, S
Background: Sexually transmitted infections are a major public health problem especially with the advent of HIV/AIDS. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Syphilis among HIV seropositive persons. The study population was seropositive persons accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the Federal Medical Center Keffi. Methodology: Venous blood (5ml) was collected from each of the 200 consenting participants between February and August 2010. Their syphilis serostatus was determined using Rapid Plasma Reagin test and confirmed by an immunochromatographic rapid syphilis test kit. The CD4 count of the positive sample was also determined. Results: Of the 200 persons screened, 56 were males and 144 were females. The prevalence of Treponema pallidum in this study population was 0.5% (1/200). The HIVsyphilis positive was a married man aged 35 years and with a CD4 cell count of ≥ 200 cells/uL. Conclusion: This study reported a very low prevalence of syphilis among HIV positive persons. It is recommended that the sexual partner(s) of the study index case should be traced and also treated to prevent reinfection and/or continued spread of the infection. Despite the low prevalence in this study, syphilis screening among those with HIV should be advocated routinely to avoid the complications associated with the dual infection.
In vitro Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of Various Crude Leaf Extracts of Indian Sacred Plant, Ocimum sanctum L.
(2011-07) Goyal, Pankaj; Kaushik, Purshotam
The medical world is on an immense requirement to discover novel antibiotics due to widespread emergence of resistance among microbial pathogens against currently available antibiotics. Traditional plants have been proved to be better source in the search for novel antimicrobial compounds. In such effort, we accessed the susceptibilities of some clinically significant bacterial species against various extracts made up from leaves of Ocimum sanctum L. (family: Lamiaceae). Antibacterial activity of crude extracts was found to be reliant on the nature of extract and the bacterial strains evaluated. Methanol extract was found to have comparatively higher activity than other organic and aqueous extracts. Grampositive bacteria showed variable susceptibilities while Gram-negative Salmonella typhi has shown to be completely resistance to all the tested extracts. Minimum inhibitory concentration data showed hopeful results as some of the extracts exhibited significant inhibitions of bacteria even at low concentrations. This study indicated that leaves of Ocimum sanctum L. have significant antibacterial activity and it could be very useful in the discovery of novel antibacterial/antimicrobial agents.
Microbiological Control of Bacterial Soft Rot Caused by Bacillus pumilus Od23 on Potato.
(2011-07) Babana, Amadou Hamadoun; Bathily, Hamed; Samaké, Fassé; Maïga, Kadia; Traoré, Diakaridia; Dicko, Amadou
Potato soft rot, caused by Bacillus pumilus Od23, greatly affect potato tuber quality in storage and cultivars of Mali and indicated that it can affect all potato cultivars. Bacteria isolated from soil rhizosphere samples of healthy Malian indigenous trees were screened for their antagonistic effect against this pathogen. Three actinomycetes isolates (RoN, G1P, and N1F) were the most effective microbioagents in suppressing the growth of the pathogen. The biological control essay showed the possibility of controlling potato soft rot by these three actinomycetes isolates under conservation conditions. These treatments significantly decreased soft rot compared with the untreated potato tuber slices. The microbiological control results of this study suggest that the actinomycetes isolates RoN, G1P and and J1N are effective microbioagents in controlling soft rot of potato and could be considered as promising alternative to chemical products.
The Structure and Metabolic Diversity of Population of Pea Microsymbionts Isolated from Root Nodules.
(2011-07) Wielbo, Jerzy; Marek-Kozaczuk, Monika; Mazur, Andrzej; Kubik-Komar, Agnieszka; Skorupska, Anna
Aims: The study of strains belonging to local rhizobial population, concerning their diversity in the genetic, metabolic and symbiotic properties, and their prevalence in the microsymbiont population. Methodology: 257 rhizobial isolates recovered from nodules of five pea (Pisum sativum cv. Ramrod) plants grown at one site were classified using PCR-RFLP analysis of 16-23S rRNA ITS. After that, for representative group of 55 strains, 16-23S rRNA ITS region was sequenced, nodA-F region was analyzed by PCR-RFLP and sequencing, metabolic capabilities were studied using Biolog`s and growth tests and symbiotic performance in plant tests were assayed. Results: Individual plants were infected by numerous and diverse strains, however, in the entire sampled population of microsymbionts, only three large clusters of strains could be distinguished on the basis of PCR-RFLP and sequence analyses of 16S-23S rRNA ITS region. Rhizobium strains belonging to different groups varied in plasmid number and the amount of plasmid DNA, utilization of carbon and energy sources, growth on soil extractbased media and the ability for symbiotic plant growth promotion. The most numerous group of the isolates was characterized by the high plasmid DNA content, low number of utilized sugar substrates, and comprised numerous strains with low symbiotic efficiency. Conclusion: Sampled population of pea microsymbionts had its own characteristic structure with clearly distinguishable sub-populations, composed of numerous strains - probably descendants of a few old lineages, which diversified in the lapse of time. These strains are still competing during root nodule colonization, resulting in the symbiosis of individual pea plants with broad spectrum of different Rhizobium strains.
Probiotic Potential of Lactobacillus strains Isolated from Known Popular Traditional Moroccan Dairy Products.
(2011-10) Jamaly, Naoual; Benjouad, Abdelaziz; Bouksaim, Mohammed
Eighteen Lactobacillus strains were isolated from Moroccan traditional dairy products and evaluated for their in vitro probiotic potential. The results showed that all strains tested tolerate acid gastric conditions (pH 2.0 and pH 3.0), while ten of them were bile resistant. Although no bacteriocin activity was detected in vitro assay for the ten bile resistant strains, but they showed strong antagonistic activity versus seven known food-borne pathogens bacteria. It was noted that none was haemolytic. In another hand, all these studied strains were found sensitive to kanamycin and tetracycline, and the majority of them were observed resistant only to one or two out of the antibiotics tested. Finally, four Lactobacilli strains (Lactobacillus plantarum LPL2, Lactobacillus paracasei LPAR2, Lactobacillus paracasei LPAR9 and Lactobacillus brevis LBR) were found sensitive to all antibiotics tried, and showed good hydrophobicity and adherence properties, so they could be exploited for food manufacture and scientific knowledge ends.
The Epidemiology and Zoonotic Transmission of Thermophilic Campylobacter lari.
(2011-10) Matsuda, Motoo; Moore, John E
Thermophilic campylobacters, including Campylobacter lari, are the most common cause of acute bacterial gastroenteritis in the developed world. Although C. jejuni and C. coli account for the majority of these cases, C. lari has been described from about 30 cases in several countries over the last 20 years and this species has been shown to be a severe and potential pathogenic agent for humans, manifesting as gastroenteritis, diarrhea, septicemia and bacteremia. Campylobacter lari is most prevalently isolated from seagulls in the natural environment, followed by water and shellfish in several European countries and in one Asian country, Japan. The prevalence of poultry with C. lari has been demonstrated in Japan, the USA, England, Poland, Tanzania, Peru, Denmark, Kenya and Northern Ireland, indicating that contamination of poultry with this species is common and widespread. Moreover, C. lari has also been distributed in dogs, cats, pigs, cattle and sheep in several countries. Thus, the natural environment including wild birds and some domestic animals, mainly poultry, may be considered as important reservoirs of C. lari. This review aims at describing (i) the historical evolution of C. lari, (ii) its reservoirs for human infection, including the natural environment and zoonotic hosts, (iii) cases of human infection reported and (iv) its pathogenesis.
Abilities of Trichoderma Species to Persist within Maize (Zea mays) Stem Long after Inoculation.
(2011-10) Sobowale, A A; Babalola, O O; Ayansina, A D V; Obisesan, A O
Different Trichoderma species were examined for their abilities to persist within the maize (Zea mays) stem at different points above and below inoculation points. Different Trichoderma species were isolated from different parts of the maize (Z. mays) plant and its rhizosphere. They were later sent to International Mycological Institute, England for identification. Maize seeds (DMR-LSRW) were planted in pots in the screenhouse. Four weeks after planting, each of the Trichoderma species was inoculated into the stems of the potted plants at the 2nd internodes using the toothpick method. Toothpicks dressed with sterile distilled water served as control. Cut sections of the inoculated stems were examined for presence or absence of the inoculated Trichoderma species at different points far from the inoculated point in the upper and lower internodes after 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 weeks of inoculation. Ten Trichoderma species were identified; these include five strains of T. pseudokoningii, three strains of T. harzianum, T. hamatum and T. longibrachiatum. All the Trichoderma species were able to move within the stem tissues into the upper and lower internodes. All of them were re-isolated at distant points from inoculation point in the upper and lower internodes even after 6 weeks of inoculation. T. pseudokoningii strain 2 and T. harzianum strains 1 to 3 had the best endophytic movement into the upper and lower internodes. T. hamatum and T. longibrachiatum had the weakest movement into the upper and lower internodes. All the Trichoderma species could thus be said to possess the abilities to persist (endophytic capability) within the maize (Z. mays) stem. T. pseudokoningii and T. harzianum could also be said to be among the best species in the genus Trichoderma with good prospect of biocontrol potential.
Bacteriological Study of Catfish, Claria gariepinus, from Fish Pond Sources in Akungba-Akoko Community, Nigeria.
(2012-01) Ajayi, A O
Aim: To determine the microbiological quality of catfish meant for public consumption in the university community, Akungba-Akoko. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Adekunle Ajasin University, P.M.B. 01, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria, between May 2010 and June 2011. Methodology: Fresh catfish, Claria gariepinus, sample obtained from typical fish pond in Akungba-Akoko was subjected to microbiological Investigation in the Laboratory. Nutrient Agar, Eosine Methylene Blue Agar and Man Rogosa Sharpe Agar were generally used for isolation and maintenance of cultures during the study. Moreover a pour plate technique was used for the estimation of the total bacterial and coliform counts. Results: The total plate count of fish skin samples gave high bacterial count of 65 x 102 cfu/ml, the coliforms count was 7.0 x 101 cfu/ml, while the anaerobic organisms encountered gave a value of 20 x 101 cfu/ml. Similarly, bacterial count of 2.25 x 107 cfu/ml coliform count of 1.35 x 104 cfu/ml and 6.5 x 104 cfu/ml anaerobic organisms were obtained from gills. The isolated bacteria species identified were Bacillus spp, Staphylococcus spp, Streptococcus spp, Microcococcus spp, and members of enterobacteriaceae which include Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp were found in the skin of the fresh fish. Other complex forms of bacterial species were also encountered in the gills of catfish sample used for this study. This includes S. aureus, E. coli, Bacillus spp. The total aerobic counts of the Clarias gariepinus (Catfish) sample were determined and the results of this study shows that the largest numbers of anaerobic microbes were found in gills. Conclusion: The study suggests adequate monitoring of our fish ponds with a view of adding some antibiotics to their feeds to reduce infectious agents from this source.
A New Approach to Screening for Methionine-Producing Bacteria.
(2012-01) Ozulu, U S; Nwanah, O U; Ekwealor, C C; Dike, S K; Nwikpo, C L; Ekwealor, I A
Aim: To find a method of screening for active Methionine-producing organisms. Study Design: Examination of cross-section of soil. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria between April 2010 and August 2011. Methodology: Bacterial isolates (200) from soil were screened for Methionine producers on solid agar medium seeded with Methionine auxotroph, Escherichia coli. The agar plates were observed for halo growth of the E. coli which indicates Methionine production by the isolate. Methionine production in submerged medium by the isolates was investigated. Results: A total of 24 bacterial isolates were recovered as Methionine producers. Six of the active isolates used for submerged fermentation accumulated Methionine in a range of 0.46 – 1.40mg/ml. A close relationship was established between the nature of the halo growths of E. coli auxotroph on solid agar and the Methionine yields of the active bacterial isolates in submerged medium. Conclusion: It is a new and fast approach to screening for active Methionine producers.
Prevalence and Antifungal Susceptibility Patterns of Yeast Isolates at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi, Ghana.
(2012-01) Feglo, P K; Narkwa, P
Aims: To determine the prevalence of yeast species and their antifungal susceptibility profiles at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi. Study Design: Cross-sectional design. Methodology: This study was conducted in 2009 at the bacteriology laboratory at KATH, Kumasi, Ghana. In six-months, 528 clinical samples comprising 186(35%) high vaginal swabs, 109(21%) cerebrospinal fluid, 127(24%) urine and 106(20%) sputum were cultured on sabouraud dextrose agar. Yeast growths were identified by their characteristics, indianink staining and germ tube test and then confirmed with the API ID 32 C test kits. Antifungal susceptibility tests were performed using ATB™ FUNGUS 3 test kit. Results: Out of 528 samples tested 67 yielded yeasts giving a prevalence of 12.7%. Candida albicans was the commonest species isolated with a prevalence of 33(49.3%) followed by Candida glabrata 12(17.9%), Candida tropicalis 8(11.9%), Candida dubliniensis 4(6%), Candida krusei 3(4.5%) and Candida sake 2(3%), whilst Candida guilliermondii and Candida parapsilosis prevalence was 1(1.5%) each and Cryptococcus neoformans prevalence was 3(4.5%). All the isolates were susceptible to flucytosine, amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole except C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis and C. krusei all having about 79% susceptibility to flucytosine, amphotericin B, and itraconazole (MICs 0.125-8mg/l). Voriconazole was the only agent to which no resistant yeast was detected. All the Candida krusei isolated were resistant to fluconazole (MICs ≥ 64mg/l). Generally yeast resistance ranges from 4.5% to 22.2% to flucytosine, amphotericin B, fluconazole and itraconazole. Conclusion: There were many yeast species isolated, but Candida albicans was the most common isolate obtained from all the clinical samples tested except cerebrospinal fluid from which Cryptococcus neoformans was the commonest. The overall resistance levels of the isolates ranged from 4.5% to 22.2% to flucytosine, amphotericin B, fluconazole and itraconazole. No resistant strains were detected against voriconazole. This high level of resistance (22.4%) in Ghana calls for further investigation. This is the first report on the yeast types and their antifungal susceptibility patterns in Ghana.
Biotypes and Enterotoxigenicity of Staphylococci Isolated from Camel’s Meat in Jordan.
(2012-01) Alaboudi, Akram R; Jaradat, Ziad W; Shatnawi, Mahmoud M
A total of 264 camel’s meat and nasal swab samples were collected for isolation and typing of Staphylococci from Irbid Governorate in northern Jordan. About 97 % and 85% of meat and nasal swabs samples showed typical colonies of Staphylococcus aureus on Baird- Parker agar respectively. Out of 243 presumptively identified isolates, only 74 and 64 were confirmed as S. aureus by Microbact system and PCR technique respectively. About 67% of the isolates were typable by Devriese’s scheme. Fifteen of those isolates (23%) were specifically allocated to human, bovine, ovine or abattoir where, 14% of these host specific isolates belonged to human biovar. The other 44% belonged to non-host specific biovars with majority of them were allocated to NHS1 biovar. When tested for the presence of toxin genes, 71.9% of S. aureus isolates had SE(s) genes with SEA being the most prominent at 91.3%. The study also showed that not only coagulase positive isolates contain toxin genes, coagulase negative isolates also possess toxin genes and thus are considered potential hazards in camel’s meat.
Efficacy of Disinfectants on Candida Biofilms at Different Concentrations and Contact Times.
(2012-04) Oz, Yasemin; Dag, Ilknur; Kiraz, Nuri
Aims: Candida species cause a wide spectrum of diseases, including hospital-acquired and device-associated infections. The biofilm formation is a major virulence factor in Candida pathogenesis and the cells in biofilm show enhanced resistance to disinfectants. Our aim was to evaluate the efficiency of the commonly used hospital disinfectants (glutaraldehyde (GLU), hydrogen peroxide (HP), peracetic acid (PA), ortho-phtalaldehyde (OPA) and sodium hypochlorite (SH) on biofilms of clinical Candida (C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei and C. tropicalis) isolates. Study Design: An experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Electron Microscope Laboratory, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, between January 2011 and May 2011. Methodology: These disinfectants were selected due to their common application in hospital environment. Their concentrations were adjusted to manufacturer’s recommendations for instrument disinfection: 5% HP, 0.2% PA, 5.25% SH (5000 ppm of chlorine), 2% GLU and 0.55% OPA. They were also prepared at the 1:2 and 1:4 times of recommended concentration to evaluate the activity of lower concentrations. The biofilms were grown in microplates and treated with disinfectants at contact times 1, 5 and 10 minutes (20 min for GLU), then stained with the biomass indicator (2, 3-Bis [2-methoxy-4- nitro-5-(sulfenylamino) carbonyl-2H-tetrazolium-hydroxide]). Results: The disinfectants reduced the biofilm for all concentrations studied, however none of them completely removed the biofilm. When they were used at low concentration, longer contact times were more effective. However, when the disinfectants were used in recommended concentration, results showed many variations depending on the disinfectant type, contact times and species. Conclusion: Our results also emphasize the importance of regular disinfection, before the starting of biofilm formation.
Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Oak-Pine Forests and Agricultural Land Prevalent in the Kumaon Himalayan Hills, Uttarakhand, India.
(2012-04) Chaturvedi, Shruti; Tewari, Varsha; Sharma, Suvigya; Oehl, Fritz; Wiemken, Andres; Prakash, Anil; Sharma, A K
The diversity and abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) was assessed in the Kumaon Himalayan foothills. Four typical ecosystems were selected in the Sat-Tal area located in the Nainital, district in Uttarakhand, India, representing vegetation change due to human settlement and selective logging of native oak. Besides a natural oak forest, a mixed pine-oak forest, a pure pine stand and an arable field were sampled. The latter was cropped with black gram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) and maize (Zea mays L.) during the rainy season from June to September and rotated with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) during winter for the last 10 years. Only cow dung compost used for fertilization. The highest AMF spore abundance throughout the year was recorded in soil samples from the pine-oak mixed forest, followed by the pine and oak forests and the agricultural field. At all sites, the lowest spore abundance was recorded at the end of the winter season in March, and the highest in October after the rainy season. Whereas in October, Glomus claroideum, Acaulospora scrobiculata and A. spinosa were found at all sites, in March it was only G. intraradices which occurred everywhere. The highest AMF spore morphotype richness was recorded in samples from the oak forest. In AMF-trap cultures set up with field soil inocula, the dominant species recovered were G. intraradices, G. etunicatum and A. scrobiculata. As compared to the field samples, trap culturing of one year enhanced spore abundance but entailed a loss of AMF richness. The study revealed differences in AMF community composition and structure among sites characterized by different land use systems.
Antifungal Activities of Some Nigerian Medicinal Plants against Non-dermatophyte Molds Isolated from Cases of Onychomycosis among Rice Farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria.
(2012-04) Ekwealor, C C; Oyeka, C A; Okoli, I
Aims: To investigate in vitro antifungal activities of methanol, hexane and cold water extracts of Cassia alata, Mitracarpus villosus and Lawsonia inermis against nondermatophyte molds isolated from rice farmers with onychomycosis in Anambra State, Nigeria. Study Design: Examination of antifungal activity of medicinal plants among cross-section of farmers. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. Anambra State, Nigeria between November 2009 and June 2011. Methodology: Clinical samples were collected from 135 rice farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria and identified. Dried leaves of C. alata, M. villosus and L. inermis were extracted by soxhlet using methanol and hexane as solvents. Cold water extraction was also carried out using fresh leaves. The extracts were tested against the isolated non-dermatophyte molds using disc diffusion method at varying concentrations (10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg). Discs impregnated with 2% dimethylsulphoxide were used as negative control while those impregnated with 2mg/disc ketoconazole served as positive control. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MIC) of the crude extracts were assayed for against the test isolates. Results: The organisms recovered included Aspergillus terrus, Aspergillus sclerotiorum, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium sp., Chrysosporium sp. and Scopulariopsis sp. The organisms were sensitive to all the methanol extracts of medicinal plants with minimum inhibitory concentration range of 10-40mg/disc except A. flavus which was inhibited only by L. inermis extract at concentration of 40mg/disc. The mean zone of inhibition produced ranged between 6.0mm and 14.2mm with C. alata extract showing the highest zone of inhibition (14.2mm) against Fusarium sp. The standard Ketoconazole range was 6.0-12.4mm diameter. Hexane extract of L. inermis inhibited all isolates at 20-40mg/disc concentration. A. flavus resisted hexane extracts of C. alata and M. villosus, while A. terrus resisted extract of M. villosus alone. All isolates except A. flavus were sensitive to cold water extract of L. inermis with diameter zone of inhibition range of 6.2-8.2mm. Methanol extracts of C. alata and L. inermis showed fungicidal actions against all test isolates at 10-40mg/disc range except for A. flavus. Conclusion: The various antifungal extracts showed inhibitory/fungicidal effect against the isolated non-dermatophyte molds which compared favorably with that of standard antifungal drug, ketoconazole. The plant leaves could serve as sources for development of new antifungal drugs.
AP-PCR and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Fusobacterium nucleatum Associated with Chronic Periodontitis among Patients at Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
(2012-04) Nwaokorie, Francisca Obiageri; Coker, Akitoye Olusegun; Ogunsola, Folasade Tolulope; Ayanbadejo, Patricia Omowunmi; Umeizudike, Kehinde Adesola; Gaetti-Jardim, Junior Elerson; Avila-Campos, Mario Julio; Savage, Kofoworola Olaide
Aims: To isolate, identify and evaluate the genetic diversity and antimicrobial susceptibility of F. nucleatum recovered from Nigerian patients with chronic periodontitis. Study Design: Cross-sectional design. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, between January 2007 and July 2008. Methodology: We analyzed F. nucleatum species recovered from Nigerian patients with chronic periodontitis. Bacterial identification was done using colonial morphology; Grams stain reaction, conventional biochemical tests, API 20-A and Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 6 antibiotics was determined by agar dilution method on Brucella blood agar while the bacterial genetic diversity was studied using the Arbitrarily Primed-PCR (AP-PCR) method with the arbitrary primer OPA-05. The interrelationship and genetic similarity matrix among the isolates was determined and by Numerical taxonomy and multivariate analysis system (NTSYS-pc) statistical package. Results: We obtained 48 isolates of F. nucleatum from 50 Nigerian patients (28 males and 22 females) with chronic periodontitis. They were susceptible to metronidazole, clindamycin, cefoxitin, tetracycline, amoxicillin and clavulanate. One was resistant to amoxicillin (MIC >32 μg/ml) and produced β-lactamase. The isolates were further placed into five groups (A, B, C, D and E) based on their AP-PCR profile. Conclusion: The AP-PCR analysis showed heterogeneity among strains. By using APPCR, we observed a single β-lactamase producing clone resistant to amoxicillin which eventually formed a distinct group showing that such genetic difference may have contributed to the formation of a separate clone.
Pattern of Nosocomial Urinary Tract Infections among Sudanese Patients.
(2012-04) Ahmed, Mohamed Issa; Mohsin, Shaikh
Background: High incidence of nosocomial infections has led to prolonged hospitalization, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Our research was aimed at determining the prevalence as well as identification and isolation of aerobic bacteria responsible for nosocomial urinary tract infection. Methods: Study was conducted at Gadarif Teaching Hospital, Gadarif State, Eastern Sudan, from April 2004 to March 2005. The study was designed to isolate aerobic bacteria causing urinary tract infections, and to determine the antibiograms of the isolated bacteria to commonly used antibiotics. Results: Out of 783 specimens collected during the study, 611 (79.03%) midstream urine specimens were collected from patients after urinary catheterization. 100 (12.77%) aerobic bacterial species were isolated from these specimens, they were P. aeruginosa (37%), K. pneumoniae (23%), P. mirabilis (22%), P. vulgaris (12%) and E. coli (6%); The antibiograms of the isolates (n=263) shows sensitivity and resistant to S. aureus (n=103), P. mirabilis (n=63), P. aeruginosa (n=49), K. pneumoniae (n=23), P. vulgaris (n=14) and E. coli (n=11) bacteria to various antibiotics including Vancomycin, Fusidic acid, Gentamicin, Ciprofloxacin, Penicillin G, Ceftazidime, Methicillin, Cephelaxin, Nalidixic acid, Nitrofurantoin, Ceftazidime, Ofloxacin, Co-trimoxazole and Ciprofloxacin.

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