Microbiology Research Journal International
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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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Item Porcine Circovirus Diseases: Current Insights and Future Strategies for Effective Control, with a Focus on Porcine Circovirus 2 (PCV2)(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-12) Borah, D; Hazarika, R; Hazarika, G; Saikia, DP; Mili, P; Bappu, HP; Islam, I; Barua, J; Brahma, D; George, S.Porcine Circovirus Associated Disease (PCVAD), caused by Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2), is a major health concern in swine production, leading to significant economic losses. The diagnosis of PCVAD relies on a combination of clinical signs and confirmatory laboratory techniques. Clinically, affected pigs exhibit weight loss, jaundice, poor growth, respiratory distress, and gastrointestinal issues. Histopathological examination reveals characteristic lesions such as lymphoid depletion, granulomatous inflammation, and the presence of inclusion bodies in lymphoid tissues. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) are critical for detecting PCV2 antigens and viral nucleic acids in tissue samples, respectively. Molecular diagnostic methods, including PCR and quantitative PCR (qPCR), offer rapid and precise detection of PCV2 DNA, with advancements like digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) improving sensitivity. Serological tests, such as immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), are useful for detecting PCV2 antibodies, aiding in assessing infection status and immune response. Genotyping assays help track the evolution of PCV2 strains, essential for understanding epidemiology and vaccine development. Prevention and control of PCVAD involve a multifaceted approach, including biosecurity measures, co-infection management, and vaccination. Vaccination remains a key tool, with updated vaccines providing protection against multiple PCV2 genotypes. Emerging technologies, such as nanobody-based ELISAs and biosensors, hold promise for faster and more cost-effective diagnostics. Continued research into new vaccine technologies, alongside ongoing surveillance of PCV2 genetic shifts, is critical for effective long-term control of PCVAD and minimizing its impact on the swine industry.Item Effects of Lactobacillus sporogenes Supplementation on Growth Performance, Survival, Immune Parameters, and Disease Resistance in Labeo rohita Challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-12) Nesara, KM; Baglodi, V; Jayaraj, EG; Nasren, S; Mamun, M.The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus sporogenes on the growth performance, immune responses, and susceptibility to Aeromonas hydrophila infection in Labeo rohita. The diet was prepared with four levels of L. sporogenes supplementation, viz.104 cfu g-1 (F1), 106 cfu g-1 (F2), 108 cfu g-1 (F3) and a control diet without supplementation (F0), fed in triplicates for 90 days. Results indicated significant (p<0.05) increase in weight performance and decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR) at 108 cfu g-1 (F3) compared to control group (F0). Probiotic supplementation (F2, F3) led to a noticeable and statistically significant increase (p<0.05) in the non-specific immunological reponses including superoxide anion production (SAP), total serum protein, and lysozyme function, compared to the group without supplementation (F0). Furthermore, the probiotic supplemented group exhibited a substantial significant (p<0.05) decline in the in the cumulative percent mortality (F1: 23.33±0.5; F2: 26.67±1.15 and F3: 30±1.35) compared to the group without probiotic supplementation (F0: CPM-73.33%) when challenged with A. hydrophila. Therefore, overall present study recommended that higher level inclusion of L. sporogenes can significantly enhance the growth performance, immune function, and ability to resist diseases in L. rohita when challenged with A. hydrophila infection.Item Vaginal Ecological Profile and Characteristic of Vaginal Infection of the Genital Tract of Pregnant Women followed at the Laboratory of the Inter-Army Medical Center Senegal(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-12) Lô, G; Seck, EH; Dieng, A; Ba-Diallo, A; Ndiaye, A; Sow-Ndoye, A; Ndiaye, AJS; Diawara, PS; Ndiaye, SM; Tine, A; Seck, A; Diop-Ndiaye, H; Touré-Kâne, NC; Mboup, S; Camara, M.Introduction: Female genital tract infections are a public health problem. Initial treatment of vaginal infections is most often probabilistic. The benignity of the condition and the safety of topical medications allow for immediate management, even empirical. Hence this study, which aims to evaluate the vaginal microecological profile and vaginal infections in pregnant women followed at the laboratory of the Inter Army Medical Center. Methodology: We carried out a descriptive retrospective study over a period of 8 years, from 2012 to 2020, conducted by the laboratory of the Inter Army Medical Center., on pregnant women. After the collection of sociodemographic data, each woman was subjected to a vaginal swab in accordance with good laboratory practices. A macroscopic and microscopic examination and culture were carried out on each sample. Results: During the study period, 3221 pregnant women were included with an average age of 29.91years. 59.05% of these had normal vaginal cleanliness. 1634 women had type IV flora. The direct examination showed that 210 pregnant women were carriers of Gardnerella vaginalis. The prevalence of Candida albicans and Trichomonas vaginalis infections was 10.90% and 1.06%. There was statistically significant difference of the type of flora, bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women of different age groups. Conclusion: The microecological state of the pregnant women was mostly normal. Low rates of vaginal trichomoniasis infections were found in our study. There was a significant difference between the type of flora and the incidence of bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women of different age groups.Item Characterizing Listeria Species of Dairy Environments: Phenotypic Insights(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-12) S, C; C, K; R, P.Aim: Genus Listeria include food borne pathogens. They contaminate the milk through soil, sewage and other sources in the dairy farm. In the present study, attempt was made to collect dairy environmental samples and carried out enumeration, isolation as well as phenotypic characterization of the Listeria isolates obtained. Study Design: The dairy environmental samples were collected from ILFC, Veterinary college, KVAFSU, Bengaluru, Karnataka and subjected for enumeration of Listeria and toatal bacterial counts. The Listeria isoates obtained were characterized for morphology, Gram’s reaction and other biochemical tests. Identification key for Listeria isolates were prepared based on recent edition of Bergey’s namual of systematic Bacteriology and based on the activities they were identified up to species level. Place and Duration of Study: The work was carried out in the Department of Dairy Microbiology, Dairy Science College, KVAFSU, Hebbal, Bengaluru, Karnataka from June.2021 to June 2022. Methodology: The dairy environmental samples were collected aseptically and enumerated for Listeria and total bacterial counts using PALCAM agar and Plate Count agar, respectively. The Listeria isolates were coded and subjected for Gram’s staining, catalase test, oxidase test, motility test, methyl red and nitrate reduction to confirm the genus and specific biochemical tests like growth at 10% sodium chloride, sugar fermentation tests, CAMP test, coagulase, haemolysin and lecithinase activities on particular media. The results obtained for the tests conducted were compared with the standard identification key and declared the species of Listeria. Results: "Listeria count in soil, fodder, dung and feed samples ranged from 2.30 to 3.14 log10cfu/g, in which fodder showed more followed by feed. Udder swabs, pail rinse, pail milk and can milk had Listeria count of 0.30 log count while 0.60 log count was observed in chilled milk whereas water, swabs of hand, udder and equipment, pail and can rinses, air from dairy farm, aseptic milk and pasteurized milk did not show the presence of Listeria. The phenotypic identity of the 23 isolates of Listeria obtained from dairy environmental samples revealed that Listeria monocytogenes predominated (56.50) followed by L. innocua (17.39), L. ivanovii (8.70); L. seeligeri (4.35) and 13.06 percent of unidentified Listeria spp. All the 23 Listeria isolates, except one isolate of L.monocytogenes (L16) grew well at 50C indicating psychrotrophic nature. At deep freeze temperature (-180C), only 9 out of 23 Listeria isolates showed growth specifying their psychrophilic nature. Among 23 Listeria isolates, 14 showed haemolysis, phospholipase and coagulase activities indicating their pathogenic nature. " Conclusion: Dairy fodder, soil, dung, feed showed high Listeria count among the dairy environmental samples. Among the twenty-three species of Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes predominanted, majority were psychrotrophs, while only a few were psychrophiles and pathogens indicating the entry of pathogen from dairy farm samples to milk. Indroducing strict hygenic practices at dairy farm level during milking and stirage as well in priocessing of milk may reduce the entry of pathogenic species of Listeria.Item Tolerance of Phosphorus and Potassium Solubilizing Bacteria to Fungicides In vitro(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-12) Patil, NH; Magar, SJ; Somwanshi, SD; Mali, RH; Nashte, GG.Phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and Potassium solubilizing bacteria (KSB) plays a vital role in converting these nutrients into forms that plants can readily absorb, thus enhancing soil fertility and crop yields. The compatibility of phosphorus and potassium solubilizing bacteria with 8 fungicides was tested under laboratory condition. The eight fungicides tested against PSB-1, the Carbendazim 50% WP, Propiconazole 25% EC and Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP were found highly compatible with phosphorus solubilizing bacteria and rest of the five fungicides viz., Mancozeb 75% WP, Zineb 75% WP, Metalaxyl 35 % WS, Azoxystrobin 18.2 % + Difenoconazole 11.4 % SC, Azoxystrobin 11% + Tebuconazole 18.3 % were incompatible with the test bacterium. The treatment T8 (Azoxystrobin 11% + Tebuconazole 18.3 %) were found statistically at par at 48 and 72 hrs of incubation at 50% of recommended dose and recommended dosages. the eight fungicides tested against KSB-2 Carbendazim 50% WP, Propiconazole 25% EC and Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP were found highly compatible with phosphorus solubilizing bacteria and rest of the five fungicides viz., Mancozeb 75% WP, Zineb 75% WP, Metalaxyl 35 % WS, Azoxystrobin 18.2 % + Difenoconazole 11.4 % SC, Azoxystrobin 11% + Tebuconazole 18.3 % were incompatible bacterium with the test bacterium. The treatment T8 (Azoxystrobin 11% + Tebuconazole 18.3% SC) and treatment T1 (Mancozeb 75% WP) were found statistically at par at 48 and 72 hrs of incubation at 50% of recommended dose and recommended dosages.Item Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Salmonella Enterica Isolated from Improved Poultry Breed Farming Chain, Maharashtra, India(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-12) Rasve, R; Waghamare, R; Siddiqui, F; Jadhav, N; Khose, K; Kuntawar, N.Aims: With rising demand for poultry meat, globally backyard farms have adopted semi-intensive systems using improved birds. Food safety is a prime issue in antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella spp. found in meat, which has often been traced back to farms. Study Design: We carried out a cross-sectional prospective study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in selected districts of Maharashtra India during October 2023 to March 2024. Methodology: A total of 364 samples were collected from improved indigenous poultry breed hatcheries (n=5), improved indigenous breed commercial farms (n=5), and improved breed rearing backyard poultry setups (n=30) in Marathwada, Maharashtra state, India. The isolation of Salmonella spp. was carried out as per IS-5887 (Part 3): 1999 protocol. The bacterial isolates were further identified by cultural, microscopic morphology and biochemical characteristics (BAM 2007). Confirmation of Salmonella spp. was done by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays with primers designed for the invA gene. All Salmonella isolates were subjected for antibiotic susceptibility testing by disk diffusion method against 14 commonly used antimicrobials. Further, isolates were characterized for the presence of blaTEM, blaSHV, blaOXA, blaCTXM, tetA, and Sul1 AMR genes. Results: A total of 15 isolates recovered with prevalence rates of 4.83, 6.36, and 1.53 percent in hatcheries, farms, and backyard households, respectively. Five isolates that were randomly analyzed showed a homologous sequence as Salmonella enterica. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of all isolates revealed higher resistance against Erythromycin (100%), followed by Ceftazidime (40%), while sensitivity (93.33%), was recorded against Ampicillin/Sulbactam, Amoxicillin/Sulbactam, and Enrofloxacin. The average multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index, of Salmonella isolates was 0.117. Genotypic resistance pattern revealed that all isolates (100%) were carrying the blaTEM gene, while none were harbouring broad spectrum extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (blaSHV, blaOXA, and blaCTXM) genes. All isolates were positive for the tetA gene (100%) but none of them was positive for Sul1 genes. Conclusion: The study highlights the low antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella isolates isolated from Improved Poultry Breed Farming Chain, which might be due to low usage of antimicrobials. However, monitoring of multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica in improved poultry breed farming chains is essential to protect human health.Item Antibacterial Effects of Negro Pepper Extract on Meats in Mile 1 Market, Port- Harcourt, Nigeria(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-12) G, A; O, O; OO., E.The increasing concern over the safety and quality of meat products has led to a search for effective natural preservatives, especially in regions where refrigeration is limited. Natural alternatives to synthetic preservatives are essential to mitigate the risks of microbial contamination and spoilage. Negro pepper (Xylopia aethiopica), a plant used in traditional medicine and cooking, is gaining attention for its antimicrobial properties due to its diverse phytochemical profile. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial effectiveness, sensory qualities, and shelf-life extension potential of Negro pepper extract as a natural preservative for meats sold in Mile 1 Market, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.Meat samples were treated with varying concentrations of Negro pepper extract (25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/mL), sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, or left untreated as controls. Antibacterial activity was tested against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella spp., Bacillus spp., Campylobacter jejuni, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using the agar well diffusion method, with ethanol as a control. Sensory qualities (taste, aroma, color, and texture) were evaluated by a panel of 20 participants. For shelf-life assessment, microbial load was measured at intervals over 14 days at 4°C. ANOVA confirmed significant differences among treatments. Results indicated that Negro pepper extract possesses potent antibacterial properties, enhances sensory qualities, and significantly extends meat shelf life, highlighting its potential as an affordable, natural preservative for local markets.Item Functional Peptides: Novel Tools for Controlling Plant Diseases(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-12) Dole, A; Maharania, M; Sahu, R; Yadav, N.Chemical pesticides, which are today subject to stringent regulations and limits, are the primary means of controlling plant diseases. In terms of plant health, functional peptides are intriguing substances. Many novel synthetic and natural compounds have been found and employed in plant protection in recent years. Functional peptides are a good option among them to combat phytopathogens (Amso & Hayouka, 2019). Functional peptides are synthetic analogues or derived from living organisms, they offer new methods of action against plant diseases, making them potential biopesticide candidates. Functional peptides have long been proposed as potential antifungal and antibacterial agricultural agents (Van der Biezen, 2001). Functional peptides that target bacterial and fungal diseases have similar killing mechanisms despite their diverse sources. As summed up by numerous earlier reviews (Zasloff, 2002; Brogden, 2005; Melo et al., 2009; Bocchinfuso et al., 2011; Akal?n Siben, 2014), to destroy infections, the majority of peptides target and breach the cell membrane directly. Peptides may be made available to the industry and growers on a big scale through chemical synthesis, biotechnological platforms, and natural sources. It is anticipated that a number of functional peptides may soon be offered for sale as plant disease control agents, although further research is required to confirm these peptides' effectiveness in real-world settings.Item Genetic Engineering in Insect Management: New Frontiers in Pest Control(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-12) Yadav, S; Samreen; Sarangi, S; Parmar, S; Thodusu, M; Soni, S; Pandey, K.Genetic engineering is transforming the landscape of pest management, offering innovative solutions to longstanding challenges in agriculture and public health. Traditional methods, such as chemical pesticides, have led to significant ecological harm and widespread resistance among pests, necessitating new strategies for sustainable control. Advanced technologies, including CRISPR-Cas9, RNA interference (RNAi), and gene drives, have emerged as powerful tools to precisely target pest species while minimizing off-target effects. CRISPR enables precise genome editing, offering ways to suppress populations of disease vectors like Anopheles gambiae, which transmits malaria, while RNAi provides species-specific pest control by silencing essential genes. Gene drives can propagate beneficial traits through populations to curb the spread of vector-borne diseases. Technical challenges like off-target mutations, resistance development, and delivery barriers for RNAi remain significant hurdles. Integrating these genetic tools with traditional Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches could enhance sustainability by reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and promoting ecological balance. The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in pest control also raises ethical and ecological concerns, particularly regarding the release of gene drive organisms that could irreversibly alter ecosystems. Addressing these challenges requires robust regulatory frameworks, international collaboration, and effective public engagement to foster trust. Public skepticism, often fueled by misinformation, poses a barrier to acceptance, highlighting the need for transparent communication and community involvement. Field trials, such as the release of genetically modified Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Brazil and Florida, have shown promising results in reducing disease transmission, yet scaling up these efforts requires significant investment and regulatory clarity. Future research priorities include refining gene-editing precision, developing self-limiting gene drives, and enhancing RNAi delivery systems. By advancing interdisciplinary research and fostering global cooperation, the scientific community can harness genetic technologies to create more sustainable and effective pest control solutions, ultimately securing food systems and public health while mitigating environmental impact.Item Geographical Variation in Pathogenicity of Rhizoctonia solani Isolates from Soybean Plants in Chhattisgarh, India(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-12) Sahu, SK; Sunderrao, RR; Sahu, R; Tandon, AL.Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn is a soil-borne pathogen causing diseases such as aerial blight in soybean, it has been recognized as a serious problem in soybean-growing areas resulting in considerable yield losses. The present investigation was conducted to assess the pathogenicity of R. solani isolates collected from naturally infected soybean plants across various geographical locations in Chhattisgarh. A total of ten isolates were obtained and identified based on morphological characteristics. Pathogenicity tests were conducted under controlled conditions using soybean seedlings as hosts. The isolates showed various levels of virulence, ranging from mild to highly aggressive. Pathogenicity tests were tested by the detached leaf method and soil inoculation technique. In the detached leaf method, the symptom appearance was early noticed in RS-1, RS-2, RS-3, RS-5 and RS-10 at 72 hours while delay symptom appeared in RS-4 and RS-9 at 120 hours. In soil inoculation technique, the germination percent and percent mortality were observed and the maximum mortality percent was observed in RS-1 (88.83%) with germination percent (53.33%) whereas minimum in RS-4 (57.50%) with germination percent (80.00%). The fungus spreads close to plant canopy through its mycelia that grow aggressively. Based on pathogenicity test, the fungus caused both leaves to blight by detached leaf assay and soil inoculation method. These results suggest that R. solani could be a destructive pathogen being yield losses, so it must be controlled seriously. These findings underline the need for targeted management strategies to control R. solani in soybean fields, particularly in areas with higher pathogen virulence.Item Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of Solanum torvum Fruit Extracts on Hospital Strains of Enterobacteria(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-12) Claude-Charlène, KM; Fernique, KK; Constantin, OO; Mathieu, KAK; Nathalie, G.Enterobacteriaceae are among the most pervasive bacteria globally and are the most commonly identified in clinical consultations. It is unfortunate that these disease-causing germs are now increasingly resistant to the standard antibiotics that are generally used. In order to propose probable therapeutic alternatives, this study focused on evaluating the antibacterial activity of Solanum torvum fruits on a few strains of enterobacteria. To this end, 70% hydroethanolic and 100% ethanolic extracts were prepared from Solanum torvum fruits and tested, respectively and separately, on a reference strain of Escherichia coli (ATCC), on sensitive strains of Salmonella sp. and Shigella sp., and on resistant strains of Escherichia coli, Citrobacter koseri, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, and Citrobacter freundii. All susceptible and resistant strains of Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from various biological products of patients. The results demonstrated that these extracts exhibited antibacterial activity with a bactericidal effect on these strains. These extracts could therefore be employed in the manufacture of phytomedicines for the treatment of enterobacterial infections.Item Antimicrobial Activity of Xylopia aethiopica Extract on Microorganisms Associated with the Spoilage of Vegetables in Mile 3 Market, Port Harcourt Nigeria(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-12) G, A; O, O; OO., E.With increasing demand for natural preservatives, this study explores the effectiveness of Xylopia aethiopica extracts in reducing vegetable spoilage. The aim was to evaluate these extracts' potential to inhibit spoilage microorganisms, determine the most effective concentration for preservation, and assess their impact on sensory qualities. Vegetables (onions, tomatoes, and carrots) were purchased from vendors at Mile 3 Market, Port Harcourt, and transported to a microbiological laboratory for analysis. The vegetable samples were treated with ethanol and aqueous extracts of Xylopia aethiopica at concentrations of 10%, 20%, and 30% (w/v). For microbial analysis, treated and control vegetable samples were homogenized, cultured on nutrient agar for bacteria and potato dextrose agar for fungi, and incubated at optimal conditions for colony formation. Enumeration of bacterial and fungal colonies was conducted periodically over 14 days. Microorganisms isolated included Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium spp. Phytochemical analysis revealed that the ethanol extract had higher concentrations of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids (2.5%), flavonoids (3.1%), saponins (1.4%), tannins (2.2%), phenolics (4.3%), and glycosides (1.1%), compared to the aqueous extract. Results showed that the 30% ethanol extract was the most effective, significantly reducing bacterial and fungal growth compared to the control and other treatments. ANOVA analysis confirmed significant reductions in microbial counts in treated vegetables (p < 0.05). Sensory evaluation revealed that the extracts, particularly the 30% ethanol extract, did not negatively affect the vegetables' taste, smell, or appearance. This study demonstrates the potential of Xylopia aethiopica as an effective natural preservative, offering a promising alternative to synthetic preservatives. Future research should focus on long-term effects, broader applications, and consumer acceptance for practical implementation.Item Sub Acute Toxicity Study of Mixed Fungal Culture Filtrates Isolated from Maize Stalks of Shivamogga District in Rats(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-12) Uppar, M; Tikare, VP; Shridhar, NB; Sunilchandra, U; Ravikumar, P; Nagaraja, K.Aim: To assess effects of the toxicity caused by consuming the fungal contaminated fodder by the cattle in the field conditions. Study Design: Study was conducted in 3 groups of Wistar Albino rats. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology and Department of Veterinary Pathology, Veterinary College Shivamogga, Karnataka, between August 2024 to October 2024. Methodology: A repeated-dose 28-days oral sub acute toxicity study was performed with three groups (n=6) of Wistar Albino rats. The group I (control) received oral gavage of potato dextrose broth @ dose of 2 mL/100g, where as groups II and III received mixed fungal culture filtrate of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger at the doses of 1 and 2 mL/100 g respectively. Results: Treated groups (group II and III) showed increase in serological parameters (Aspartate Transaminase, Alanine transaminase, Creatinine, Blood urea nitrogen) and decrease in hematological parameters (PCV, Hb, TLC, TEC). Conclusion: The findings of the present study inferred that the fungal culture filtrates of fungus isolated from contaminated maize stalk caused toxicity in rats, which was attributed for the presence of a toxic principle components in the fungal culture filtrates.Item Assessment of Insecticide Compatibility with Metarhizium (Nomuraea) rileyi for Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) Management in Maize(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-12) Sugeetha, G; Adwaitha, MV; Reddy, KSN; Mahadevu, P; Mahadeva, J; Shivakumar, KV.The mycelial growth of Metarhizium rileyi, an entomopathogenic fungus, was evaluated in media treated with various insecticides and their inhibitory effects on fungal growth. The effects of insecticides Thiodicarb 75 WP, Spinetoram 11.7 SC, Emamectin benzoate 5 SG, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC, Novaluron 5.25 + Emamectin benzoate 0.9 SC, and Chlorantraniliprole 9.3 + Lambda-cyhalothrin 4.6 ZC were tested at different concentrations (50%, 75% and 100% recommended concentration)1/2, 3/4, and full recommended concentrations, Recommended Concentration). Observations at 7, 14, and 21 days after inoculation revealed significant differences in fungal growth compared to the control. Thiodicarb 75 WP showed minimal inhibition, with the lowest growth inhibition (12.73%) at 3/4th RC, indicating high compatibility with M. rileyi. Emamectin benzoate 5 SG also showed low inhibition (0.61-24.85%) at various concentrations, supporting robust fungal growth. In contrast, Spinetoram 11.7 SC exhibited the highest growth inhibition (60.61-69.70%), particularly at full RC. The study concludes that lower concentrations of certain insecticides, particularly Thiodicarb, Emamectin benzoate, and Chlorantraniliprole, have minimal inhibitory effects on M. rileyi, while higher concentrations of Spinetoram and Novaluron + Emamectin benzoate had shown significant inhibition. These findings suggest that compatibility between M. rileyi and insecticides is concentration-dependent, highlighting the importance of formulation selection for integrated pest management strategies.Item Biomarker and Genetic Variation among Hepatitis B Virus Positive Patients Attending Selected Health Facilities in Bauchi Metropolis, Nigeria(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-12) Umar, A; Iliyasu, MY; Alhaji, SY; Ismail, AI; Umar, AF.Aim of the Study: The aim of this study is to determine biomarker and genetic variation among hepatitis B virus positive patients in Bauchi metropolis, Nigeria. Study Design: This is a cross-sectional and laboratory-based study. Place and Duration of the Study: The study involved patients attending two tertiary hospitals and one primary health care centre in Bauchi metropolis, from January 2024 to July 2024. Methodology: A total of 200 samples were collected via vein from random participants, structured questionnaire and consent forms were issued to each participant for signing and data collection. The sample were screened for Hepatitis B surface antigen using one step rapid diagnostic test, the positive samples were further investigated for other hepatitis B virus biomarkers using Hepatitis B combo cassette.DNA of the positive samples were extracted and amplified using nested multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the product was run on Gel electrophoresis and the DNA bands were visualized using Gel documentation system. Results: The overall prevalence rate of Hepatitis B virus infection according to this study was 9% (18), the rate is higher in males 55.6% (10) than females 44.4%(08) within the age range 21-30 (33.3%), followed by 27.2% and 5.6% for 41-50 and 51-60 years ranges. The risk factors analysis showed those that have infected family members have the highest prevalence 42.3% (11) followed by those that have the history of barbing tools sharing 38.4(10) and lowest was observed among vaccinated participants (3.8%). Among the other biomarkers detected, HBcAb has the highest rate 72.3% (13) of occurrence followed by 66.7% (12), 55% (10) and 5.5% (01) for HBeAb, HBsAb and HBeAg respectively. Genotype A frequency of appearance was the highest among the genotypes detected with prevalence rate 38.5%(05) followed by 30.8% (04) for both genotype E and B, while genotype C and D were not detected in this study. Mixed and Mono infections account for 50% (04) and 37.5% (03) respectively. The combinations of the mixed infection were ABE (25%), BE (12.5%), and AE (12.5%). Statistically, the biomarkers, genotypes and risk factors have no significant difference within their parameters. Conclusion: The overall prevalence portrayed in this research was 9% mostly among male participants within the age range 21-30, the infection is less common among vaccinated participants.Item Combining Cleaning and Disinfection – An Alternative Approach for Preventing the Contamination of Blood Products(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-12) N, G; JP., G; N., S; V, Z.Aim: Disinfection products and protocols have been devised to provide safe blood and blood derivatives for transfusion; however, sepsis is still the leading cause of transfusion reaction fatalities. This raises the question whether disinfection on its own is sufficient for preventing such outcomes and whether cleaning of the arm prior to disinfection can further reduce the amount of skin commensals responsible for the contamination of blood products. Methodology: One of the blood donor’s arms was disinfected according to the standard protocol and swabs were taken before and after disinfection (Scenario 1). The other arm was cleaned with a hypoallergenic soap-free and alcohol-free wipe and then disinfected (Scenario 2). Swabs from this arm were taken before cleaning, after cleaning and after disinfection. Tryptone soya agar plates were inoculated and incubated at a temperature which facilitates bacterial and fungal growth. Results: A rate reduction was set and plates that failed this criterion were due to coagulase negative staphylococci. The commonest bacteria identified was Staphylococcus epidermidis. Less fungi were isolated on the after-disinfection plates that failed disinfection and these were Penicillium sp. and Cladosporium sp. Resultant colony counts from both Scenarios were statistically analysed and resulted in a significant reduction of bacterial colony counts post disinfection; however, the after disinfection plates of Scenario 2 had a lower average of colony counts than Scenario 1. Cleaning the skin prior disinfection resulted in a significant reduction of bacterial colony count and leading to a higher average of bacterial reduction in Scenario 2 than Scenario 1. Although Scenario 2 had a reduction rate of 98.3% which was more than that of Scenario 1 which had a reduction rate of 97.5%, there was no statistically significant difference (P=0.293) between the outcomes. Conclusion: Cleaning the skin prior to disinfection reduces the bacterial load on the skin which makes the disinfection process more effective and reduces the probability of contamination of blood products.Item Post-vaccination Alteration in Meningococcal Disease Rate in the US from 1980-2019(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-12) Khan, S; Arsalan, F; Igman, P; Khan, A; Goyette, S; Naqvi, Z; Bhat, MS; Mishra, T.Aim: To study the impact of vaccination on Meningococcal infection in the United States from 1980 to 2019. Study Design: The study used deidentified publicly available data. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Anatomical & Developmental Sciences, and Pathological Processes, Microbiology & Immunology, Department of Preventive Medicine & Epidemiology, Department of Nutritional, Biochemical & Molecular Sciences American University, School of Medicine, Aruba, Between July 2023 to September 2023. Methodology: All analyses for this study were conducted using The Health, United States Data Finder, Center for Disease Control, which provides detailed trend tables and charts for recent editions of Health, United States. All the data was collected and compared year-wise, age-wise, and new cases of meningococcal infection per 100,000 population. The data was also compared concerning the year of initiation of the vaccine. Results: With time, it was observed that the cases of meningococcal infection declined. The rate was found to be higher with the initiation of vaccination. Conclusion: Stringent vaccination, surveillance, and timely use of antibiotics in the United States contributed to the drop in instances of meningococcal infection. However, the recent outbreak in Florida could be due to negligence among the people.Item Phytochemical Screening and Antibacterial Activity of Cassia Sieberiana DC. (Fabaceae) and Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (Lam.) Zepernick et Timler (Rutaceae) Leaves Extracts on Escherichia Coli Involved in Urinary Tract Infections(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-12) Monon, K; Daouda, T; Oumar, YS; Christian, KN; Claude, KAL; Abdoulaye, T; Karamoko, O; Adama, C.Aims: Cassia sieberiana and Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides are plants identified during an ethnobotanical survey, to threat urinary tract infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial activity of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from leaves of C. sieberiana and Z. zanthoxyloides. t. Methodology: Phytochemical compounds were identified using colorimetric and precipitation methods. The sensitivity of isolates to plant extracts and their level of resistance to conventional antibiotics were assessed by agar diffusion on Escherichia coli isolates from patients with urinary tract infections. Antibacterial parameters were determined by culture in liquid medium coupled with spreading on Mueller Hinton agar. Results: The investigations revealed a predominance of tannins, flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, terpenes and sterols, but an absence of alkaloids and phenolic acids in the plants extracts studied. The bacteria selected for the study showed high levels of resistance to cephalosporins, quinolones, penicillins and cyclins, but high sensitivity to aminoglycosides. These isolates were found to be resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics, with an ESBL phenotype. C. sieberiana extracts achieved inhibition diameters ranging from 09.5 ± 0.5 to 22.33 ± 1.78 mm. All strains were sensitives to these extracts. E. coli strain (Ech Dam) was the most sensitive to the decoctate of the aqueous extract, with an inhibition diameter of 22.33 ± 0.89 mm. All strains studied were equally sensitive to aqueous extract and C. sieberiana decoctate, and to gentamicin as a reference molecule. No significant difference was observed between the inhibition diameters of gentamicin and those of crude C. sieberiana extracts. Conclusion: Antibacterial activities of the extracts would justify the use of C. sieberiana leaves in traditional environments. However, Z. zanthoxyloides leaves extracts showed no activity on all the strains tested. Their use would therefore be unrelated to the roots and not the leaves.Item Microbial and Metabolites Dynamics during the Fermentation of Artisanal Drinks: Screening and Estimation from “cha’a” and “arky” Consumed in Yaoundé-Cameroon(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-12) Marcelle, Aude Mafo Fokam; Kwetche, PRF; Djamen, PDC; Noche, CD; Nkuete, N; Youté, OD; Tsobo, CM.Objective: The present work aimed at contributing to the mastering of fermentation processes in agricultural products. Methodology: It targeted the identification and enumeration of micro-organisms present in three corn-based substrates namely sweet and fermented ‘‘cha'a’’, and the fermented original juice for ‘‘arky’’. Related investigations also focused on microbial population dynamics, alcoholic strength, reducing sugar concentrations, and pH values during fermentation. To achieve these goals, 10 specimens of fermented ‘‘arky’’ juice, 10 of sweetened ‘‘cha'a’’ and 10 of fermented ‘‘cha’a’’ were collected in some districts of the Yaoundé neighborhood and conveyed in refrigerated containers (?2°C) to the laboratories where analyses were conducted. Culture, isolation, identification and enumeration were done according to the standard protocols. Results: The microbial screening revealed the presence of Lactobacillus spp., Corynebacterium xerosis, Candida zeylanoides, Enterococcus faecalis, and Bacillus spp. It also indicated that the populations of fermenting organisms were optimal between the 4th and the 5th days of fermentation, with an increase of alcohol degree. Meanwhile, the contents in reducing sugars decreased in the three resources, like the pH values. Optimal microbial growth was observed at 30°C. All microbial populations persisted although the experiment. Identification of bacteria from the Enterococcus genus appeared as evidence of contamination of the substrates subjected, implying adulteration. Conclusion: Combined, these findings indicate that with minimal financial resources Zea mays may contribute to health benefits (presence of probiotics) and serve for the production of alcohol; but ingesting the substrates studied in the present works also represents a health risk for two reasons: the high alcohol contents and potentially infectious disease etiologies.Item Epidemiology of Viral Hepatitis in a Tertiary Care Hospital of North India(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-12) Sharma, G; Parmar, K; Verma, S; Sharma, A; Sharma, A.Introduction: Viral hepatitis is used to describe protracted hepatocellular necrosis and inflammation, often with fibrosis, that lasts longer than 6 months and is caused by HBV, HCV, HBV-associated HDV or HEV. Chronic hepatitis is classified histologically by the degree of hepatocellular necrosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Jaundice is a consistent clinical presentation of viral hepatitis. These hepatitis causing viruses can infect a person via various routes. HBV & HCV are transmitted through exposure to infected body fluids whereas HAV and HEV are transmitted by consuming contaminated food or water. India has more than 37 million HBV carriers and contributes a large proportion of HBV burden (Puri, 2014). In view of this problem, the study was conducted to highlight the viral agents responsible for causing hepatitis in patient presenting with jaundice in a tertiary care hospital in north India, to find out various epidemiological factors associated with these infections and developing strategies for surveillance of preventable viral hepatitis. Aims: 1) To study the etiological profile of Hepatitis in IPD patients. 2) To estimate the sero-positivity of Hepatitis causing viruses in IPD patient of hepatitis, presenting with jaundice using ELISA. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital of north India over a period of one year, from 1st July, 2016 to 30th June 2017. It was a cross-sectional prospective study. All analysis procedures were performed using commercial kits based on the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as per the manufacturer's instructions. Results: A total of 573 serum samples from patients with clinical suspicion of jaundice were tested, out of which 236 (41.2%) patient’s serum were tested positive for viral hepatitis in which HBsAg was detected in 52 cases, Hepatitis C was not detected in any case, Hepatitis D was detected in 3 cases, Hepatitis E was detected in 108 cases and remaining were other acute viral hepatitis cases. Out of 236 cases positive for viral hepatitis, 47 were children and 189 were adults, females (155 cases) outnumbered males (81 cases). HBsAg was associated with other diseases in 21 cases. The maximum number of cases in which HBsAg was detected belonged to 21-30 years of age. Hepatitis B was associated with HIV infection in 13 cases. Hepatitis D and B virus coinfection was found in 3 cases. Hepatitis E was detected in 108 cases among which only 3 cases had co-infection with Hepatitis B. Conclusion: The viruses responsible for hepatitis can increase the mortality as well as morbidity when they are associated with other diseases. The prevalence of Hepatitis B was more common in younger population. The increasing frequency of i.v. drug abuse can be a contributory factor for this, which necessitates the counselling & vaccination of young population regarding the same. HEV, which has a feco-oral route of transmission, was found in many cases, which can be prevented by improving the hygiene and creating awareness. There must be frequent testing of the vulnerable age groups to prevent them from the hepatitis causing viral infections.