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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Recent Submissions
Item An Etiology of Sputum Culture Contamination and their Drugs Susceptibility Patterns among TB-suspected Patients at Epicentre Mbarara Research Centre, Uganda(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-11) Othow, AA; Nyehangane, D; Ampaire, L.Aims: Contamination in TB cultures is problematic as it allows the growth of non-target bacterial or fungal species in sputum samples, potentially concealing M. tuberculosis. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, characterization, and drug susceptibility patterns of contaminants in sputum cultures from TB-suspected patients. Methods: A laboratory-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to June 2024 at the Epicentre Mbarara Research Centre, involving 81 sputum samples from TB-suspected patients. Conventional decontamination procedures were used, and both solid Lowenstein Jensen (LJ) and liquid Mycobacterium Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) culture methods were applied. Standard culture techniques and physicochemical analyses were employed. Bacteria were incubated at 37°C in O2 and Co2 incubators, with growth observed within 24 to 48 hours and up to three days for yeast contaminants. Sabouraud Dextrose Agar cultures were monitored for two weeks for filamentous fungi. Antibiograms for bacterial isolates were determined using the Kirby-Bauer, while broth microdilution was used for fungal isolates. Results: Of 81 samples, 14(17.28%) were contaminated. The most common bacterial contaminants were Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus viridans, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Escherichia coli. Fungal contaminants included Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium species, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and non-albican Candida species. High resistance to erythromycin (73%) and tetracycline (50%) was noted among bacterial isolates, with sensitivity to vancomycin (67%), gentamycin (60%), and chloramphenicol (58%). Yeast isolates showed (87.5%) susceptibility to itraconazole and (75%) to amphotericin B but (50%) resistance to 5-flucytosine. Mold isolates exhibited (100%) susceptibility to itraconazole, amphotericin B, and 5-flucytosine but complete resistance to caspofungin. Conclusion: The level of contamination in TB cultures was noted, and Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans were observed as the most common contaminants. Bacterial isolates resisted erythromycin and tetracycline, while fungal isolates were generally susceptible to itraconazole and amphotericin B. We recommend Strengthening decontamination and monitoring common resistant contaminants.Item Parasitological, Bacterial and Fungal Evaluation of Some Ready-to-Eat Foods Sold by Vendors in Port Harcourt, Rivers State(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-02) Eze Chinwe, N; Ovutor, O; Goodhead Dakuru, A; Nwankwo, FC.Aims: To determine the prevalence and distribution of gastrointestinal parasites, bacteria and fungi in Date, Wet Tiger nut, Dry Tiger nut, Kuli-kuli and kola nuts sold by roadside vendors in nine locations in Rivers State. Study Design: A total of 270 samples were procured randomly from roadside sellers. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Animal and Environmental Biology [parasitology unit), University of Port Harcourt, between March and July 2022. Methodology: The 270 samples were examined for gastrointestinal parasites using direct wet preparation and sedimentation techniques, while 135 of the samples selected based on type and location were examined for bacteria and fungi using standard microbial techniques. Results: Out of the 270 samples examined, 124(49.9%) were positive for gastrointestinal parasites as follows; Ascaris lumbricoides 52(19.3%), Ancylostoma spp 39(14.4%), Trichuris trichiura 19(7.0%) and Giardia lamblia 14(5.2%). dry Tiger nut recorded the highest prevalence 39(72.2%) and Kola nut 11(20.4%) had the least prevalence. Aluu had the highest prevalence 21(70.0%) while Rumuokoro recorded the least 3(10.0%) p=05. Of the 135 samples, 96(71.1%) was positive for bacteria while 19(14.1%) was positive for Candida species (fungi). The bacteria isolated were Escherichia coli 48(35.5%), Klebsiella species 32(23.7%) and Staphylococcus aureus 16(11.9%). Kola nut recorded the highest bacterial contamination 26(96.3%) and Date the lowest 10 (37.0). Samples from Choba had the highest bacterial contamination 12(80%) while Alakahia had the least bacterial contamination 7(46.7%) p=05. Dry Tiger nut 12(44.4%) and Wet Tiger nut 7(25.9%) were the only sample types with fungal contamination. Conclusion: Vendors and consumers should be educated on the possible health implications of poorly handled RTE foods, and government should implement and enforce sanitary rules to preserve the environmental quality of areas where RTE foods are being processed and sold.Item Phytochemical Analysis of Different Plant Extracts and their Inhibitory Effects on Aspergillus niger and Fusarium solani(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-02) Darshitha, SR; Lakshmeesha, R.; Chaithrashree, B. N.; Harish, J.; Manoj Kumar, H. B.; Kumar, KMH; Shymalamma, S.Plant extracts constitutes versatile phytochemicals which can be substituted with commercial synthetic chemicals to inhibit the growth of pathogens. In this study, the methanol and aqueous extracts of guava, jackfruit, tulsi, peppermint and eucalyptus leaves were evaluated in-vitro against Aspergillus niger and Fusarium solani isolated from Pomegranate and Guava respectively. Plant extracts were prepared using Soxhlet apparatus and condensed the extract by rotary evaporation. Highest yield was obtained in methanol plant extracts compared to aqueous extract, as it causes differences in the polarity of the extraction which leads to wide variation in the level of bioactive compounds in the extract. Poison food technique was used to test the antifungal activity of plant extracts. Jackfruit leaves methanol extract at 7000ppm showed maximum inhibition of 88.89% and guava leaves aqueous extract at 3000ppm showed minimum inhibition of 48.15% against Aspergillus niger. In case of Fusarium solani maximum inhibition was observed in jackfruit leaves methanol extract at 7000ppm of 87.89% and minimum inhibition was recorded in eucalyptus leaves aqueous extract of 57.41% at 3000ppm.The qualitative phytochemical screening of selected plant extracts showed various phytochemicals in plant extracts like tannins, phenols, flavonoids, terpenoid, saponin and alkaloid. GC-MS analysis of jackfruit methanol extract showed the presence of 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, 2-hydroxy-1, Octadecanoic acid and Benzene, 1, 2-dimethoxy-4-(1-propenyl). All these findings implied the availability of various phytochemicals might be a source of antifungal agent for inhibition of pathogens and to improve the postharvest quality of fruits.Item Isolation, Characterization and Molecular Identification of Bacteria Associated with Green and Brown Seaweeds(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-11) Saha, S; Kumar, SH; Nayak, BB; Lekshmi, M.Aims: The co-existence of bacterial communities along with macroalgae in marine environment develops a mutualistic relationship resulting in functional advantages for both the groups. The present research studied the composition of epiphytic bacteria associated with green (Ulva spp.) and brown seaweeds (Sargassum spp. and Padina spp.) sampled off Maharashtra coast, India, and their physiological and bioactive properties. Study Design: Green and brown seaweeds were collected from three locations along Maharashtra coast and analyzed for the associated bacteria. Place and Duration of Study: Seaweed samples analyzed in this study were from Kelwa, Manori and Ratnagiri along the Maharashtra coast. The analysis was performed during June to September 2021. Methodology: Bacteria from freshly collected seaweed samples were homogenized in saline, 10-fold serially diluted and plated on Zobell marine agar. Distinct colonies were selected and identified by a series of biochemical tests, followed by partial 16SrRNA gene sequencing. The physiological characteristics of the isolated bacteria were studied by screening for temperature and salinity tolerance, production of protease, lipase, agarose, amylase and biosurfactants. Results: The total seaweed bacterial count ranged from 4.5 ×103 to 2.9 × 104 CFU/g. Seventy-seven bacteria were isolated, 44 (57.14%) and 33 (42.85%) isolates from green and brown seaweeds respectively. The 16SrRNA sequencing of 20 representative isolates revealed the dominance of Bacillus spp., followed by Vibrio spp. Growth at 0°C was exhibited by all bacteria except Bacillus tequilensis, Bacillus altitudinis, Oceanobacillus iheyensis and one isolate of Vibrio spp. A majority of the isolates grew at 45°C. Vibrio spp. exhibited protease, amylase, gelatinase, and agarase activities, whereas the biosurfactant activity was commonly associated with Bacillus spp. Conclusion: The results of this study illustrate the occurrence of seaweed-associated beneficial bacteria exhibiting bioactive properties with potential biomedical applications.Item Evaluation of Multi-antibiotic Resistance Index (MAR) and Molecular Characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated in Pathological Products from Chad(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-11) Ahmat, AM; Oumar, DA; Abdoullahi, HO; Hama, C; Yandai, FH; Gamougam, K; Tidjani, A; Aly, S; Ouchemi, C.Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium present in several ecological niches causing opportunistic infections in humans. In developing countries like Chad, this bacteria is responsible for various human pathologies. High-priority pathogens, such as Salmonella and Shigella, represent a particularly heavy burden in low- and middle-income countries, as do Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, which pose serious problems in health centers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the multi-antibiotic resistance index and to carry out a molecular characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated in pathological products from Chad using by rep-PCR (GTG)5. Antibiotic resistance phenotypes were obtained by interpreting the results of our previous study on antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from human infections in N'Djamena, Chad. In this study, two phenotypes were obtained that is XDR and MDR. Thus, 24/36 of strains came from urine and 29/36 strains were MDR. The multi-antibiotic resistance (MAR) indexes varied from 0.33 to 0.86. The rep-PCR allowed good discrimination of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains in this study. These isolates were grouped based on characteristic bands appearing in their genetic fingerprint profiles. In this study, Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from urinary tract infections and pus were classified as XDR and MDR type strains.Item Evolution of the Resistance Profile of Klebsiella Species to Antibiotics Over Ten Years at the Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital, Cameroon(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-11) Chafa, AB; Mbamyah, EL; Kamdjo, CS; Abange, WB; L., YNC; Teudjieu, AD; Ekanga, GN; Enyime, FN; Gonsu, HK.Aims: This study aimed to study the resistance profile of Klebsiella species to antibiotics, highlighting their resistance phenotypes at the Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital (YUTH). Study Design: We carried out a retrospective and prospective study. Place and Duration of Study: Bacteriology unit, Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital, from January 2010 to December 2020. Methodology: Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusions method on Muller Hinton agar according to the AST committee of the French Society of Microbiology (CASFM, 2020). The data was digitized and analyzed using descriptive statistics to understand the antibiotic resistance patterns of Klebsiella species. Results: During this study, we identified 589 strains of Klebsiella species. Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumoniae was the most frequent sub-specie identified (64.69%). Blood and urine specimens were the samples that were frequently encountered. Children under 10 and adults over 60 were the most infected groups of patients. The majority of the samples analysed came respectively from the Intensive Care Units (21.22%), Paediatrics (14.60%), and Medicine (12.56%). The Klebsiella species isolated showed a high resistance rate to beta-lactams (72%), phenolics (62.30%), and quinolones (60.41%). Over the years, we have observed a gradual decline in the resistance rate to aminoglycosides, going from 87.80% in 2010 to 11.11% in 2020 with amikacin, which remains the most active. Resistance to colistin, which is one of the last therapeutic resort antibiotics, showed very alarming resistance rates of 63.63% with low rates in 2016 (0%) and 25% in 2018. Klebsiella species retained good sensitivity to the piperacillin-tazobactam, as well as to imipenem and nitrofurantoin with low resistance rates for these last two antibiotics (8.33% and 15% respectively). Conclusion: Based on our findings, which indicate a significant level of resistance among Klebsiella species to commonly prescribe antibiotics, it is crucial for both the health authorities in Cameroon and specifically at the YUTH to take prompt actions.Item Optimizing Irrigation Scheduling to Enhance Nutrient Uptake and Soil Microbial Activity in Linseed Cultivation (Linum usitatissimum L.)(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-11) Hireholi, G; Patil, DH; Rathod, PS; Pampanagouda; Manjunatha, N; Ananda, N.Linseed crop cultivated under residual moisture and water scarcity conditions in rabi season. To improve the productivity of linseed irrigation water is applied at different stages of crop. So, to optimize the irrigation scheduling and enhance the nutrient uptake and soil microbial activity, this experiment was conducted at Main Agriculture Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur (which comes under North Eastern Dry zone of Karnataka) (India) during rabi 2023-24. The experiment was carried out with Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments and four replications. The results revealed that, pre sowing irrigation fb three irrigations at vegetative stage (30-35 DAS), flowering stage (40-45 DAS) and capsule development stage (60-65 DAS) (T4) recorded significantly higher nutrient uptake by linseed crop (46.07, 19.87 and 39.83 NPK kg ha-1). The rainfed condition treatment (T5) recorded significantly lower nutrient uptake by the crop (19.35, 8.15 and 18.40 NPK kg ha-1). Among the different treatments, pre sowing irrigation fb three irrigations at vegetative stage (30-35 DAS), flowering stage (40-45 DAS) and capsule development stage (60-65 DAS) recorded significantly higher soil microbial population of bacteria (16.1 X 106 cfu g-1 of soil), fungi (13.8 X 104 cfu g-1 of soil) and actinomycetes (6.8 X 103 cfu g-1 of soil) as compared to other treatments. The soil enzymatic activity was significantly influenced by scheduling of irrigation at different growth stages in linseed. At harvest among the different treatments, pre sowing irrigation fb three irrigations at vegetative stage (30-35 DAS), flowering stage (40-45 DAS) and capsule development stage (60-65 DAS) recorded significantly higher dehydrogenase, urease and alkaline phosphatase activity (18.63 ?g TPF g-1 soil day-1, 22.5 ?g NH4-N g-1 soil hr-1 and 14.4 µg PNP g-1 soil hr-1, respectively).Item Selected Actinomycetes as Potential Biostimulant of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L) in Mali(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-11) Kassogué, A; Diallo, M; Mallé, I; Ouédraogo, PW; Diallo, KA; Diakité, B; Doumbia, B; Babana, AH.Aims: This study aims to formulate at least one efficient biostimulant based on actinomycetes that promotes good eggplant growth in Mali. Study Design: The experimental design was a completely randomized block design with three replications and four treatments randomly distributed. The treatments were three Actinomycete strains (Act, S1 and St1) and a non inoculated control and the mode of application (inoculation or spraying) of these treatments were considered as blocking factor. Place and Duration of Study: The trials were conducted in Bamako, in the Greenhouse of the LaboREM-Biotech situated on the colline of Badalabougou. Methodology: Eggplant seeds inoculated or not with Actinomyces sp. Ts1, Actinomyces sp. S1 and Actinomyces sp. Act; were randomly sown in plastic pots filled with approximately 2.50 kg of air-dried soil. The first block sown with coated seeds and the second with non-inoculated seeds and seedlings from them pulverized. Leaf length, leaf area, leaf diameter, leaf area, leaf fresh weight, leaf dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight, plant height and root length were determined. Results: Eggplant seed inoculated with all the tested Actinomycetes strains had significantly enhanced leaf length, leaf diameter, leaf area, leaves fresh weight. The highest results were obtained with the strain Act, followed by strain St1. Sprayed treatment improved eggplant leaf length, leaf diameter, leaf area, leaves fresh weight, leaves dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight; compared to the coated treatment Conclusion: Field application of actinomyctes may reduce production cost, by increasing eggplant growth and fruit yield while reducing production cost. The present work showed that Act and Ts1 using spray method were best suited for eggplant. Actinomyces sp. Act produced the highest leaf length, leaf diameter, leaf area, leaves fresh weight. Therefore, Actinomyces sp. Act is suggested as bioinoculant for eggplant.Item Assessment of the Bacteriological Quality of Drilling Water in the 8th District of the City of N'Djamena (Chad)(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-10) Allamine, HM; Nazal, AM; Allamine, YM; Kanika, MA; Mahamat, O.Study is to evaluate the bacteriological quality of borehole water consumed by residents of the 8th district of the city of N'Djamena. Twenty (20) samples were taken and sent to the National Water Laboratory for the research of microbiological parameters. Four microbiological parameters were evaluated: Total coliforms, Escherichia coli, Fecal enterococcus and Salmonella spp. The technique used for this analysis is spreading and membrane filtration. The average values obtained in the samples are 0.338 10 4 CFU/100 ml for total coliforms, 0.319 10 3 CFU/100 ml for Escherichia coli, 33.33 CFU/100 ml for fecal Enterococcus and 1.385 10 4 CFU/100 ml Salmonella spp . The results of these analyses, considering the tolerance threshold set by the drinking water standards in Chad, showed that these averages largely exceed the recommended standards for drinking water. These waters must be treated and the environments of water points improved for consumption without impact.Item Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of MALDI-TOF for the Identification of Waterborne Pathogenic Bacteria(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-11) Pascale, TAM; Rosine, YD; Sabine, VN; Eric, YK; Julien, CK.The study focuses on the application of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) combined with MALDI-TOF MS (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry) for the identification of waterborne pathogenic bacteria in urban water networks. In this comprehensive research, 168 bacterial strains were meticulously isolated from the water networks of Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, a region known for its inadequate wastewater treatment infrastructure. The analysis aimed to rapidly and precisely identify these bacterial pathogens, leveraging the power of MALDI-TOF MS and the sophisticated data reduction capabilities of PCA. This approach not only accelerates the identification process but also enhances the accuracy of detecting various pathogens. The study identified a diverse range of pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio cholerae, Morganella morganii, Proteus mirabilis, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Providencia rettgeri, Providencia stuartii, Aeromonas hydrophila, Bacillus cereus, Lysinibacillus fusiformis, Lysinibacillus sphaericus, and Staphylococcus aureus. These findings underscore the critical public health risks posed by microbial contamination in water networks, particularly in areas with deficient waste management systems. This study highlights the necessity for improved wastewater management practices, robust public health strategies, and regular monitoring to mitigate the risks associated with waterborne pathogens. Moreover, the integration of PCA with MALDI-TOF MS proves to be a powerful tool for enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of pathogen identification in environmental water samples, offering a promising solution for better public health protection and water quality management in urban settings.Item Microbial Ecology of Denitrification Process and Its Application in Wastewater: Treatment, Challenges and Opportunities(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-11) Shakeel, A; M.Khan, I; IMRAN, G; Krishnaveni, SA; G, Malathi; Devi, TS; Kannan, TS; Andleeb, S; Kalaimani, PS; Krishnaveni, A.Denitrification is a crucial microbial process in the nitrogen cycle, transforming nitrate (NO??) into nitrogen gas (N?), thereby mitigating nitrogen pollution in aquatic ecosystems. This microbial activity plays a vital role in wastewater treatment by removing excess nitrogen, which contributes to eutrophication and water contamination. The denitrification process involves various microbial communities, including bacteria such as Pseudomonas, Paracoccus, and Bacillus, which operate under anoxic conditions to achieve nitrogen reduction, an optimizing denitrification in wastewater treatment presents several challenges, such as maintaining ideal environmental conditions (e.g., carbon availability, oxygen levels, pH) and overcoming issues related to incomplete denitrification, which can lead to the production of harmful intermediates like nitrous oxide (N?O). Despite these hurdles, recent advancements in microbial ecology, such as the use of biofilms, bioreactors, and genetic engineering, offer promising opportunities to enhance denitrification efficiency. This review explores the microbial ecology of the denitrification process, its application in wastewater treatment, and the challenges and opportunities associated with its practical implementation in reducing nitrogen pollution.Item Detection of H. pylori from Stool Samples of Patients Attending a Government Hospital in Port-Harcourt Using Antigenic Screening and Culture-Based Techniques(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-11) O. O., Maureen; N. P., Akani; T., Sampson.Background: Helicobacter pylori is well-known among other bacteria causing ulcers, stomach cancer and other forms of gastrointestinal infections in developing countries. Aim: This research was designed to investigate the prevalence of H. pylori infection among patients attending a Government Hospital in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria. Methodology: One hundred and five (105) stool samples of individuals comprising of 48 males and 57 females were studied. The samples were investigated for H. pylori using H. pylori stool antigen (HpSA) test kit. In addition, culture-based isolation was done using Columbia agar plus 10% horse blood, supplemented with antibiotics (amphotericin B, vancomycin, trimethoprim and ceftazidime). Results: Out of 105 samples screened, 56 (53.3%) tested positive for both antigenic screening and culture-based techniques while 49 (46.7%) tested negative for both. Positive isolates were phenotypically characterized by colony morphology, Gram stain, and biochemical reactions and a total of 19 isolates were suspected to be H. pylori. The result indicated that H. pylori detection was relatively low in male (21.9%) compared to female (31.4%) using antigenic screening. However, the culture-based technique yielded low recovery in male (2.9%) compared to female (4.7%), making the detection of infection high among the female than the male. Age group prevalence increased with age, recording infections within age group ?31 (20.0%) followed by 26-30, (12.3%) and lowest in age group 21-25 (10.5%) and below using antigenic screening. while in culture-based technique, age group 26-30, (3.8%) followed by ?31 (3.8%) yielding low recovery, while age group 21-25 and below had 0 recovery. There was no significant difference (P?0.05) among the different genders and age groups sampled Conclusion: This study revealed a high level of H. pylori infection among the female than the male population sampled. To reduce the detection rates, regular screening, treatment and public health awareness campaign should be developed for the control, elimination and prevention of H. pylori infection.Item Effect of Neem Oil in Combination with Propiconazole and Organic Amendments on Anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-10) Swati; Lal, AA.The cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an annual herbaceous legume from the genus Vigna. Anthracnoses (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) is a serious disease in cowpea growing areas and occurs as pre-harvest as well as post-harvest brown to black spots appear on the leaves. Neem oil at different concentrations (0.5%, 1%,1.5%, and 2%) along with Propiconazole were tested @ 0.1% in vivo during Kharif 2023 for their efficacy against disease incidence, plant growth and yield parameters of Cowpea at the Central Research Field of the Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. The results of the present investigation revealed that it significantly reduced the disease incidence. Among the treatments the minimum disease intensity (%) at 75 DAS was recorded in T5 – Neem oil (2 ml/L) + Propiconazole 25 EC (0.1%) + VC@10gm/kg +SMC@10gm/kg (Foliar spray) was found to be significantly most effective treatment against Anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) on Cowpea and recorded minimum disease intensity (%) at 30, 45, 60 and 75 DAS, maximum plant height (cm), maximum number of branches, maximum yield (t/ha) and highest B:C ratio. The findings of the present experiment are limited to one crop season under Prayagraj agro-climatic conditions, as such to validate the present findings; more such experiments should be carried out in the future.Item Gene Editing for Disease Resistance in Crops: Success Stories and Challenges(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-09) M, MSI; Kiran, NR; Thottempudi, K; Yadav, A; Vinothini, R; Mundhe, AK; Mote, MS; M, Shankar.Gene editing has emerged as a transformative tool in modern agriculture, offering new avenues for enhancing disease resistance in crops. By precisely modifying the DNA of plants, scientists can develop varieties that are better equipped to withstand the onslaught of pathogens, which pose significant threats to global food security. This article delves into the success stories and challenges associated with gene editing for disease resistance in crops, with a focus on technologies like CRISPR-Cas9, TALENs, and ZFNs. One of the major success stories in this field is the development of disease-resistant varieties of wheat, rice, and tomatoes. For instance, researchers have used CRISPR-Cas9 to create wheat varieties resistant to powdery mildew, a devastating fungal disease. Similarly, gene editing has enabled the development of rice strains with enhanced resistance to bacterial blight, a disease that can lead to significant yield losses. In tomatoes, gene editing has been employed to confer resistance against the Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus, which severely affects tomato production worldwide. These achievements underscore the potential of gene editing to create crops that are not only more resilient but also capable of maintaining high yields under disease pressure. However, the application of gene editing in crop disease resistance is not without challenges. One of the primary concerns is the regulatory landscape, which varies significantly across different countries. While some nations have embraced gene-edited crops, others have imposed strict regulations, treating them similarly to genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This inconsistency can hinder the global deployment of disease-resistant crops and create trade barriers. Additionally, there are concerns related to off-target effects, where unintended changes in the genome may occur, potentially leading to unintended consequences in the plant's growth or ecological interactions.Item Assessing the Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Bovine Brucellosis in Meghalaya, North-east India(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-10) Kylla, H; Dkhar, L; Dkhar, LR; Basaiawmoit, E; Warjri, I; Sumer, E.Aim: A cross-sectional prevalence study was conducted from 2015 to 2018 in Meghalaya state (India) to determine prevalence of bovine brucellosis by serological tests such as Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), Indirect ELISA (iELISA) and Milk Ring Test (MRT). Materials and Methods: Serum samples were collected from 3193 cattle aged 1 year to 12 years and screened for Brucella antibodies using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Indirect ELISA (iELISA). The samples were collected from both male and female cattle reared in organized farms and smaller private holdings. Individual milk samples (n=896) from representative dairy cattle were screened for brucellosis using the Milk Ring Test (MRT). Results: The iELISA revealed a serum positivity rate of 9.89% while the RBPT detected a positive rate of 9.33%. The prevalence rate was higher in females (12.32%) compared to males (2.21%). Cattle aged 1-4 showed higher susceptibility (11.66%) than other age groups. Higher prevalence were detected from organized farms maintaining high number of animals (13.09%) compared to smaller private holdings (9.02%). Cattle with a history of abortion and related clinical symptoms also had a higher and significant association with sero-positivity. The MRT indicated a high positivity of 17.29% among sampled dairy cattle. Conclusion: Brucellosis is prevalent in the hilly state of Meghalaya, India. This study insight into the prevalence of bovine brucellosis in the state highlighting potential risk factors for transmission to human. The high prevalence of brucellosis highlights the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and control measures in Meghalaya such as implementing targeted vaccination programs of all eligible female calves and intense information education campaign (IEC) to all the farmers and general public which could significantly reduce the disease's impact.Item Plant-derived Bioactive Compounds and Their Mechanistic Roles in Combating Microbial Biofilms(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-09) Nwafor, IR; Alhassan, Y; Udoh, JI; Odanibeh, D; Oyaniyi, J; Efoli-Bam, VK; Azubuike, EO; Ojobor, J-FC; Nwokafor, CV.Biofilms are a group of microorganisms that exist on living or non-living surfaces, embedded within extracellular matrices produced by microbial cells. They primarily cause antimicrobial resistance and treatment failure in clinical settings. Biofilms resist conventional antimicrobials because of their polymicrobial nature, ability to evade host immune detection, and increased tolerance to antimicrobial agents. Consequently, considerable attention is given to finding alternative anti-biofilm agents. Medicinal plants contain diverse biologically active compounds reported to possess antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities. This review elucidates the mechanisms of action of plant-derived bioactive compounds (alkaloids, tannins, indoles, terpenes, and flavonoids) on in vitro microbial biofilms, shedding light on their ability to disrupt and prevent biofilm formation. Additionally, the review emphasizes current and future research directions for these phytochemicals, including synergism with conventional antibiotics and advanced drug delivery systems for treating and eradicating biofilm-associated infections.Item Evaluating Cattle Farmers' Awareness of Lumpy Skin Disease: Insights on Transmission, Prevention, and Control in Tiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu, India(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-10) R., Hariharan; Nallusamy, M; S., Alimudeen; Nehru, BS; Kumar, P. KS; O, BP; Kailas, P.The present study aimed to evaluate the level of awareness among cattle farmers about Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), including its general aspects, transmission, and preventive measures, in the Tiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu. The study involved 218 cattle farmers who visited the various Veterinary Dispensaries in Tiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu. Data were collected through personal interviews using a pre-tested and semi-structured interview schedule. The level of awareness was assessed based on the mean scores obtained from the respondents. The findings revealed that while respondents demonstrated a higher level of awareness regarding LSD affecting cattle, they lacked knowledge about viral diseases that cause abortion in dairy animals. Respondents showed greater awareness about the 'introduction of infected animals into the herd.' Still, they had less awareness about the role of 'contaminated feed and water' in disease transmission, as well as the movement of cattle and the impact of ticks, mosquitoes, and flies in transmitting the disease. Concerning preventive and control measures, respondents were more aware that vaccination is an effective method for controlling LSD but had less awareness regarding the role of fomites in transmitting the LSD virus between animals and the effectiveness of controlling ticks, flies, and mosquitoes in disease prevention. "Social media was identified as one of the significant sources of information for farmers. However, it needs to be streamlined to ensure the dissemination of accurate and scientific information about the disease, facilitating more effective disease prevention and control."Item Enhancing Crop Productivity with Biofertilizers: Exploring Multifunctional Benefits(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-09) Darjee, S; Alekhya, G; S, Sudarshan; Padhan, SR; Rajareddy, G; Baishya, M; Dash, AK.The increasing demand for food production, combined with the environmental degradation caused by conventional farming practices, has prompted a shift towards sustainable agriculture. Biofertilizers, consisting of living microorganisms such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, and mycorrhizal fungi, offer a promising solution to enhance crop productivity while minimizing environmental impacts. This article explores the multifunctional benefits of biofertilizers, including their role in nutrient supplementation, soil structure improvement, disease suppression, and abiotic stress tolerance. Biofertilizers contribute to sustainable farming by improving nutrient availability, enhancing soil health, and promoting plant resilience to environmental stresses. The integration of biofertilizers into agricultural practices represents a crucial step towards achieving sustainable crop production, restoring soil health, and securing food systems for future generations.Item In-vitro Antifungal Activity of Ethanol Plant Extracts of Moringa oleifera, Vernonia amygdalina and Ocimum gratissimum against Some Clinical Candida Species(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-10) Ezeadila, JO; Uba, CC; Udemezue, OI; Ilo, PC; Orji, CC; Anene, CC.Vaginal candidiasis, primarily caused by microorganisms belonging to the Candida genus, is a common fungal infection prevalent among millions of women worldwide and can lead to significant morbidity. The treatment of Candida infections has often relied on antifungal drugs such as azoles and echinocandins. However, the emergence of resistance among Candida species to these drugs poses a significant challenge to effective treatment. This study was, thus, aimed at evaluating the in vitro antifungal activity of ethanol extracts of some selected medicinal plants against Candida species isolated from high vaginal swabs of some women attending a hospital in Enugu State, Nigeria. Six (6) isolates resistant to three or more commercial antifungal drugs were selected for this study. These isolates include Candida tropicalis (2), Candida albicans (2), Candida Parapsilosis (1) and Candida krusei (1). The plants used were Moringa oleifera leaves, Vernonia amygdalina and Ocimum gratissimum. The leaves were dried, pulverized and 300g of each was extracted using ethanol in a Soxhlet extractor at 70°C for 6hrs. The concentrated extract of each plant was reconstituted in Dimethyl sulfoxide and different concentrations of 400 mg/ml, 200 mg/ml, 100 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, 25 mg/ml and 12.25 mg/ml were obtained using double fold serial dilution. The susceptibility of the Candida species to the ethanol plant extracts was carried out using the agar well diffusion method. The results showed that the Extract of Moringa oleifera had the highest inhibition zone diameter (19 mm) at 200 mg/ml against resistant Candida albicans1, followed by the extract of Vernonia amygdalina and Ocimum gratissimum with inhibition zone diameters of 18.67 mm and 18 mm at 100 mg/ml and 200 mg/ml respectively. Candida tropicalis1 was sensitive to all the plant extracts at all concentrations, while Candida parapsilosis was resistant to the extract of Ocimum gratissimum at all concentrations. The activity of the extracts of Moringa oleifera and Ocimum gratissimum against Candida tropicalis1 was concentration dependent. This study also revealed that Candida krusei was resistant to all the extracts of the plants at the highest concentration of 200 mg/ml. The antifungal activities of these plant extracts implies these plants have great therapeutic potential that can be harnessed. This study, thus, recommends that these plants be investigated further for possible use in the formulation of antifungal drugs especially, against those diseases caused by Candida species that have developed resistance to the commonly used antifungal drugs.Item Biocontrol of Spoilage in Avocado (Percea americana Mill) Using Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis BT2(Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2024-09) Koffi, YF; N’cho, M; Tehua, AA; Loukou, OA; Alloue-Boraud, WAM.The avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is a dicotyledonous plant of the Lauraceae family. It is a fruit rich in nutrients, which has many benefits for human health. It is especially appreciated for its taste quality. However, post-harvest diseases of avocados due to fungal attacks are one of the main constraints on conservation and marketing in Côte d’Ivoire. The aim is to achieve biological control of avocado spoilage fungal strains during post-harvest conservation using Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis BT2. Thus, 200 sampled lawyers were used for this study. Identification of the fruit spoilage fungal flora on PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar) medium, pathogenicity tests, antagonism and biocontrol tests using P. fluorescens and B.subtilis BT2 were carried out. The results obtained made it possible to identify six (6) fungal genera on spoiled avocados including Colletotrichum, Botryodiplodia, Absidia, Rhizopus, Alternaria and Aspergillus. The respective isolation frequencies were 42.03%, 22.70%, 15.46%, 8.21%, 5.8% and 5.8%. Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens presented inhibition rates of these fungal genera which vary from 38.72±2.21% to 65.17±0.72% for B. subtilis BT2 and from 44.05±3.25% at 66.51±0.71% for P. fluorescens. Also, these two bacteria inhibited the growth of these spoilage fungi in vivo. The protection tests of healthy avocado fruits with the supernatant of P. fluorescens and B.subtilis BT2 made it possible to preserve the avocado fruits for eight days without any alteration of the pulp. The results of this study therefore made it possible to highlight the effectiveness of P. fluorescens and B. subtilis BT2 as good biocontrol agents for the conservation of avocado fruits in Côte d'Ivoire.