Microbiology and Biotechnology Research: An Overview Vol. 4

Inhibition of Bacterial Growth on Cotton Fabric Using Mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) Extracts

2025-07-11T08:28:45+00:00

Textiles and fibrous materials are usually subjected to various finishing techniques before being provided for their users, and to provide protection for the textiles from biodegradation. The present study investigated the effects of the aqueous extracts of mesquite on the growth and survival of two bacteria. Bacterial isolates of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus were obtained from the Food Microbiology Laboratory and grown in nutrient agar medium. A 48-hour-old culture of both E. coli and S. aureus, on plates containing an NA medium, was used for the preparation of the inoculum. The results of the study showed that the aqueous extracts of the different plant parts of mesquite were highly effective in suppressing bacterial growth. However, the aqueous extracts were more effective against the Gram-positive bacterium (Staphylococcus aureus) compared to the Gram-negative bacterium (E. coli). Extracts of the mesquite plant were also effective in decreasing the survival ability of the two tested bacteria on cotton fabrics, although the effects were more pronounced against the Gram-positive bacterium (Staphylococcus aureus). From the present study, it could be concluded that mesquite extracts are able to inhibit growth and reduce the survival of the Gram-positive bacteria on cotton fabrics and can be used as an alternative to antibiotics.

Emerging Gene and Cell Therapy Strategies for Rare Pediatric Genetic Disorders

2025-07-11T08:32:56+00:00

Gene therapy in paediatrics is an innovative treatment approach for addressing various genetic disorders that present in childhood. Gene and cell therapies have been developed and approved for a growing number of pediatric diseases, with ongoing research for additional innovative treatment options for the future. Each therapy is tailored to the specific disease and targets a specific genetic alteration or cell population. The development of new therapies is a complex and regulated process, with strict oversight at regional and European levels. Gene therapy has three facets such as, gene silencing using siRNA, shRNA and miRNA; gene addition introducing a functional gene that contains instructions for the cell to produce a specific protein; and finally gene editing based therapy where mutations are modified using specific nucleases such as zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and clustered regulatory interspaced short tandem repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas)-associated nucleases. This review explores the emerging gene and cell therapy strategies for rare pediatric genetic disorders. The success of gene therapy in treating genetic diseases depends on understanding the specific characteristics and function of the relevant gene, the genetic changes that cause disease, and the regulatory systems that affect gene expression. Rare pediatric neurogenetic diseases typically manifest early in life, lack specific treatment options, have high mortality rates, and present a significant threat to children's health and survival. A one-time genetic approach is desirable in many rare pediatric diseases and has been established only in a few pediatric diseases to date. Rare genetic diseases in childhood are an important factor as a healthcare concern due to high costs for the healthcare system, especially in gene therapy.

TaqMan-Based Real-Time PCR for Diagnosis of Multiple Tick-Transmitted Diseases among the Bovine Population in Thrissur and Wayanad Districts, Kerala State, India

2025-07-11T08:36:54+00:00

TaqMan PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a type of real-time PCR, and it uses a nucleic-acid probe complementary to an internal segment of the target DNA. The present study aimed to use TaqMan-based qualitative Real Time PCR (qPCR) as an aid in accurate and confirmatory diagnosis up to species level for multiple tick-transmitted pathogens affecting the bovine population. Conventional diagnostic methods based on microscopy will not be sufficient to identify multiple tick-transmitted pathogens, pathogens having similar infective stages and their identification up to species level. A total of 60 peripheral blood samples in EDTA were collected randomly from five different private cattle farms in Wayanad and Thrissur districts, Kerala state. Peripheral blood in EDTA was stored at-80°C until usage and processed for preparation of template DNA as per the protocols described in the High Pure PCR template preparation kit. Primer efficiency testing was conducted by plotting a standard curve. Custom-synthesised positive clone in pUGM plasmid (with initial concentration 95ng/µl for A. phagocytophilum, and 10ng/µl for others) was used for primer efficiency testing and standardisation of cycling conditions. The average Ct value observed for 38 positive samples for the Theileria genus was 12.79 cycles, ranging from 4.1 to 36.19 cycles. The average Ct value observed for 31 positive samples for M. haemocanis was 22.42 cycles, ranging from 2.66 to 37.6 cycles. The average Ct value observed for 22 positive samples for P. multocida was 20.20 cycles, ranging from 2.74 to 35.72 cycles. Lower Ct/Cq values corresponded to a greater amount of initial template. In most of the tick-transmitted diseases among the bovine population presented for treatment, P. multocida is causing severe problems as a secondary pathogen; the reason may be attributed to suppression of adaptive immune response by the primary tick-transmitted pathogens. This data should give an insight while planning mass vaccination strategies for bovine population in the state of Kerala; by Department of Animal Husbandry because a cock tail of tick transmitted pathogens in a single animal will interfere with the future sero conversion and duration of immunity.

Clinical Profile and Serogrouping of Beta-Haemolytic Streptococci in South India: A Prospective Study

2025-07-11T08:41:10+00:00

Beta-hemolytic streptococci (BHS) are significant human pathogens linked to a wide range of diseases affecting individuals of all ages and health conditions. Beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections vary in severity, ranging from minor, self-limiting conditions to serious, life-threatening diseases. Infections are mainly caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A streptococci), Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B streptococci), and, less frequently, Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis, SDSE (Groups C and G streptococci). BHS is the most causative agent of pharyngitis, tonsillitis and pyogenic skin infections, to severe invasive conditions like necrotising fasciitis and meningitis. Though Group A is more predominant streptococci causing disease, Group B, Group C Streptococcus (GCS), Group G Streptococcus (GGS) Group F Streptococci are emerging pathogens. Development of antibiotic resistance among them is a major concern now. Beta-hemolytic streptococci resistance to recommended antimicrobial agents has been reported in recent decades. This study aimed to determine the serogroup of beta-hemolytic Streptococci causing infection and the antibiotic resistance pattern. This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, JSS Hospital, from January 2017 to December 2017. Based on standard biochemical tests, beta-hemolytic Streptococci were identified, and serogrouping was done using a commercial latex test kit. Antibiotic susceptibility was performed as per CLSI guidelines. Among 120 beta-hemolytic Streptococci isolated, 63 consecutive beta-hemolytic Streptococci were subjected to serogrouping. Group A were 35(55.6%), 4 Group B, 9 Group C and F, 5 Group G Streptococci. Among the 63 isolates majority of isolates were from throat swabs, 21(33.3%), followed by pus 18 (28.5%). BHS from sputum were 8 and 7 from endotracheal aspirates. All the isolates were sensitive to penicillin, and 27% of the BHS were resistant to erythromycin. Information regarding the prevalent Streptococci in the local geographical area is of great importance, as non-GAS groups are associated with severe skin and soft tissue infections. Another major concern is antimicrobial resistance among these serogroups. Knowing antibiotic susceptibility patterns helps in selecting an appropriate antibiotic for effective management of these clinical conditions.

Antimicrobial Strategies in Cosmetic Formulation: Ensuring Product Safety and Stability

2025-07-11T08:45:52+00:00

As a result of industrialisation and the rapid development of new components for cosmetics, a number of rules and guidelines have been developed to regulate their usage, protect consumers, assign duties, and allow for claims of adverse effects. Cosmetic products may be exposed to microbial contamination during storage or transport. Cosmetics should be protected from microbial contamination, just like any other product that contains water and organic or inorganic substances, to ensure customer safety and extend their shelf life. The aim of the study is to develop antimicrobial strategies in cosmetic formulation to ensure product safety and stability. The most popular technique involves applying antimicrobial agents, which can be natural or manufactured substances or even multipurpose components. The use of good manufacturing practices (GMPs), raw material management, and appropriate procedures, such as the challenge test, to verify the preservative effect, are the current steps in the validation of a preservation system. Microbiological testing should be performed on each component before use, and any contamination should be removed before mixing. It is recommended that the process water be cooled after boiling for 30 minutes and that sterile water be added to make up for any evaporation loss. Cosmetic products used for the eye area are very sensitive and should be completely free from Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Some microbes considered nonpathogenic may become opportunistic pathogenic. In a stability study, it is indicated that products remained stable up to twelve weeks of study with good antimicrobial activity, so it indicates that long-term use of creams and ointments could bring about the desired purpose of antimicrobial property for daily users.

Evaluating the Role of Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance: A Successful Intervention: Evidence from Hamad Medical Corporation–Qatar

2025-07-15T10:33:04+00:00

Antibiotic resistance is an increasing global problem. Excessive and inappropriate antimicrobial use results in strong selective pressure that facilitates the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. The intensive care units are epicentres for the emergence of antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria because of the high use of antibiotics, prolonged hospital stay, reduced patient immunity, use of medical devices, and the frequent contact between healthcare workers and patients. Surveillance of bacterial resistance is the key element to understand the size of the problem, drive interventions, and measure the effect of these measures. Several reports have linked the use of third-generation cephalosporins with β-lactam resistance in gram-negative bacteria. Several strategies were introduced by the Antibiotic Stewardship Programs to reduce antibiotic resistance, but the efficacy of these interventions is not well studied. The Microbiology Laboratory of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) monitors antimicrobial resistance by continuous surveillance using the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) - currently Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute Interpretive Criteria (CLSI). Surveillance data were released annually and shared with clinicians and policymakers for review of the antibiotic policy and the antibiotic formulary. Several measures were taken, including antibiotic cycling, antibiotic rotation and restriction.

Surveillance data in 2001 showed high-level β-lactam antibiotic resistance and high-level production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) among gram-negative bacteria. As a result, the Hospital Antibiotic Policy Committee decided to withdraw ceftazidime, a third–generation cephalosporin known to be a strong inducer of ESBL, from the hospital formulary. Subsequent resistance surveillance over the following three years in the Medical Intensive Care unit (MICU) demonstrated a gradual drop in the resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli; the commonest isolated gram-negative bacteria from MICU, not only to third and fourth generation cephalosporins, but also to Piperacillin–Tazobactam in spite of the increased use of the latter drug in the MICU.

The study concludes that the selection of resistance is an inevitable consequence of antibiotic usage. Regular surveillance of antimicrobial resistance is essential not only for detecting and monitoring resistance development but also for ensuring that the information gathered is effectively used to guide empirical therapy and inform strategic interventions to prevent the emergence and spread of resistance.

A Guide to Selecting the Right Biological Safety Cabinet (BSCs) for Laboratory Use

2025-07-19T11:56:48+00:00

This article provides a structured approach to Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) selection by evaluating cabinet classes, types, airflow patterns, containment capabilities, and application-specific requirements. BSCs provide a controlled environment to protect personnel and the laboratory setting from exposure to pathogens, ensuring a safe working space. By aligning cabinet choice with biosafety level, work type, and regulatory standards, laboratories can minimise contamination risks and optimise safety outcomes. There are several types of BSCs, each differentiated by the level of biocontainment they provide to meet the requirements of specific biosafety levels. This article further explores various classes of biological safety cabinets, which are already well-known, their unique features, and their applications in different laboratory settings. Furthermore, the paper underscores the need for informed equipment selection to ensure laboratory safety and compliance with institutional and international biosafety guidelines.

Evaluation of the Resistance of Five Tomato Varieties to Bacterial Wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) under the Agro-climatic Conditions of Katibougou

2025-07-19T12:00:31+00:00

The objective of this research is to contribute to the improvement of tomato productivity in Mali. Tomatoes remain one of the most widely grown vegetable crops in the world. It is the most consumed vegetable in the world after potatoes. However, its production faces enormous difficulties such as the extreme poverty of the soil, the low technicality of the producers, the high pest pressure and the scarcity of high-performance varieties. Of these, bacterial wilt is an important factor, as it causes a huge loss of production on average if left unchecked. A study was carried out on the evaluation of the resistance of five varieties of tomato (Anaya, Raja, Tingal, Mona and Petomek) to bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) in the agro-climatic conditions of Katibougou. The experimental device used was the Fisher block with three (03) repetitions to five (05) treatments. The analysis of biometric observations shows that the Raja variety had the largest diameter at the collar with 12.13 cm at the 60^th day after transplanting, the highest number of leaves at 40.1, it also gave the highest number of branches with 9.8 and also the greatest height of the plants with 82.5 cm. Regarding the incidence of bacterial wilt, the Petomek variety (T5) had the highest percentage with 73%, followed by the Anaya variety (T1) which had 70%. As for the severity, a total of three (03) observations were made, the analysis of variance showed a significant difference between the levels of variation, the Petomek variety (T5) had the highest score with 85.9%, followed by the Anaya variety (T1) which recorded 84.4% and finally the Tingal (T3) and Mona (T4) varieties had the lowest scores 24.4%. In terms of yield, the Tingal variety had the best yield with 45.83 t/ha, followed by the Mona variety with 39.46 t/ha. Finally, the Anaya and Petomek treatments gave the lowest yields with 21.66 t/ha and 20.55 t/ha, respectively.

Inhibitory Effects of Atractylodin and β-eudesmol, the Major Constituents of Atractylodes lancea, on P-glycoprotein and Permeability Across Caco-2 Cells

2025-07-19T12:04:49+00:00

Objectives: Atractylodin and β-eudesmol are the two active constituents of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) D.C. (AL), which has been demonstrated in a series of in vitro and in vivo studies for its potential activities against cholangiocarcinoma. The objective of the study was to investigate membrane permeability properties and effects on the efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) using the Caco-2 cell line.

Methods: The Caco-2 cell monolayer's integrity was evaluated by measuring trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and permeation (P_app) of Lucifer yellow across the cell monolayer. The effects of atractylodin and β-eudesmol on P-gp were determined by measuring interference with the transport of the P-gp transport (Rhodamine 123: R123), and their modulatory effects on MDR-1 mRNA were detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Key Findings: The P_app values of atractylodin (50-200 µM) from apical to basolateral (A-B) and basolateral to apical (B-A) directions were 0.02-0.03×10^-6 and 0.06-0.08×10^-6 cm/sec, respectively, with the efflux ratios ranging from 2.5 to 2.9. The corresponding P_app values of β-eudesmol (50-200 µM) were 0.87-0.91×10^-6 and 2.97-3.95×10^-6 cm/sec, respectively, with the efflux ratios ranging from 3.24 to 4.63. Neither compounds were not inhibitors of P-gp and did not affect P-gp-mediated R123 transport across the Caco-2 cell monolayer. β-Eudesmol did not affect the function of P-glycoprotein and MDR-1 mRNA expression, while exposure to atractylodin at high concentration (320 µM) for 48 h induced P-gp at both gene and function levels.

Conclusions: Atractylodin and β-eudesmol exhibit low permeability across the Caco-2 cell monolayer in both directions, which is attributed to the efflux transport of both compounds into the cells. Inadequate concentrations of both compounds in the target cells may limit the clinical use of AL in patients with cholangiocarcinoma.

Pilot Study on the Usefulness of Crude Extract from Spirometra erinacei in Serodiagnosis of Human Sparganosis

2025-07-19T12:09:28+00:00

Sparganosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by the larvae (spargana) of the genus Spirometra, which is worldwide distributed. More than 60 species of Spirometra have been identified, and over 2000 cases have been reported. A seroepidemiologic examination for the detection of anti-Spirometra erinacei in serum was carried out in normal inhabitants in Babati district, Tanzania. Sera were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the antibodies. Antigen of adult Spirometra was extracted by using the Bradford assay method (1976). The extract was used as an antigen, and specific antibody levels in sparganosis sera reacted positively. Sera of 31 inhabitants from Babati were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Out of 31 participants' sera, 19 (61.3%) reacted positively to crude extracts of adult Spirometra. This result showed that crude extracts of adult S. erinacei could be used as a diagnostic antigen of human sparganosis.

Comparative Analysis of Mentha piperita Essential Oils Via Steam Distillation and Enfleurage

2025-07-23T09:58:44+00:00

The extraction of essential oils is generally carried out by two main techniques: azeotropic distillation (hydrodistillation, hydrodiffusion, and steam distillation) and extraction with solvents. Enfleurage is a process that uses odourless fats that are solid at room temperature to capture the fragrant compounds exuded by plants. On the other hand, steam distillation is an alternative method of achieving distillation at temperatures lower than the normal boiling point. This investigation consists of studying the two methods of extraction of the essential oils of Mentha piperita: Steam distillation (azeotropic) and Enfleurage (solvent extraction). The fresh mint sample was collected during early morning hours from a garden at National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, Nigeria. The optimum yield for the extraction of essential oil via steam distillation from Mentha piperita was obtained at 540 minutes, with production coming to an end at 1080 minutes yielding 1.36 % of essential oil at 80 ⁰C per 240 g of sample while extraction through effleurage gives maximum yield at 900 minutes with production coming to an end at 1080 minutes. The extraction process recorded a percentage yield of 0.91 % at 80 ⁰C. In view of the above result, it implies that at a given condition, the steam distillation method is comparatively a better technique for the extraction of essential oils for optimal production. In addition, the compounds with the highest GC-MS area percentage in the analysis of Mentha piperita were 2-hexyl-1-decanol (3.85 %) and L-Menthol, which also has a high area percentage (3.54 %), which is of utmost importance as the fragrance of mint oil extract and its peculiar flavour can be attributed to the abundant presence of levo-menthol. Levo-menthol is used for the treatment, control, prevention, and improvement of the following diseases, conditions and symptoms, which include occasional minor irritation, Pain, Sore mouth, Sore throat and Cough. It can be drawn without doubt that steam distillation offers significant advantages compared over effleurage and can therefore be best suitable for pilot-scale extraction of essential oils in Mint. In conclusion, Mentha piperita contains a substantial amount of essential oil components, making it a promising candidate for perfume formulation and production.

A Review of Antihypertensive Peptides Derived from Food Sources

2025-07-23T10:03:29+00:00

Antihypertensive peptides are small bioactive molecules known to inhibit key enzymes or receptors within the renin-angiotensin system, a hormonal pathway that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. High blood pressure or hypertension is a major risk factor for a number of chronic diseases among human beings. A progressive rise in blood pressure can lead to haemorrhagic stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, cognitive decline and premature death. The past decade has seen a constant increase in the prevalence of hypertension among populations because of changes in lifestyles and dietary patterns. Though pharmaceuticals are available, the response to drugs shows variability and outright toxicity in some patients. With prolonged use, side effects of the drug tend to manifest in the form of metabolic disorders like diabetes among patients. Since food sources have yielded bioactive peptides with antihypertensive properties, they have attracted the attention of the scientific community. Various methodologies like enzymatic hydrolysis, food fermentation and recombinant DNA technology have been explored for their production from various food sources such as dairy products, cereals, legumes, etc. A number of bioactive peptides from food sources have been identified which are known to possess antihypertensive properties. The review contains an overview of the possibilities of commercial exploitation of a variety of food sources for the production of antihypertensive peptides in functional food or therapeutic forms.

Findings indicate that dairy products such as milk and cheese remain the primary sources of these bioactive peptides. Enzymatic hydrolysis using gastrointestinal enzymes like pepsin and trypsin is the most common method for generating antihypertensive peptides. Additionally, many industrially utilised dairy starter cultures are highly proteolytic in nature and can be used for the production of antihypertensive peptides by fermentation of dairy products. Several novel antihypertensive peptides have been reported in milk fermented with Enterococcus faecalis CECT 5727. Apart from dairy-based sources, other dietary sources such as cereals, legumes, fish, eggs, plants, etc. have also been reported to produce peptides with blood pressure-lowering effects. In conclusion, dietary-derived peptides present a promising strategy for the prevention, regulation, and potential treatment of hypertension. Further apart from conventional food sources, peptidomic, bioinformatics and chemometric tools and databases need to be exploited in future research for food-derived antihypertensive peptides.

Ovine Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma in Libya: The First In-Depth Gross and Histopathological Investigation

2025-07-24T07:13:46+00:00

Background: Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is a contagious, neoplastic lung disease of sheep that causes significant animal welfare and economic issues throughout the world.

Aims: The study aims to provide a preliminary estimate of the prevalence of OPA among slaughtered sheep in eastern Libya and to delineate the morphopathological characteristics of OPA in native Libyan sheep.

Methods: This study was carried out in the El-Beida slaughterhouses located in Eastern Libya during October 2020- March 2023. The lungs of 641 sheep carcasses were examined. The gross examination of these lungs was carried out with respect to size, colour and consistency. The lungs with gross lesions (n = 322) were collected and subjected to histopathological examination.

Results: In 1.56% of total carcasses examined and in 3% of abnormally appearing lungs, OPA lesions were discovered. The classical form was present in 8 of 10 confirmed cases of OPA, and two presented with atypical lesions. The disease manifests through progressive transformation of the pulmonary epithelium, and the histopathological lesions in both forms were generally comparable and comprised typical neoplastic proliferations of alveolar and bronchiolar epithelium with inflammatory infiltration of variable degrees.

Conclusion: This report confirms the existence of OPA in the native sheep of the El-Beida area, with the occurrence of both the classical and the atypical types. The morphopathological findings form useful diagnostic references for standard pathological examination and emphasise the imperative for further investigations on the epidemiology, etiologic factors, and pathogenesis of OPA in Libyan sheep populations.