Journal of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology

Survey for Enterobacteria and Vibrio spp. Associated with Irrigated Vegetables in Irrigation Areas of Northern Bauchi State, Nigeria

Umar Dahiru, M.D. Mukhtar, Ibrahim Yusuf, Yusuf Ahmed — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study was prompted in a bid to determine the level of public health hazards associated with the presence of enterobacteria and Vibrio spp. in irrigated vegetables in irrigation areas of Northern Bauchi State, Nigeria. This was to address the question of what the recent circumstances behind the report of outbreak of gastroenteritis in the region were, thus the impetus for the current investigation. Irrigation Water and irrigated vegetable samples (72) from across the four local government areas were collected from different irrigation sites and analysed for bacteriological contamination indices. The River Zaki, River Jama’are, and River Zigau were observed to be the primary sources of irrigation water. The overall mean aerobic mesophilic count and the Most Probable Number values for coliforms observed in this study ranged from 1.6x104 to 8.x108 Cfu/mL and 14 to 33, respectively. Up to 62 isolates comprising 42 (81.82%) enterobacterial strains, eight Pseudomonas spp. and ten representing vibrio spp. were isolated from the analysis of vegetables and irrigation water samples. In descending order of dominance, the organisms isolated were E. coli 14 (22.6%), Vibrio spp. 10 (16.1%), Citrobacter spp. 9 (14.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 8 (12.9), Salmonella enterica 8 (12.9%), Klebsiella oxytoca 8 (12.9%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae 5 (8.1%). All the isolates were sensitive to most of the antibiotics used except ampicillin (10 µg) and amox-clav (30 µg). No resistance was recorded against ciprofloxacin (5 µg). The findings revealed that the river water used for irrigation in this study was a possible pre-harvest source of contamination of fresh vegetables, potentially constituting a health risk to consumers.

Optimization of Fermentative Parameters to Improve Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Production by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum B13

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain, and it possesses several physiological properties, such as depression reduction and anxiety release. GABA production by microbial synthesis is favoured over other methods like enzymatic and chemical synthesis due to the ease of operation and less formation of harmful pollutants. Lactic acid bacteria are widely applied for GABA production because of high GABA yield and their Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status , which is critical in food and ingredient safety. In this study, various fermentation conditions, including incubation time, pH, temperature, monosodium glutamate (MSG) concentration, pyridoxal-5’-phosphate (PLP) concentration and glucose concentration were screened by one-factor-at-a-time strategy to achieve the optimal GABA production by a potential probiotic strain, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum B13. The result revealed the strain exhibited the optimal GABA production of 19.073 ± 0.5214 g/L with the highest GABA productivity of 0.424 g/L/h under fixed conditions: incubation time of 66 hours, pH 5.5, temperature of 35°C, MSG concentration of 5% (w/v), PLP concentration of 0.7 mM PLP and glucose concentration of 60 g/L. The findings of this study show that fermentation parameters are dependent on species and strains due to the different properties of glutamic acid decarboxylase enzymes and optimization of single parameters is important as a preliminary step to identify the range of fermentation factors that affect GABA yield prior further research endeavours. This study also has great implications for GABA production by L. plantarum B13 and provides a prerequisite for developing new healthy products enriched with GABA as daily supplements to support relaxation and regulate mood, reduce stress and promote better sleep.

Differentiation of Extracted Gelatins from Porcine, Bovine and Chicken Origins Based on their Physical, Chemical and Structural Properties using Analytical Techniques

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Physicochemical properties of extracted gelatins from porcine, bovine and chicken sources compared to that of commercial bovine and porcine gelatins have been determined. Gelatin samples were assessed for their pH, water holding capacity, fat binding capacity, foaming capacity and stability, structural properties, thermal and amino acid profiles and molecular weight distribution. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in pH, water holding capacity, fat binding capacity, foaming stability and foaming capacity between gelatins. Porcine, bovine and chicken gelatins had two prominent bands which were visible in the α-chain region in the range of ~135 to ~100 kDa. Highest gelling point value was observed in extracted chicken gelatin while the highest value of melting point, were in commercial porcine and extracted chicken gelatins. Glycine, hydroxyproline, proline, alanine, arginine and glutamic acid were found to be the major amino acids. Physicochemical properties of gelatins could be characterized using analytical techniques.

Risk Factors Association of Soil-transmitted Helminth Infections Among Primary School Children in Kano, northern Nigeria

Adamu Rabia, Nor Azwady Bin Abd Aziz, Muskhazli Mustafa, Shamarina Shohaimi — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are nematode species transmitted through soil contamination, primarily by eggs found in human faeces. This study investigates STH infection prevalence and associated risk factors among children attending early child centres (ECC) and primary schools in Tamburawa, Dawakin Kudu local government area, Kano State, Nigeria. A total of 560 primary school children (PSC), aged between five and sixteen, were recruited from seven selected primary schools (PS) for faecal sample collection and subsequent analysis. The formol-ether sedimentation technique used to detect the presence of STH eggs or larvae, and IBM SPSS Statistics version 26 used to analyze the results. Among the screened PSC, 357 (63.8%) were male, and 203 (36.2%) were female, while 60.4% (338 individuals) tested positive for STH infection, with 9.8% (52 individuals) exhibiting mixed infections. Notably, hookworm (35.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides (19.5%), and Trichuris trichiura (5.7%) emerged as the predominant STH species (5.7%). Gender-specific prevalence indicated a higher rate among females (32.3%) than males (28.1%). Analysis of potential risk factors revealed significant associations. Children residing in households with four or more members had a higher risk of STH infection (OR = 2.938, 95% CI: 0.195–0.578), Children who used pit latrines had a twofold increased risk of contracting STH (OR = 2.059, 95% CI: 1.682–34.712, p = 0.001). The findings of this study underscore the importance of targeted public health interventions, routine deworming initiatives, provision of potable water, and promotion of personal hygiene practices, particularly among school-aged children.

Effect of Mercury Exposure on the Growth and Physiological Characteristics of Lowland Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study evaluates the effects of mercury (Hg) on tomato plants exposed to varying concentrations (0.01, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.25 ppm) for 14 and 30 days. Hg exposure led to significant reductions in plant height and leaf diameter, with more severe effects at higher concentrations. Notably, 0.01 ppm Hg caused increased branching and earlier ripening, whereas higher concentrations diminished flower and fruit counts, with 0.25 ppm Hg resulting in severe reductions and plant deterioration. Chlorophyll content was slightly higher at 0.01 and 0.05 ppm Hg but decreased at 0.10 and 0.25 ppm, indicating disrupted photosynthesis. Proline content, a stress marker, increased significantly in fruit and roots with higher Hg concentrations, peaking at 0.25 ppm. MDA levels, a marker of lipid peroxidation, increased with Hg concentration and duration, especially at higher levels. Visual symptoms of toxicity, such as wilting and chlorosis, were evident at 0.25 ppm Hg, indicating severe plant stress. The study highlights Hg adverse effects on tomato growth, morphology, and reproductive processes, with high concentrations causing severe toxicity and low concentrations having minor effects. Further research is needed to explore biochemical responses and establish Hg toxicity thresholds in tomato plants.

Biofloc Technology as a Sustainable Alternative for Managing Aquaculture Wastewater

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The rapid expansion of the aquaculture industry has resulted in a significant increase in wastes generated from fish farming systems, including undigested feed, recycled nitrogen, and other resources. Consequently, the rise in fish production has slowed, as aqua-preneurs are unable to achieve maximum output and profitability. Bio-floc technology (BFT) is a cutting-edge system with enormous potential for application in fish farming. BFT works on the premise of converting the solid waste generated from spilt or undigested feed by the fish or from feces in the form of solid and dissolved waste mainly carbon, nitrogen ammonium, and phosphorus to probiotic or nutritious protein for fish consumption. Using the technology, bacteria may convert bio-waste into edible nutrients for farm animals. Adoption of BFT can offer biosecurity measures that can limit the use of antibiotics and chemicals that have been outlawed by WHO/EU owing to rising environmental issues associated with their application. This study examines and presents BFT as a sustainable alternative for managing aquaculture wastewater and in-house provision of nutrients for cultured animals. The coverage of this study includes an overview of Aquaculture wastewater treatment, aquaculture wastewater as media for Biofloc formation, pathogens, probiotics, and potential for biofloc formation in aquaculture systems and BFT as a sustainable means of nutrition in aquaculture. The cost-effectiveness and potential of BFT in treating aquaculture wastewater are also critically discussed. The present study highlights the importance of harnessing BFT for cost-effective aquaculture production and alternative means of managing aquaculture wastewater.

Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) And Extended-Spectrum B-Lactamases (ESBLs) Producing Enterobacteriaceae Among Nosocomial Bacteria in Kaduna, Nigeria

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Despite continuous control efforts, antimicrobial resistance remains a global public health problem that undermines the treatment of infectious diseases. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Extended-spectrum -lactamases (ESBLs) producing bacteria represent two important groups of multi-drug resistant pathogens that are associated with a high rate of treatment failure, prolonged morbidity, and increased cost of treatment. Therefore, keeping such superbugs under surveillance, particularly in healthcare facilities, is required for informed action, designing of control interventions for further antimicrobial emergence, and determining strategies for infection control. Thus, this study was designed to determine the prevalence of MRSA and ESBLs production Enterobacteriaceae isolated from four hospitals. Using CLSI guidelines, a total of 96 S. aureus were screened for methicillin resistance, and 137 isolates of Enterobacteriaceae for ESBLs production. The study observed a prevalence rate of 35.42 % for MRSA and 26.3 % for ESBLs production among Enterobacteriaceae. Furthermore, species-wise analysis of the data indicated the individual prevalence rate of ESBLs production among E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa to be 25.6 %, 28.8 % and 23.0, respectively. This indicates the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance strains among bacteria isolated from hospital settings. The results obtained here could be important in informing public health policies/strategies for the control of antimicrobial resistance and infection.

Isolation of Organophosphate (Chlorpyrifos)-degrading Bacterium from Agricultural Farmlands in Batagarawa Local Government Area of Katsina State

Babangida Lawal, Bukola Lateefat Kareem, Nafisa Abduljalil Adamu — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Chlorpyrifos being the most frequently used organophosphorus pesticide is a broad-spectrum insecticide The massive application of chlorpyrifos has led to the contamination of water and soil which disrupt the environmental quality as many of its derivatives were detected in various ecosystems. This study is to isolate chlorpyrifos-degrading bacteria from agricultural farmland in Batagarawa Local Government area of Katsina State. Two chlorpyrifos-degrading bacteria were isolated using dilution technique followed by selective enrichment on minimal medium with chlorpyrifos as sole carbon source from soil samples collected from an agricultural farmland in Batagarawa Local Government Area of Katsina State. The isolates were characterized by Gram staining and biochemical test using Vitek II automated machine. The strains A10, A12 and A13 were identified to be Pseudomonas spp. and Staphylococcus spp.

Molecular Studies on Quinolone Resistant MDR E. coli Detected in Urine Specimens

Mahmoud Abd El-Mongy, Marwa K. Abd El-khaliq, Amal Sabry Othman — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli is a major cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and represents a growing public health concern due to its resistance to multiple antibiotics. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of MDR E. coli in urine samples and to characterize the antibiotic resistance patterns and genetic mechanisms underlying resistance. A total of 40 urine samples were collected from patients at Mbarret El-Asafra Hospital in Egypt in 2021. Of these, 30 E. coli isolates were identified and tested for antibiotic susceptibility using the disk diffusion method across six antibiotics from four different classes. Molecular analysis was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the presence of the parC gene, which is associated with quinolone resistance. Out of 30 E. coli isolates, 18 (60%) exhibited multidrug resistance. The majority of MDR isolates showed resistance to fluoroquinolones (levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin) and carbapenems (meropenem), with additional resistance observed against aminoglycosides and tetracycline. The parC gene was detected in 66.7% of MDR isolates, indicating a significant genetic basis for quinolone resistance. The resistance rates and presence of the parC gene were consistent with global trends, highlighting the widespread nature of antibiotic resistance among E. coli strains. The high prevalence of MDR E. coli in urine samples underscores the urgent need for enhanced antimicrobial stewardship and alternative treatment strategies. The detection of the parC gene in a substantial proportion of MDR isolates emphasizes the importance of molecular surveillance in understanding resistance mechanisms. These findings call for comprehensive approaches to mitigate the impact of MDR pathogens and ensure effective management of UTIs in clinical settings.

Bioremediation of Abattoir Effluent: Implication for Bioproduct Synthesis

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Globally, Abattoirs produce a considerable amount of byproducts from animals. Although these byproducts are a valuable source of industrial proteins which could be used for a variety of value-added applications, they are currently either underutilized in high-value applications or used in the production of relatively low-value products such as pet food and animal feed . In addition, some byproducts of animal slaughter do not fit in the food and feed chains, thus making their disposal in the environmental a major concern. Waste processing is revolutionized, thus, use of Abattoir waste can be incorporated into the industrial processes with the aim of producing value-added bio-based products such as biogas, biofertilizers, biosurfactants, bioethanol, enzymes and single cell proteins, to name a few. Energy transition through waste to energy pathways leading to biogas production and electricity will help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, byproducts from abattoir effluents could be used to make high-value items such as animal feed, glue, and fertilizers. The current study evaluated biodegradation of abattoir waste for value added product production under related critical topics such as abattoir waste composition, abattoir waste treatment, and strategies involved with an emphasis on bioremediation/biodegradation and biodegradation's implications for bioproduct formation. The study infers that a sustainable transition of energy and a cleaner environment lies in conversion of Abattoirs waste to wealth.

Comparative Effects of Processing on Nutritional Compositions of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) Flour, and Resultant Implications on Histology of Albino Rats

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This research examined the effects of autoclaved, cooked, and uncooked chickpea flour on animals with uncooked chickpea flour, commercial feed, and basal diets serving as comparisons and histological examination. The seeds of Cicer arietinum were sorted, washed, and sun-dried. The 30 kg of chickpeas were milled into powder using a blender. Three (3) 700 g portions of the powder were separated and placed in a sterile container. The fraction of chickpea flour was autoclaved for 15 minutes and cooked for 1 hour. The mineral and vitamin analysis of autoclaved, cooked, and uncooked chickpea flour was carried out using standard analytical methods. Standard procedures were used to prepare the animal tissue. The results showed that odium ranges from 15.90 to 19.19 mg/kg, potassium from 24.40 to 26.10 mg/kg, magnesium from 2.72 to 4.63 mg/kg, calcium from 3.97 to 5.33 mg/kg, and iron from 0.19 to 0.23 mg/kg in terms of mineral composition, while vitamin analysis ranges from vitamin A, 465.71 +9.27 to 1146.75 +5.63 Unit/g, vitamin B, 0.02 + 0.01, to 0.06 + 0.00 mg/g, and vitamin C, 0.15 + 0.00 to 0.25 + 0.00 mg/g. Raw chickpea flour's mineral and vitamin content was lower than that of cooked and autoclaved chickpea flour. Histological examination reveals that the experimental animals given cooked chickpea flour did not experience any changes in liver histoarchitecture. From this study, it could be concluded that animal consumption of cooked chickpeas could be safe, as it had no negative effects on their liver histology.

Physicochemical Differentiation of Lard and Fats of Beef and Chicken

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study differentiates, based on their physicochemical properties, the fats of pork, beef and chicken. Fats from the three animal species were extracted and assessed for their iodine, peroxide and acid values and moisture/volatile matter contents. Triacylglycerol (TAG) and fatty acid compositions of the oils were determined, and their structural and thermal properties analysed. Results showed that chicken fat had higher iodine value compared to that of lard and beef fat indicating that avian fat has more double bonds and less oxidative stability. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the acid values of lard and beef fat. Similarly, there was no significant differences (P>0.05) either in the moisture/volatile matter content of lard, and fats of beef and chicken. Highest unsaturated fatty acids were present in chicken fat (68%) followed by lard (55.06%) and beef fat (46.86%). Chicken fat has the lowest cooling and melting temperatures (~ -38 oC and ~ -27 oC, respectively). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum of beef fat could be differentiated from that of lard and chicken fat in existing peak at frequency ~1127 cm−1. Highest total saturated TAG and fatty acids were observed in beef fat (~84% and ~ 53%) while chicken fat showed the highest total unsaturated TAGs and fatty acids (~81% and ~68%). Results from this study could serve as a basis for authenticity determination of food products and quantification of adulteration.

Detection of Haemolysin and Tetracycline Resistance Genes in Listeria ivanovii isolated from Foods

C. Hammuel, I.O. Abdullahi, C.M.Z. Whong, K.B. Kadima — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Listeria ivanovii is an important pathogen that is associated with foodborne diseases. It is responsible for listeriosis in animals, and sporadic cases are present in humans. Drug resistance and virulence among pathogens has been a global health management challenge. This research examined Listeria ivanovii from a few food items for the presence of haemolysin and tetracycline resistance gene. Twenty-five samples each of beef, chicken, lettuce, and cabbage were gathered from four separate locations, for a total of four hundred food samples. The percentage of Listeria ivanovii isolates that were resistant to ampicillin, oxacillin, tetracycline, and clindamycin was 25, 53, 22, and 31%, respectively. Listeria grayi was 23% resistant to cefoxitin, clindamycin and oxacillin. Listeria welshimeri isolate was not resistant to any of the isolates. Two isolates of Listeria grayi and sixteen isolates of Listeria ivanovii were found to be multidrug resistant. The PCR amplification showed that 14.3% of the isolates of L. ivanovii among the selected isolates harboured haemolysin (hylA) gene, 28.6% of isolates harboured tetA gene and 42.9% isolates had tetM gene.