Aspergillus Fumigates Research Articles

CANDIDEMIA: A POST COVID CO-INFECTION

Background: Candida species are major constituents of the human mycobiome and the main cause of invasive fungal infections, with a high mortality rate and recognized as a complication of severe COVID-19. The present study is an attempt to identify the etiological agents in blood samples of critically ill Covid positive patients so that timely interventions can be helpful to reduce morbidity and mortality in such patients. Material and method: This retrospective observational study was conducted at Tejas Microdiagnostics during 30 April 2021 to 30 June 2021. A total of 126 Covid positive patients requiring admission in SRN Hospital, Prayagraj were included. Blood specimen collected in FA and FAN bottles were sent for culture and antibiogram to Tejas Microdiagnostics within eight hours of admission. Blood culture of 89 (70%)Results: patients was positive while 37 (30%) patients did not show any growth. Fungi were isolated in 24(26.96%) cases while bacterial growth was identied in 65(73.04%) cases. Candida tropicalis was the most predominat species while Aspergillus fumigates and Penicillium were isolated among dimorphic fungi. Mortality was observed in 15% cases. Our study illustrates the predominance of Candida tropicalis fromConclusion: blood samples of Covid positive patients. This statistics may be the tip of the iceberg. The reason for such a high incidence can be the wide spread use of empirical antibiotics and steroids which may increased the risk of fungal infections in patients with COVID-19. Isolation and identication of pathogens are prudent and may reduce the morbidity and mortality of the patients.

Phytochemical, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities of Gaultheria Trichophylla Royle

Gaultheria trichophylla fruit is used by the indigenous people to treat asthma, headache, and as an appetizer in the alpine and sub-alpine regions of Western Himalaya. No studies exist on the antimicrobial significance of this species. The current study describes the phytochemical composition, in vitro cytotoxic, and antimicrobial effects of different extracts of Gaultheria trichophylla. In antimicrobial assay, four different bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus) as well as four fungal strains (Helminthosporium solani, Fusarium solani, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus fumigates) were used. Qualitative phytochemical screening showed the existence of different active compounds. Quantitative phytochemical screening showed the existence of phenolic contents in the range from 3.27 ± 0.44 mg GE/g to 14.17 ± 088 mg GE/g, whereas flavonoids were from 8.08 ± 0.48 mg QE/g to 26.9 ± 0.23 mg QE/g. The elemental analysis quantified essential minerals of life importance such as Na (3.24 ± 0.05 µgg−1), Mg (1.93 ± 0.08 µgg−1), and Ca (1.83 ± 0.056 µgg−1), while none of the heavy metal levels were high from the permissible limit of WHO. Cytotoxic assay showed moderate activity in terms of LC50 of (50 μg/mL) for methanolic extracts. Antifungal assay of methanolic and other extracts against different tested fungal strains showed a zone of inhibitions from 29 ± 1.154% to 86.66 ± 0.09%. As an antibacterial, the MIC values were from 7.5 mg/mL to 15 mg/mL for the tested extracts. The observed biological potentials were at the expense of its phytochemical composition, however, further confirmation in animal models and responsible phytochemical isolations in pure form is needed.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Some Novel Arylidene Hydrazides Derivatives

There has been considerable interest in the development of novel compounds with anticonvulsant, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. The present study explores the antimicrobial activity of some new arylidene hydrazide derivatives and correlates the effect on the antimicrobial potency by varying the substituents on hydrazide part of the arylidine hydrazide. Hydrazones possessing an azomethine–NHN=CH- proton constitute an important class of compounds for new drug developments; therefore, a series of arylidene hydrazides were synthesized with various aromatic aldehydes/ketones. The synthesis of title compounds was affected as outlined in the scheme. In this scheme O-chloro benzoic acid on reaction with aniline through Ullmann Reaction gave N-phenyl anthranilic acid. The esterification product of N-phenyl anthranilic acid followed by reaction with hydrazine hydrate yielded 2-phenyl amino benzoic acid hydrazide. These hydrazides were give arylidine hydrazide as title compounds. A total of 11 compounds were synthesized. The synthetic methods used are simple, rapid, and economical found to be accurate and reproducible. All the intermediates and title compounds were characterized by running TLC, determining M.P. and spectral studies such as IR and 1H-NMR. The synthesized compounds showed mild-to-moderate antibacterial activity against Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis (MTCC441), Bacillus cereus (MTCC-7190) and Gram-negative Escherichia coli and antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigates (ATTC 9197). The bio-screening data revealed that 4b, 4f, 4g, 4h, and 4j moiety exhibited good antibacterial activity against all where 4a and 4c showed good antifungal activity. Among the compounds, 4a and 4c exhibited good antioxidant activity too.

Isolation and identification of Aspergillus fumigatus from feline respiratory infection in Baghdad province

Aspergillus fumigatus considered to be the most important species to cause respiratory infection cases in both humans and animals especially in cats in the last decades. In this study, we focused on the isolation and identification of Aspergillus fumigates by collecting 40 samples in deferent veterinary clinics and stray cats in Baghdad city, during the period (October 2021 to January 2022), all samples were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar and malt extract agar. The isolates identified by the laboratory methods, it’s depend on macroscopic and microscopic appearance. The results showed that (40) swaps taken from the pharynx of infected cats, included: Aspergillus fumigatus 16 (40%), Aspergillus spp. 7 (17.5%), Aspergillus niger 8 (20%), Penicillium spp. 5 (12.5%), Cryptococcus spp. 3 (7.5%), Fusarium spp. 1 (2.5%), and the presence of infection in female (62.5%) more than male (37.5%), this study indicated that the virulence and normal habitat of Aspergillus fumigatus make it the most important pathogen to cause respiratory infection and allergen in cats.

Bioassay's Directed Isolation-Structure Elucidation and Molecular Docking of Triterpenes from Persea duthiei against Biologically Important Microbial Proteins.

The research work presented in this study is mainly concerned with the bioactivity-directed phytochemical and biological evaluation of Persea duthiei. Persea duthiei is a typical medicinal plant used to treat a variety of ailments such as asthma, edema, and bronchitis. Ethyl acetate, n-hexane, n-butanol, and compounds that are soluble in water were used to examine the antibacterial as well as antifungal capacities of the plant. The antibacterial activity of the soluble parts of ethyl acetate and n-hexane against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, and Bacillus subtilis was high, even though there was no activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Likewise, the n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions were found to have substantial efficacy against several fungal strains such as Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigates, Fusarium solani, and Aspergillus niger, but not against Candida glabrata. Among the studied fractions, the ethyl acetate soluble fraction had potent antibacterial activity against all of the tested species. This fraction was submitted to phytochemical analysis utilizing various chromatographic methods for the extraction of various pure components. As a consequence, four compounds were isolated, and their structures were elucidated using various spectroscopic methods such as IR, EIMS, HR-EIMS, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, NOESY, COSY, HMBC, and HMQC. Urs-12-en-3β-ol (α-amyrine) (1), Urs-12-ene-2α-3β-diol (chamaedrydiol) (2), 3β-hydroxyurs-12-en-28-aldehyde (ursolic aldehyde) (3), and 12-oleanex-3β-ol (β-amyrine) (4) were extracted. Compounds 1, 2, 3, and 4 were examined for antibacterial and antifungal activity and found to have zones of inhibition ranging from 0 to 11 mm against tested bacteria strains and percent inhibition ranging from 0 to 25 percent against fungus strains. Compounds 1 and 4 showed strong efficacy against the investigated fungal species, with a 25% inhibition rate. In the case of antibacterial activity, compounds 4 and 1 showed potent activity with zones of inhibition of 11 mm and 10 mm, respectively. Compounds 2 and 3 were observed to have nonsignificant antimicrobial activity. However, docking studies reflected the complex formation of compound 1 with beta-hydroxyacyl-ACP dehydratase HadAB and S. aureus tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase and compound 2 with topoisomerase II DNA gyrase complex, and they were reported to have antibacterial properties. Similarly, compound 4 was discovered to be well compatible with the lanosterol 14-demethylase (fungal enzyme) and is thus regarded as having antifungal capabilities. Chimera software was used to identify the binding pockets of these complexes. These results indicated that Persea duthiei is a valuable source of medicinal compounds for medication development.

A two-step strategy to synthesis new aminoguanidinium complexes: cytotoxic effect and perspectives

The progress of transition metal complexes having anticancer activity has greater influence in cancer therapy. With the anticipation of investigating the anticancer activity and property of the transition metal complexes, Ni(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II) metal complexes of 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (1H2NA)/2-hydroxy-1-naphthoic acid (2H1NA) with aminoguanidine of ratio 1:1:2 were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic studies like IR, UV–Vis, Thermal analysis, powder XRD, molar conductivity measurements, antimicrobial, and anticancer studies. Simple salts of 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (1H2NA)/2-hydroxy-1-naphthoic acid (2H1NA) with aminoguanidine were also prepared in different ratios viz, 1:1 and 1:2. It is characterized by spectroscopic measurements IR, UV, TG-DTA, powder XRD, molar conductivity measurements, and cytotoxic effects were also studied. Nanometal oxides of zinc complexes were prepared and surface morphological studies were investigated. The functional groups were confirmed from IR spectroscopy data. Band gap energies of all the synthesized compounds were calculated from UV–Visible spectroscopy. Various decomposition steps and the thermal stability of the compounds were determined from thermal analysis. From the molar conductivity measurements, it is confirmed that the compounds are electrolytes. SEM and TEM images confirm the rod and hexagonal shape of the respective nanometal oxides. The complexes and nanometal oxides show significant activity against antimicrobials like Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Aspergillus fumigates. The results of present research show that, the synthesized ligands and metal complexes at lower concentration predominantly shows higher cytotoxic activity against cancer cellular lines like MCF-7 and A-549 (human breast cancer cells and human lung cancer cells, respectively). DFT computational studies were carried out using GAUSSIAN 09 W software to understand the bonding mode and chemical parameters of the complexes were calculated using frontier molecular orbital studies.

Enhanced photocatalytic and microbial activity of bio synthesized CdO tetrahedral clogs using Hibiscus rosa sinensis leaf extract

Green extracts from plants, fruits, flowers are being explored worldwide to minimize the effect of toxic chemicals used in nanoparticles fabrication. The present work is based on the cadmium oxide nanoparticles (CdO NPs) were synthesized using Hibiscus rosa sinensis leaf extract at different volume concentration of 10 ml, 20 ml, 30 ml, 40 ml and 50 ml under bio synthesis process. The prepared samples were characterized by XRD, UV-DRS, PL, FT-IR, FE-SEM, EDX, HR-TEM analysis. The XRD pattern confirms the cubic structure with average particle size of 41.48 nm to 51.69 nm. The estimated band gap energy is found in the range 2.19 eV to 1.67 eV. Near UV and violet emission in PL spectrum leads the presence of crystal defects in CdO lattice. Presence of vibrational modes of chemical species in the samples, are characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectrum. The elemental compositions are detected by using energy dispersive X-Ray analysis (EDAX). The particle size and morphology with intense magnification is confirmed by FE-SEM and TEM- SAED analysis. The antibacterial and fungal activities of Hibiscus rosa sinensis leaf extract CdO nanoparticles are tested for different bacterial organisms like Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus substilis, Escherichia coli and Salmonella paratyphi and fungal organism like Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigates under the zone inhabitation method. The photocatalytic activities of the CdO samples on degradation of Methylene Blue azo dye under UV light irradiation are also studied.

Antifungal efficacy of pure boron on yeast and mold isolates causing superficial mycosis.

To examine the in vitro antifungal effects of water-soluble pure elemental boron with an alkaline solution against Candida species, Trichophyton species, and Aspergillus fumigatus that cause superficial mycosis. The study was conducted at the microbiology laboratory of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University Hospital, Kahramanmaras, Turkey, from June to December 2018, and comprised fungal strains isolated from patients with superficial mycosis who visited the dermatology clinic. The in vitro antifungal effects of the boron solution at various concentrations were determined using the microbroth dilution method. Candida albicans ATTC 90028 and Candida albicans MYA 274 served as the quality control strains, while fluconazole and amphotericin B were used as comparator antifungal agents. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. Of the 58 strains, 28(48.3%) were Candida albicans, 9(15.5%) non-Candida albicans, 12(20.7%) Trichophyton rubrum, 4(6.9%) Trichophyton mentagrophytes, 2(3.4%) Trichophyton species and 3(5.2%) were Aspergillus fumigates. Boron at a concentration of 78.125 μg/mL inhibited the growth of Candida albicans. The 50% and 90% minimum inhibitory concentrations of the solution in non-Candida albicanswere 78.125 and 312.5 μg/mL, respectively, whereas those in Trichophyton rubrum were 312.5 and 625 μg/mL, respectively. The 50% minimum inhibitory concentration of the solution in Aspergillus fumigatus was 625 μg/mL, whereas the 90% minimum inhibitory concentration could not be determined. Boron is an inexpensive, non-antibiotic element with potential uses as an antifungal agent.

SURVEY OF BACTERIA AND PESTS OF SMOKED CLARIAS GARIEPINUS (AFRICAN CATFISH) OBTAINED FROM IKPAYONGO, ABINSI AND DAUDU MARKETS

Survey of bacteria and pests of smoked Clarias gariepinus (African catfish) obtained from selected Markets (Ikpayongo, Abinsi and Daudu Markets) in Benue State Nigeria was carried out. Of the markets where the survey was carried out, microbial population count was highest in Daudu market (6.26±0.29) while the least (6.14±0.56) was recorded for Ikpayongo market. Of the 9 isolates (Shigella sp, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus sp, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus sp, Esherichia coli, Streptococcus sp, Micrococcus sp and Enterobacter sp) while Bacillus sp has the highest mean population count from Abinsi market, highest mean population counts (7.75±0.25 and 7.67±0.20) were recorded for Shigella sp from Daudu and Ikpayongo markets, respectively. The lowest mean population counts (4.15±3.45), (4.45±0.05) and (5.75±0.25) were recorded for Streptopcoccus sp, Staphylococcus aureus and Esherichia coli, respectively. Highest mean fungi population counts (6.82±0.63) was recorded for Daudu markets while the least (6.28±0.65) was recorded for Abinsi market. Of the six (6) fungi isolates (Penecillium sp, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus sp, Mucor sp, Aspergillus fumigates, and Rhizopus sp), highest mean fungi population count (8.65±0.15), (8.80±0.30) and (8.65±0.15) were recorded for Aspergillus sp from Abinsi, Daudu and Ikpayongo markets, respectively while the lowest (2.56±0.20), (2.64±0.03) and (2.61±0.70) mean fungi population counts were recorded for Rhizopus sp from Abinsi, Daudu and Ikpayongo markets, respectively. Highest mean bacterial count (6.87±0.05) was recorded for Daudu market while lowest mean bacterial count (6.27±0.01) was recorded for Ikpayongo market. Also, while highest mean fungi count (6.77±0.01) was recorded for Daudu market, the lowest (6.21±0.01) was recorded for Abinsi market. Three species of pest (Blow flies, Necrobiarufibes and Dermestes maculate) were observed during the study period. Of the three species of pest, the highest percentage (%) frequency of occurrence (12.00), (38.00%) and (55.60%) were recorded for Blow flies, Necrobia rufibes and Necrobia rufibes from Abinsi, Daudu and Ikpayongo markets, respectively while the lowest (11.00%), (11.00%) and (11.50%) were recorded for Necrobia rufibes, Blow flies and Blow flies from Abinsi, Daudu and Ikpayongo markets, respectively. Generally, Necrobia rufibes was most prevalent while blow flies were the least abundant pest observed.

Subretinal Aspergillus Abscess in Post COVID-19 Recovered Patients – An Emerging Problem

ABSTRACT Purpose To describe endogenous endophthalmitis in the setting of Covid-19 pneumonia post recovery. Methods Retrospective review of five patients of endogenous endophthalmitis following Covid-19 disease done. Results All five cases had received systemic corticosteroid for a mean duration of 7 days during severe Covid-19 treatment. Decrease vision was presenting symptom between 1 and 31 days following Covid-19 recovery. All patients had presumed fungal endogenous endophthalmitis based on clinical profile. Four out of five patients subjected to pars plana vitrectomy had microbiologically proven aspergillus species endogenous endophthalmitis on vitreous fluid assessment; two cases each of aspergillus niger and aspergillus fumigates. Four eyes underwent pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil injection had shown satisfactory anatomical outcome with control of the infection; however, no significant visual gain achieved. Conclusion We reported five cases of aspergillus endogenous endophthalmitis in Covid-19 recovered patients to document the likely presentation of this rising entity and avoid misdiagnosis.

Antimicrobial Activity of Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles using Ajuga bracteosa Leaf Extract

Nanoscience and nanotechnology has attracted a lot of attention because of its wide variety of applications. Plant based metallic nanoparticles revolutionized the health sector with targeting nano drug to cure different ailments. Living beings are known to be susceptible to microbial attack followed by multidrug resistance of microorganism put the necessitates for searching more efficient methods of drug delivery or drug production. In the present study, we report the green synthesis of stable hexagonally shaped zinc oxide nanoparticles from leaf extract of Ajuga bracteosa and their antimicrobial efficacy against the selected bacterial (Streptococcus pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and fungal (Aspergillus fumigates and Trichoderma viride) strains by using agar well diffusion method. Initial colour change and surface-plasmon-resonance (SPR) absorbance bands between 349 nm gave support to the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were further characterized by XRD, EDX, TEM and FTIR techniques. XRD analysis showed that nanoparticles are crystalline in nature. TEM measurements showed that nanoparticles are hexagonally shaped with their average size less than 27 nm. FTIR spectra confirms the presence of phytochemicals which were responsible for reducing, capping and stabilizing the nanoparticles. Antimicrobial results of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles has indicated the good potential of nanoparticles against all tested microorganism in the present study.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in resistant asthmatics

Background: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an immune mediated lung disease caused due to hypersensitivity reaction of antigen Aspergillus fumigates. ABPA is more prevalent in patients with asthma and cystic fibrosis. Thus, the current investigation was done to estimate the prevalence and association of ABPA with resistant asthma, to identify the clinical and laboratory pointers of ABPA and to identify the effect of ABPA and its treatment on the course of resistant asthma.Methods: Current investigation was a prospective and non-blinded study conducted on patients of Rajiv Gandhi government general hospital, Chennai with bronchial asthma, having frequent exacerbation related problems. Demographic, clinical (hematological) and radiological investigations were performed for staging and treatment of all the enrolled patients. Follow up of patients was done periodically to investigate re-admission of respiratory events or other illnesses. All the collected data was statistically analyzed.Results: Prevalence of ABPA in treatment resistant bronchial asthma patients was 19%. Positive family history, history of atopy and recurrent exacerbations were identified as significant risk factors among ABPA patients. Whereas duration and severity of asthma had no significant association with ABPA patients, bronchiectasis and parenchymal damage were significantly observed in patients of ABPA. Skin prick test serum eosinophils and IgE antibody levels were observed as good screening test parameters to identify ABPA. Prednisolone and itraconazole are considered as highly reliable and effective treatment strategies in ABPA.Conclusions: Current investigation revealed that ABPA must be considered as a possible prevailing disease in treatment refractory cases of asthma on conventional steroids.

Prevalence of Otomycosis: An Evaluation among Patients Visiting ENT Clinics

Aim: To look at the relative frequency and prevalence of the otomycosis in individuals visited ENT department of Bahawal Victoria hospital, Bahawalpur. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study conducted at ENT department of Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur during 2019-2020. Forty-Two individuals (27 males and 15 females) with a diagnosis of otomycosis on clinical basis were mycologically investigated. To diagnose the condition, ear samples were taken and immediately examined using 10% KOH, followed by culture on Saburo dextrose agar plus Saburo dextrose agar also having chloramphenicol. Different laboratory approaches and differential testing were utilized to determine the kind of fungal species. Ethical approval was taken from Ethical review board of Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur. SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis. Results: Only 42 individuals (66.6%) were identified with otomycosis in this research based on laboratory data, out of 63 people undergoing a clinical diagnosis of otomycosis There were 27 male participants (42.8%) and 15 female participants (23.8%) among them. Penicillium, Aspergillus glaucous, Aspergillus fumigates, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger have 1 (1.5%), 3 (4.7%), 3 (4.7%), 9 (14.6%) and 26 (41.2%) cases respectively. Conclusion: The most prevalent fungus identified was Aspergillus and Candida species. Key Words: Otomycosis, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans

L-methionine γ-lyase from Thermo-tolerant fungi: Isolation, Identification of the potent producers, and Statistical Optimization of Production via Response surface methodology

In the current study, thermo-tolerant fungal isolates were screened for their ability to metabolize L-methionine by L-methionine γ-lyase (MGL). Among 63 fungal isolates, fifteen isolates exhibited ability to MGL induction as evidenced by qualitative assay method using phenol red. Then, quantitative assay method indicates that fungal isolates coded as 26 & 37 were the most potent for MGL production. Fungal mycelium treatment under the sonication process proved that isolate No. 37 could be release MGL with maximum activity, meanwhile isolate No. 26 has been produced MGL extracellularly under the same culture conditions. Thereafter, characterization and identification of these two isolates was carried out by morphological, microscopic examination and molecular techniques. In consequence of this characterization, isolate No. 26 & 37 were identified as Aspergillus fumigates and Rhizomucor miehei respectively. Different culture conditions were screened by Plakket-Burmn design to define the significant parameters that affect the induction of MGL of the two fungal strains. Using the response surface method model, independent culture parameters were optimized through a central composite design (CCD) to maximize the induction of extracellular and intracellular MGL by A. fumigatus and R. miehei. Statistical optimization using Response surface methodology (RSM) revealed that yeast extract, incubation period and temperature were significant factors for MGL production by R. miehei where MGL was 8.27 U/mg. Additionally, glycerol, PH, period and inoculum size were the most efficient factors affect MGL by A. fumigatus where MGL was 12.37 U/mg.

Synthesis and Biological Screening of Thiophene Derivatives

Heterocyclic compounds possessing the thiophene nucleus have attracted tremendous interest in the field of medicinal chemistry due to their promising pharmacological properties. A series of new thiophene derivatives were designed synthesized using an appropriate synthetic route. The suggested structures of the synthesized thiophene derivatives were confirmed using elemental analysis, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, IR, and MS techniques. The synthesized new analogues were screened for their antibacterial activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Bacillis subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and antifungal against Aspergillus fumigates, Syncephalastrum racemosum, Geotricum candidum, and Candida albicans. The in vitro antimicrobial study results revealed that these newly synthesized compounds exhibit potent antibacterial and antifungal activities, with that some compounds showed promising inhibition activity than the reference drugs. Compound 7 then selected for further cytotoxic activity against HCT-116 cell line revealed that compounds 7 (IC50 = 11.13 μM) showed comparable cytotoxic activity to clinically used anticancer agent doxorubicin (IC50 = 3.31 μM).

Biosorption of Cadmium by fungi isolated from Bharalu river, Assam

Heavy metal pollution in the aquatic ecosystem poses a serious threat to the human health and aquatic biodiversity around. There is urgent need to remediate heavy metals contaminated wastewater through eco friendly ways. Fungi and other microorganisms have been reported to have promising potential to remove heavy metals from wastewater through biosorption. Thus the present work aimed to isolate tolerant fungal species from different sites of a polluted river Bharalu in Assam. After preliminary screening, out of a total of 15 fungal isolates obtained, 4 isolates Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigates and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides were selected for further study. Tolerance limit of the isolates for Cadmium (Cd) was carried out at concentrations ranging from 100 ppm to 1000 ppm. Results showed that the maximum tolerance was observed in Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (approx. 8.8 mm), followed by Aspergillus flavus (approx. 5.8 mm) at 400ppm. The biosorption efficiency at 400ppm revealed that the maximum Cd concentration was absorbed by fungal biomass of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (12.83 mg/g) and the minimum by Aspergillus niger (3.91 mg/g). Molecular identification was carried out followed by PCR amplification of the fungal biomass showing highest absorption. The sequence obtained was submitted in the GenBank using BANkIt with accession number-MN714368 which showed high similarities with Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. This results indicated that fungus are promising and potential sources for metal biosorption and detoxification.

БИОРАЗНООБРАЗИЕ ПЛЕСНЕВЫХ ГРИБОВ В РАЙОНАХ ГОРОДА ЧЕБОКСАРЫ

A study of 12 soil samples in the summer period in the districts of the city of Cheboksary was conducted. The aim of the research was to conduct a mycological analysis of the soil and isolate particularly dangerous micromycetes in the urban environment. Soil samples were taken from the Moskovsky, Kalininsky, Leninsky districts of Cheboksary and Marposadsky highway. The pH of the soil environment of the city of Cheboksary was: Embankment of the Moskovsky district – 7.67, Kirovsky – 7.23; Leninsky – 7.28; Marposadskoe highway – 7.51. In mycological analysis of soil samples on agarized media of Chapek, the highest concentration of micromycetes was recorded in soil samples from the Moskovsky district on the Embankment, where the concentration of fungi of the genus Aspergillus fumigates was 27 %, fungi of the genus Fusarium sporotrichioides and Fusarium graminearum was 15 %. The soil of the Leninsky district was dominated by fungi of the genus Penicillium, their concentration was 23 %, Aspergillus flavus – 18 %. Isolates of fungi of the genus Penicillium spp. were isolated in the soil of the Kalininsky district, and their concentration was – 7 %, Aspergillus flavus – 21 %. The soil from the Marpasad highway was dominated by fungi of the genus Mucor sp. Testing on Paramecium caudatum infusoria showed that the field isolate of Aspergillus fumigates had toxic properties, the evaluation criterion for biotesting was 38 %. Aspergillus flavus showed a 78 % survival rate when tested on infusoria.

Microbial contamination in imported fish feed to Iraq

This study provides insight into the microbial contamination in imported fish feed to Iraq because this contaminated feed may cause a decrease in production of fish and increase mortality resulting economic losses. 125 samples were collected from Iraqi border points; microbiological analysis were down. Bacteriological analysis results identified Gram-negative bacteria (45) isolates at (56.3%) of samples include: E.coli (17) isolates, Acinetobacter spp. (10) isolates, Citrobacter spp. (8) isolates, providencia spp. (6) isolates, Shigella spp. (5) isolates, and proteus spp. (2) isolates but we don’t detected (Salmonella spp., Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Yersinia spp. and Enterobacter spp. Mycological analysis results shown presence of mycotoxogenic fungi in (51) isolates at (63.8%) of samples include: Aspergillus flavus (16) isolates, Fusarium spp. (12) isolates, Penecillium spp. (10) isolates, Aspergillus niger (7) isolates, Aspergillus fumigates (3) isolates, Alternaria spp. (2) isolates and Rhizopus spp. (1) isolates. Mycotoxin results show total Aflatoxin in (45) samples, T2/HT2 in (56) samples and Ochratoxin A in (37) samples. This study concluded presence of microbial contamination in some tested samples, therefore, it must be assessed the microbiological tests of imported fish feed by responsible authorities to ensure its safety.

Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) mycotic eye infection: reported herd cases in Thi-Qar province, Iraq

Buffaloes are one of the important farm animals in the south of Iraq and play an essential economical role mainly acting as dairy, meat, and draft animals. This study intended to diagnose buffalo mycotic eye infections in Thi-Qar province/Iraq. Some 250 buffaloes in the herd of 3,700 animals suffered from eye infections from December 2017 to November 2018. Eye swabs were collected from each infected eye of the affected buffaloes of both sexes before treatment. The animals were in different age groups. All samples were transferred to the laboratory in transfer media, and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose (SDA) agar with and without 0.05 g/mL and 0.4 g/mL chloramphenicol and cycloheximide, respectively. Later, the agars were incubated at 25o C and 37o C. The total percentage of eye infection was (6.75%), constituting (49.2%) mycotic infections. The predominant clinical manifestations that appeared on the infected buffaloes were eye inflammation represented by congestion, lacrimation, the opacity of cornea and edema, and reduced productivity of the infected animals. Different fungal isolates were identified from the samples including Aspergillus fumigates, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium spp., Alternaria spp., Fusarium spp., Candida spp., Cladosporium spp., Rhodotorula spp., Mucor spp. and Rhizopus spp. Calves buffaloes below one-year-old were more prone to mycotic infection than one-year-old or more. Additionally, male buffaloes were more susceptible to infection than females. In conclusion, this study isolated various types of fungus from the inflamed eyes of buffaloes. Fungal eye infection and the potential risk factors for fungal keratitis in buffaloes were also investigated. The study also approved the rapid diagnosis of fungi by direct microscopic detection and culture. The author recommends future studies including large numbers of the buffalo herd in Iraq to determine the epidemiology of this condition in the country.

Identification of Phytoconstituents using GC-MS and Determination of Antimicrobial and Antimycobacterial Activity of Boerhaavia diffusa L. Leaves

Background: To identify bioactive phytoconstituents and evaluate antimicrobial and antimycobacterial potential of Boerhaavia diffusa leaves against selective human pathogens.
 Methods: The extract of Boerhaavia diffusa leaves was carried out by using methanol. Bioactive compounds was identified by GC-MS. Antimicrobial and antimycobacterial activity of methanolic extract Boerhaavia diffusa leaves was tested in vitro by Kirby-Bauer well diffusion method and rapid culture - MGITTM DST method against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus & Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida, Aspergillus and M. tuberculosis (H37RV ) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria resistant to Isoniazid & Rifampicine.
 Results: The obtained results of the GC-MS of Boerhavia diffusa led to the identity of 16 bioactive compounds. The crude extract showed antimicrobial activity against E.coli (Sensitive), Pseudomonas aeruginosa Sensitive and Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Sensitive) but extract did not show antimicrobial effect against, E.coli (ESBL), Klebsiella pneumonia (Sensitive), Klebsiella pneumonia (ESBL), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Resistant), Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigates. The result of anti-mycobacterial activity showed that extract not showed antimycobacterial activity against M. tuberculosis (H37RV) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria resistant to Isoniazid & Rifampicine.
 Conclusion: The study result proved that methanolic extract of Boerhavia diffusa leaves has antimicrobial potential due to the presence of the bioactive compounds.