Bacterial Isolates Research Articles

Physio-chemical and microbial assessment of the source of drinking water and the prevailing waterborne diseases in Gwagwalada Municipal Area Council of Abuja, Nigeria

Water contamination poses a serious threat to the wellbeing of people globally. In Nigeria, there have been increasing cases of waterborne diseases owing to water contamination, thus becoming public health concerns. This study investigated the physio-chemical properties, microbial loads of borehole water samples from Gwagwalada area council of Abuja and its prevailing waterborne diseases. Borehole water samples were collected from five wards of the council area (Gwagwalada central (YZTM), University of Abuja Staff quarters (YZTMB), Dobi (SBWTM), Tunga Maje (TMCBW), and Ikwa (YZBTM) in triplicate and analyzed for physiochemical properties (temperature, conductivity, pH, turbidity, salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and heavy metals) and microbial contamination using standard methods. Surveillance to determine the prevalence of waterborne diseases was also carried out in the health facilities of the area council. All samples showed variable concentrations in most of the physiochemical parameters and were within the recommended thresholds except for conductivity (596.01 ± 0.00 μS/cm) and chlorine (254.18 ± 0.00 mg/l) in TMCBW sample and total dissolved solids in TMCBW (948.01 ± 14.14 mg/l) and YZTM (GC) (1871.00 ± 55.15 mg/l) water samples. E. coli, Enterobacter spp., Shigella spp., Lactobacillus spp., Pseudomonas ssp., and Proteus ssp. were bacteria isolates of the samples. Principal component analysis of interrelationship showed a strong positive relationship between some physio-chemical parameters and sampling locations. Also, there was heavy burden of gastrointestinal (waterborne) diseases. The study concludes that the borehole samples from the area were contaminated and maybe unfit for consumption. Thus, call for interventions that provide safer portable water or treat existing water sources towards achieving SDG No. 6 and to prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases that could emanate from the consumption of unsafe water.

Isolation and characterization of bacteriophages specific to Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus and evaluation of efficacy ex vivo.

Streptococcus (S.) equi subspecies (subsp.) zooepidemicus is an important facultative pathogen in horses and can cause severe infections in other species including humans. Facing the post-antibiotic era, novel antimicrobials are needed for fighting bacterial infections. Bacteriophages (phages) are the natural predators of bacteria and discussed as a promising antimicrobial treatment option. The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus-specific phages for the first time and to evaluate their efficacy in vitro and ex vivo. In total, 13 phages with lytic activity were isolated and host ranges were determined. Two phages with broad host ranges and high efficiency of plating (vB_SeqZP_LmqsRe26-2 (lytic activity: 30/37 bacterial isolates) and vB_SeqZP_LmqsRe26-3 (lytic activity: 29/37 bacterial isolates)) and one phage with relatively low efficiency of plating (vB_SeqZP_LmqsRe26-1) were selected for further characterization, including electron microscopy and whole genome sequencing. In in vitro planktonic killing assays at two tested multiplicities of infection (MOI 1 and MOI 10), significant bacterial growth reduction was observed when the phages vB_SeqZP_LmqsRe26-2 and vB_SeqZP_LmqsRe26-3 were added. These phages were subsequently co-incubated with clinical S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus isolates in an equine endometrial explant model but did not achieve bacterial growth reduction at MOI 1 and MOI 10. However, helium ion microscopy revealed presence of particles adherent to the bacteria on the explant after incubation (25 h), suggesting possible phage-bacteria interactions. In conclusion, phages against S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus were successfully isolated and characterized. Promising results were observed in in vitro but no significant reduction was detected in ex vivo experiments, requiring additional investigations. However, after further adaptations (e.g., optimization of MOIs and phage administration or use of phage-antibiotic combination), phages could be a potential antimicrobial tool for future therapeutic use in S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus infections, although the available results do not currently support the therapeutic usage.

Isolation of Heavy Metal-Tolerant and Anti-Phytopathogenic Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria from Soils.

In this study, by isolating multifunctional soil bacteria that can promote plant development, resist heavy metals, exhibit anti-phytopathogenic action against plant diseases, and produce extracellular enzymes, we hope to improve the effectiveness of phytoremediation techniques. To isolate multifunctional soil bacteria, we used soils with diverse characteristics as isolation sources. To look into the diversity and structural traits of the bacterial communities, We conducted amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene on five types of soils and predicted functional genes using Tax4Fun2. The isolated bacteria were evaluated for their multifunctional capabilities, including heavy metal tolerance, plant growth promotion, anti-phytopathogenic activity, and extracellular enzyme activity. The genes related to plant growth promotion and anti-phytopathogenic activity were most abundant in forest and paddy soils. Burkholderia sp. FZ3 and FZ5 demonstrated excellent heavy metal resistance (≤ 1 mM Cd and ≤ 10 mM Zn), Pantoea sp. FC24 exhibited the highest protease activity (24.90 μmol tyrosine·g-DCW-1·h-1), and Enterobacter sp. PC20 showed superior plant growth promotion, especially in siderophore production. The multifunctional bacteria isolated using traditional methods included three strains (FC24, FZ3, and FZ5) from the forest and one strain (PC20) from paddy field soil. These results indicate that, for the isolation of beneficial soil microorganisms, utilizing target gene information obtained from isolation sources and subsequently exploring target microorganisms is a valuable strategy.

Preclinical Validation of MIN-T: A Novel Controlled-Released Formulation for the Adjunctive Local Application of Minocycline in Periodontitis

Background: Adjunctive treatment of periodontitis lacks solutions which allow for enough time for wound healing in the periodontal pockets by avoiding fast re-colonization. Such a solution might be an antibiotic-containing formulation with a controlled release over a period of weeks. Here, a recently described minocycline-containing approach is qualified for further clinical development by focusing on proof-of-concept, systemic burden, resistance development, and degradation studies. Methods: Animal studies were done in two different (mouse-chamber, rat Porphyromonas gingivalis challenging) models, including effects on inflammation markers, bone loss, and bone structure. Also, serum concentrations of minocycline after local application were determined by HPLC-MS/MS. The resistance status of bacterial clinical isolates against minocycline was investigated and the degradation of the formulation was characterized by laser scanning and scanning electron microscopy. Results: Animal studies clearly demonstrated the applicability of the new formulation in the investigated models. Inflammation markers decreased in a dose-dependent manner and reduced bone loss compared to non-treated group was observed. Therefore, the systemic burden of the antibiotic was neglectable. Minocycline is still effective against oral pathogens; resistance development was not seen. The biodegradable thread was first swollen and subsequently degraded over a period of weeks. Conclusions: The results support the continued clinical development of this new formulation. A phase I clinical trial is planned to further evaluate its safety and efficacy.

Virulence characterization of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from mozzarella cheeses and cheese-slicers

Different species of the Staphylococcus genus can be found as contaminants in foods and may carry virulence factors that could potentially make them The enterotoxigenic potential ofpathogenic or transfer genes to other bacteria. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to isolate and identify species of Staphylococcus genus isolated from sliced mozzarella cheeses and cold-cut slicers and characterize biofilm formation in vitro, presence of enterotoxins and antibiotic resistance genes, and β-lactamase production. Sampling was carried out in 44 retail markets and isolates identified on species level. Resistance genes blaZ and mecA, as well as enterotoxin genes sea, seb, sec, and sed, were identified using PCR. Phenotypic evaluation of biofilm formation and detection of β-lactamase enzyme were also analyzed. Nine species of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS) were identified from 85 bacterial isolates. Of this total, 67.0% were positive for the presence of one or both antimicrobial resistance genes blaZ and mecA, while the β-lactamase enzyme was detected in 52.9% isolates. Regarding biofilm production, 48.2% of isolates were positive and 51.8% were negative. However, none of the isolates were identified with the enterotoxin genes. The results demonstrate the potential risk of cross-contamination, as biofilm-producing CNS could persist in the cheese retail environment, highlighting the danger of resistance genes transferring to other commensal or pathogenic bacteria.

THE PREVALENCE OF (OMPA, CSUE) GENES AMONG BIOFILM PRODUCER ACINETOBACTER BAUMANNII ISOLATES

Acinetobacter baumannii is a significant public health problem because it is capable of forming biofilms that may be responsible for the survival of this pathogen in the hospital environment. The aim of this study is to determine the role of (OmpA, CsuE) genes in biofilm production among A. baumannii isolates. A total of 100 clinical isolates of bacteria were collected from a different sources. All isolates were identified by biochemical test, specific selective media (CHROMagar) and polymerase chain reaction by detection presence of (blaOXA51) gene. only 60 isolates were diagnosed as A. baumannii, and to determine the biofilm production capacity two different methods were used Congo red agar method(CRA) and Microtiter plate method (MTP). MTP method result showed 85% of isolates were able to form biofilms, on the other hand, 33.33% of isolates had a biofilm production ability by showing bright black colonies on CRA. Conventional PCR was used to detect the presence of (OmpA, CsuE) genes and the result showed the prevalence of both genes in all isolates were 97%(58/60). It also shows a strong correlation between the presence of these genes and biofilm formation.

Isolation and characterization of a resistance Bacillus subtilis for soil stabilization and dust alleviation purposes

Dust poses environmental, geological, health, and economic concerns, and microorganisms can help mitigate these adverse consequences by improving soil properties. Microbial calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) has been found to be an efficient strategy for increasing soil strength, reducing soil porosity, and preventing erosion; however, severe environmental conditions such as pH and high temperatures may impede this process. To identify the best strain for MICP, 60 bacteria strains were obtained from arid soils using the enrichment culture technique. They were tested for the capacity of calcium carbonate deposition and biocement synthesis in stress environments. Phenotypic characterization indicated that the majority of the bacterial isolates were gram-positive and rod-shaped, with strong catalase and oxidase enzyme activity. Furthermore, MALDI-TOF MS identification revealed that the isolates were from the Bacillus and Pseudomonas genera. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to analyze the microstructures and composition of bacterial cement. The results represented that B. subtilis isolate S56 has a higher production yield and forms distinctive calcite crystals as a result of fast urease synthesis. B. subtilis isolate S56 can be applied in situ to reduce soil erosion and dust pollution. This study reveals the potential of the B. subtilis S56 strain for soil consolidation and dust prevention in harsh environments and has the prospect of promoting its application in desertification control and ecological restoration.

Comparative Evaluation of Antibiotic Therapies for Subclinical Staphylococcal Mastitis in Goats

Subclinical mastitis (SCM) is characterized by inflammation of the udder without visible signs of inflammation in the animal, udder and milk and hence could be diagnosed by laboratory examination only. Effective treatment of SCM in goats is crucial for maintaining quality milk production. This study was conducted at the Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur (M.P.), India. A total of 236 lactating goats irrespective of age, breed, parity and stage of lactation, from both organized and unorganized sectors in and around Jabalpur, were screened over a period of six month. Based on modified California mastitis test scores, 83 goats tested positive for subclinical mastitis resulting in an overall occurrence of 35.17% (83/236). A total of 48 milk samples that tested positive for modified California mastitis test were further analyzed for bacterial isolation and identification. Among them, 34 (70.83%) samples were positive for only Staphylococcus spp., while 12 (25%) samples exhibited mixed infection with Staphylococcus spp. and Gram-positive bacilli. Then, 18 goats, positive for subclinical Staphylococcal mastitis were divided into three groups i.e. G1, G2 and G3 with six goats in each group for therapeutic study and six apparently healthy goats were taken as healthy control group (G4). G1 Goats were treated with Inj. Enrofloxacin LA @ 7.5 mg/kg b. wt. I/M single dose; G2 with Inj. Ceftizoxime @ 10 mg/kg b. wt. I/V single dose and G3 with Inj. Oxytetracycline LA @ 20 mg/kg b. wt. I/M single dose. The responses of therapeutic assessment were evaluated on the basis of somatic cell count and modified California mastitis test score. The most effective response for subclinical Staphylococcal mastitis in goats was observed with Ceftizoxime followed by Enrofloxacin LA and the least with Oxytetracycline LA.

Isolation and antibiogram of some bacterial isolates from patients with ear infection in a tertiary health care facility at Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Ear infection has been reported as a common health concern globally, impacting individuals across diverse demographic factors. Causative bacterial agents of this infection are constantly changing and require continuous surveillance to monitor emerging trends. This study investigated the bacterial etiologic agents and their susceptibility patterns among patients with ear infection at the study Centre. A total of 43 patients who visited the Ear, Nose and Throat clinic of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital that were diagnosed with ear infection were evaluated. Patient data and specimen were collected after which isolated bacteria were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing against some antibiotics (Sparfloxacin, Azythromycin Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and amoxicillin) using standard methods. Results obtained showed that patients aged 16-25 years were more predisposed to ear infection and substantial number of them (60.5%) reported previous history of the infection. Staphylococcus (48.70%) and Pseudomonas (26.30%) were the most predominant bacterial isolated from these patients. Other isolates included; Bacillus (14.5%), Corynebacterium (3.90%), Enterobacterium (1.30%), and Klebsiella (3.9%). Antibiogram revealed that 78.9% of the isolates were susceptible to the killing effects of Azithromycin and only 39.3% were susceptible to amoxicillin. However. 69.8% of isolates were susceptible to amoxicillin- clavulanic acid combination therapy. Conclusively, Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas, were the leading cause of ear infection at the study center. Azithromycin as well as amoxicillin- clavulanic acid combination were the most effective antibiotics against the encountered bacterial isolates and these antibiotics can be used as a first line drug in the management of ear infection at the study.

The battle against dental caries: defeating biofilm formed by bacterial isolates using vanillin and plant essential oils: in vitro and ex vivo approaches

BackgroundInfections caused by biofilm-forming bacteria have significantly linked to dental plaque and caries. The aim of this study is to assess efficacy of some natural compounds in inhibition and eradication of biofilm formed by bacterial isolates from dental infections.ResultsBacterial isolates were recovered from dental plaque/caries and identified using standard microbiological tests and 16S rDNA sequencing. The isolated bacterial strains include Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli. The antibiotic susceptibility was determined by disk diffusion method and revealed that the majority of isolates showed high antibiotic resistance, and 61% of isolates were found to be multidrug resistant. The biofilm formation capacity of isolates was investigated using microtiter plate assay. Among the 77 bacterial isolates, seventeen showed moderate biofilm formation capacity, twenty-two showed near-moderate, thirty-four had weak biofilm-forming capacity, and four were non-biofilm producers. The antibiofilm activity of tested compounds (rose and jasmine oils, propolis, vanillin, and vinegar) was evaluated against isolates with highest biofilm-forming capacity. The in vitro antibiofilm ability of tested substances were investigated alone or in combination with each other to evaluate their ability to prevent biofilm formation or destroy preformed single-/multispecies biofilms. Finally, antibiofilm ability of tested combination was evaluated ex vivo on natural teeth. Our results showed that vanillin in combination with rose or jasmine oils showed promising biofilm inhibition and biofilm eradication activities in both the in vitro and ex vivo models.ConclusionsDental plaque and caries can be successfully prevented using combination of vanillin with rose or jasmine oils, and these compounds can be incorporated in new anticaries dental formulations.

Biofertilizer based on <i>Agrobacterium </i>as a key to food security

Background: The concept of food security is contingent upon the fulfillment of two fundamental requirements: physiological and socioeconomic. The former comprises providing sustenance that is both safeguarded and enhanced in line with people’s nutritional needs and priorities, whereas the latter includes the mechanisms by which these needs are supplied. The objective is to ensure a state of robust and healthy well-being. As a sustainable solution, biofertilizers play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges of food security. Biofertilizers represent a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution, with the potential to enhance soil productivity through nitrogen fixation. They also enhance crop yield by increasing the concentration of nutrients. Access to functional foods derived from biofertilizer-enhanced yields may contribute to improved dietary diversification and overall well-being. Objective: The objective is to isolate and screen the most active nitrogen-fixing bacterium as a basis to a new biofertilizer. Methods: The isolation of nitrogen-fixing bacteria was conducted using the soil sowing technique. The selection of nitrogen-fixing bacteria was based on their morphophysiological characteristics. Bacterial growth was evaluated by viable cell count. Cultivation of the selected bacterium occurred in both flasks (on a shaker) and a bioreactor to compare growth conditions. The stimulatory effect of the selected bacterium on seed germination was assessed based on the final germination rate. The selected bacterium identified through molecular taxonomy. Results: A total of 100 pure cultures were isolated, from which nitrogen-fixing bacteria were selected. The cultivation conditions for these bacteria were optimized regarding pH, temperature and process duration in a flask on a shaker. Strain NB4 exhibited the most favorable development under optimal settings. Additionally, cultivation parameters for this strain were optimized in a laboratory bioreactor. Notably, a bacterial liquid culture water solution comprising 1.5% strain NB4 facilitated complete germination of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), seeds and produced high-quality sprouts. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain NB4 was submitted to the GenBank database under accession number MT670424.1, identifying it as Agrobacterium Pusense RP 1. Conclusion: This research aimed to develop an effective biofertilizer to tackle the pressing issue of food security. The project’s cornerstone was Agrobacterium pusense RP 1, nitrogen-fixing strain isolated and identified through rigorous research. Keywords: Isolation and identification of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, cultivation in bioreactor, germination of wheat seeds, Agrobacterium pusense.

Isolation and Identification of Multi-Traits PGPR for Sustainable Crop Productivity Under Salinity Stress

High salinity poses a significant threat to arable land globally and contributes to desertification. Growth-promoting rhizobacteria assist plants in mitigating abiotic stresses and enhancing crop productivity through the production of siderophores, exopolysaccharides (EPS), solubilisation of phosphate, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and other secondary metabolites. This study aimed to isolate, identify, and characterise bacteria that exhibit robust growth-promoting properties. A total of 64 bacterial isolates from the rhizosphere of Miscanthus sinensis were evaluated for plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, including IAA, EPS, siderophores, and solubilisation of phosphate. Among them, five isolates were selected as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) based on their PGP features and identified via 16S rRNA sequencing: Enterococcus mundtii strain INJ1 (OR122486), Lysinibacillus fusiformis strain INJ2 (OR122488), Lysinibacillus sphaericus strain MIIA20 (OR122490), Pseudomonas qingdaonensis strain BD1 (OR122487), and Pseudomonas qingdaonensis strain MIA20 (OR122489), all documented in NCBI GenBank. BD1 demonstrated a higher production of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (17.93 U/mg mL), catalase (CAT) (91.17 U/mg mL), and glutathione (GSH) (0.18 U/mg mL), along with higher concentrations of IAA (31.69 µg/mL) and salicylic acid (SA) (14.08 ng/mL). These isolates also produced significant quantities of amino and organic acids. BD1 exhibited superior PGP traits compared to other isolates. Furthermore, the NaCl tolerance of these bacterial isolates was assessed by measuring their growth at concentrations ranging from 0 to 200 mM at 8-h intervals. Optical density (OD) measurements indicated that BD1 and INJ2 displayed significant tolerance to salt stress. The utilisation of these isolates, which enhances plant growth and PGP traits under salt stress, may improve plant development under saline conditions.

Genomic characterization of Pantoea dispersa A003 isolated from a clinical patient

IntroductionPantoea dispersa is a Gram-negative bacterium generally considered as a plant pathogen and rarely causes human infections. To date, there have been 13 studies that have documented clinical infections linked to P. dispersa, with a primary emphasis on the initial identification of this pathogen. The genomic features and the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of P. dispersa remain largely uninvestigated. In the present study, we describe a clinical infection caused by P. dispersa and provide the first genomic analysis of this bacterium.MethodsThe bacterial strain designated A003 was isolated from blood samples. Preliminary identification of strain A003 was conducted using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) technology (VITEK® MS, bioMérieux, France). Biochemical and antimicrobial susceptibility assessments were carried out utilizing the VITEK-2 compact automated microbial analysis system (bioMérieux, France). Additionally, whole genome sequencing and subsequent analysis were performed to further elucidate the potential pathogenicity.ResultsThe bacterial isolate was cultured overnight at 35°C in a CO2-enriched environment on Columbia blood agar, resulting in the appearance of a white, smooth, Gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium with diameters ranging from 1 to 2 mm. Identification of strain A003 was achieved with a high confidence level of 99.9% as P. dispersa using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) value between strain A003 and the reference strain P. dispersa DSM 30073T was 98.08%, while the DNA–DNA hybridization (DDH) value was 84.10% (Formula 2) based on genome sequencing data, which further confirmed that A003 belonged to the P. dispersa species. Comprehensive analysis revealed the presence of 372 virulence factors, 15 antibiotic resistance genes, 222 carbohydrate-active enzymes, and 666 genes related to Type III secretion system (T3SS) effector proteins, as identified through the core databases of VFDB (Virulence Factors of Pathogenic Bacteria), CARD (Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database), CAZY (Carbohydrate-Active enZYmes Database), and T3SS. The virulence factors included type IV pili (TFP), type VI secretion system, flagella, iron uptake system, and ompA, which are implicated in bacterial pathogenicity. The antibiotic resistance profile indicated resistance to fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, penams, macrolides, and aminoglycosides, as annotated by the CARD database.ConclusionThe draft genome sequenced represents the inaugural genomic sequence of P. dispersa derived from clinical sources. This advancement may enhance clinical practitioners’ comprehension of the organism’s clinical attributes and serve as a foundational resource for future research into its virulence, antibiotic resistance, and host–pathogen interactions.

The Ability of Endophytic Bacteria in Phosphate Solubilization and IAA Production on Chili Plant Growth

Biofertilizer is considered an alternative to chemical fertilizers for enhancing plant productivity while minimizing ecological damage. Endophytic bacteria have the ability to solubilize phosphate and produce IAA (indole acetic acid). The aim of this research is to assess the phosphate solubilization and IAA production abilities of bacterial isolates applied to chili plants. Seven bacterial isolates collection from the Microbiology Laboratory, Universitas Sumatera Utara, were tested. In quantitative tests conducted in vitro, isolates MB10 and MB11 demonstrated the highest phosphate solubilization capabilities, yielding solubilization indices of 16.2 mm and 9.5 mm, respectively. Additionally, the ability of bacterial isolates to produce IAA in vitro was evaluated using calorimetry, revealing that isolates MB8 and MB2 produced the highest concentrations of IAA, measuring 58.58 ppm and 54.64 ppm, respectively. Furthermore, in vivo application involved the inoculation of isolates MB10 and MB11 on chili plants for 30 days. Seed treatment with suspensions of isolates MB10 and MB11 resulted in decreased plant performance compared to the control. These findings indicate that some endophytic bacteria originating from the mangrove root Avicennia marina have potential for producing relatively high levels of secondary metabolites. However, direct application did not significantly enhance plant growth performance.

Estimation of the concentration of some biochemical parameters and bacterial profile in patients with periodontitis and its relationship with cardiovascular disease

Background: Concerning the widespread occurrence of hyperlipidemia, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and unclear findings on the connection between periodontal disease and the levels of lipids in the blood. Aim of the study: This study aimed to isolation different bacterial type from periodontitis patients and evaluated level of lipid profile in the same patients Material and methods: The study included a collection age group of 90 samples swaps (patient and control), 60 samples from patients with periodontitis attending outpatient clinics and Balad General Hospitalthe sample were collected for different ages between 15-55 years old and both sexes, from july 2023to December 2024. The sample was taken using a sterile cotton swab (transport cotton swab). The blood samples were taking from their arms from (cubital vien), 5cc of venous blood taken from patients & control healthy individual, Samples were cultured directly using the plotting method on culture media suitable for bacterial growth, which included blood agar, MacConkey agar, mannitol salt agar, MSB agar, and chromo agar. The plates were incubated upside down at 37°C for 18–24 days. The bacterial isolates were identified based on physiological tests and biochemical tests. Result: The present study’s result showed About (60%) showed positive bacterial growth which were Prophyromonas gingivalis (30%), Staph. aureus (16.7%), Strep. pneumonia (11.7%), Staph. epidermidis (10%), Strep. pyogenes, Strep. Viridans, Strep. mutans (8.3% %) for them, and (6.7%) for Enterococcus fecalis that was diagnosed based on biochemical tests, and the diagnosis of some bacterial species was confirmed with the VITEK device., whereas (40%) showed no growth, And there were a high significant differences between the periodontitis patient compared with control group in mean level of cholesterol, HDL and LDL which scored (151.1±42.7, 139.9±41.4, 184.9±25.4) respectively in patient compared with controls (80.0±16.8, 46.2±14.6, 99.1±27.1). While Triglyceride and VLDL showed no differences between studied groups. Conclusion: This study concluded increase cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein in periodontitis patient, While no differences in Triglyceride and VLDL level

α-Glucosidase Enzyme Inhibitory Activity of Extracts from the Fermentation of Endophytic Bacteria from Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don) Leaves

Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don contain bioactive compounds that act as inhibitors against the α-glucosidase enzyme. This study aims to test the α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitor activity of fermented extract of endophytic bacteria from tapak dara leaves and identify the bacterial species. Endophytic bacteria were isolated using a direct planting method, resulting in eight isolates. The bacteria were fermented for 24-72 hours in nutrient broth media. Ethyl acetate was used to extract the fermented bacteria. Screening for α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory activity was conducted using the TLC bioautography method. Four bacterial isolates (TD 1, TD 3, TD 4, TD 7) produced clear zones, qualitatively indicating that the isolates have inhibitory activity against the α-glucosidase enzyme. The IC50 results from the eight isolates showed that three isolates provided strong IC50 values: isolate TD 1 at 19.93 µg/ml, isolate TD 2 at 92.34 µg/ml, and isolate TD 4 at 13.94 µg/ml, compared to acarbose at 48.85 µg/ml). Molecular identification showed that isolate TD 1 was Pseudomonas oryzihabitans and isolate TD 4 was Staphylococcus warneri. This study concluded that endophytic bacteria from tapak dara leaves have the potential as a source of α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitor compounds for the development of antidiabetic drugs.

Evaluation of Geh gene expression in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from acne patients

Acne vulgaris is a chronic skin disease that affects the hair follicle and sebaceous glands. Staphylococcus aureus colonizes human skin and causes infections ranging from local skin infections to systemic infections that may threaten human life due to its ability to produce many virulence factors and antibiotic resistance. The objective of this study is to measure the genetic expression of Geh gene responsible for producing the lipase enzyme from S. aureus isolated from acne patients. This study was conducted by collecting 130 swabs from acne patients at Tikrit Teaching Hospital. Using routine bacterial isolation and identification methods, 50 samples (38.4%) of the total samples were identified as S. aureus through its ability to grow in mannitol salt agar medium, the fermentation of mannitol sugar, and the change of the medium color to yellow. The Geh gene expression of ten S. aureus isolates from acne patients was examined using RT-PCR. The results showed that Geh gene was expressed in all isolates, with an expression ranging from 1.5 to 7.2, and that the mean folding of the Geh gene for ten samples was 4.2. This indicates the presence of high gene expression of the Geh gene in S. aureus isolates. Therefore, it is concluded that Lipase enzyme plays an important role in the pathogenesis of S. aureus in acne patients.

Evaluating the efficacy of endophytic bacteria in controlling rice sheath blight: In vitro and In vivo studies

Rice production is highly susceptible to various pathogens, including Rhizoctonia solani, Curvularia lunata, and Epicoccum rostratum, which are major threats in Asia. Exploring biological control methods using endophytic bacteria offers promising opportunities to enhance rice resilience against these lethal diseases. Using 16S RNA sequencing, we identified four endophytic isolates of Bacillus spp. from rice roots, stems, and leaves. We evaluated the antagonistic activity of these endophytic bacterial isolates against rice pathogens both in vitro and in vivo. These isolates inhibited the growth of C. lunata by 82 %, R. solani by 79 %, and E. rostratum by 88 % in vitro. The detached leaf assay for sheath blight (ShB) disease severity in strains ranged from 10.4 % to 73.3 %. In vivo results showed that B. amyloliquefaciens (R-19) exhibited the lowest disease intensity at 7.2 % and the highest disease suppression at 78.8 %. The fungicide propiconazole at 0.1 % treatment showed the lowest disease intensity of 7.7 % and the highest disease suppression of 73.4 %, compared to the infected control. Besides biocontrol efficacy, endophytic isolates enhance plant growth parameters, including shoot height, root length, fresh and dry weights, number of tillers, and grains per tiller. Plant hormones abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellic acids (GA3) increased by 35 % and 53 %, respectively, due to B. subtilis (R-20) and B. amyloliquefaciens (R-19), while flavonoid and indole acetic acid (IAA) concentrations surged by 30%–80 %. Similarly, chlorophyll (a, b), carotenoids, antioxidant enzymatic activity, phenolic content, carbohydrates, and proline contents were higher compared to the control. This study provides a foundation for future studies on novel and eco-friendly biocontrol agents. In addition, our study recommends the integration of endophytic bacteria into sustainable agriculture for enhancing rice production and reducing disease impacts.

Isolation and Characterization of Arsenic-Tolerable Bacteria from Groundwater and Their Implementation on Rice Seedling's Shoot and Root Enhancement.

Arsenic exerts detrimental impacts on primary metabolism in plants, leading to reduced crop yield. Some arsenic-resistant plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) help plants by providing some plant hormones to sustain their growth and development under arsenic stress. Here, seven different species of Bacillus were isolated from arsenic-contaminated groundwater of West Bengal, India. Those species were capable of growing in the presence of > 3.12g/L arsenate (AsV) and > 0.65g/L arsenite (AsIII) salts and also resist different heavy metals like Cu2+, Fe2+, Co2+, Zn2+, Pb2+, etc. They were susceptible to multiple groups of antibiotics like beta-lactam, aminoglycosides, etc. All species were capable of detoxifying arsenite and influenced rice seedlings' growth in the presence of arsenic salts by their capabilities likenitrogen-fixing ability, phosphate solubilization, indole 3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA), proline production, etc. Most species helped enhance root and shoot lengths under arsenic stress. These primary findings suggest that those Bacillus spp. could be used as potential bio-fertilizers in arsenic-contaminated agricultural fields.

Oat Okara Fermentation: New Insights into the Microbiological and Metabolomic Characterization

The importance of the valorization of industrial by-products has led to increasing research into their reuse. In this research, the innovative by-product okara oat flour, derived from the vegetable beverage industry, was studied. Oat okara sourdough was also produced and evaluated. The microbiological identification and typing involved bacterial and yeast isolates from both flour and sourdough. Untargeted metabolomics allowed the identification of biomarkers of fermented flour, such as phenolic classes, post-fermentation metabolites, fatty acids, and amino acids. The microorganisms most found were Weissella confusa, Enterococcus faecium, Pediococcus pentosaceus, and Pichia kudriavzevii, while Saccharomyces cerevisiae appeared only at the end of the sourdough’s back-slopping. Untargeted metabolomics identified a total of 539 metabolites, including phenolic compounds, lipids, amino acids, and organic acids. An increase in polyphenols released from the food matrix was detected, likely because of the higher bio-accessibility of phenolic metabolites promoted by microbial fermentation. Fermentation led to an increase in isoferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, sinapic acid, and a decrease in amino acids, which can be attributed to the metabolism of lactic acid bacteria. Some key markers of the fermentation process of both lactic acid bacteria and yeast were also measured, including organic acids (lactate, succinate, and propionate derivatives) and flavor compounds (e.g., diacetyl). Two bioactive compounds, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid and 3-phenyl-lactic acid had accumulated at the end of fermentation. Taken together, our findings showed that oat okara flour can be considered an excellent raw material for formulating more sustainable and functional foods due to fermentation promoted by autochthonous microbiota.