Higher Bacteria Counts Research Articles

Growth and physiological responses of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus fed dietary fermented sugar beet bagasse and reared in biofloc system

Sugar beet bagasse (SB) is a common agro-industrial waste used in animal feeds. However, its high crude fiber content makes it difficult for fish to digest. Fermentation processes can improve the nutritional value of SB by-products. The study uses Lactobacillus rhamnosus and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) to ferment SB waste for use as a soybean meal substitute in Nile tilapia fingerlings. This led to an increase in protein, lipid, ash, and nitrogen-free extracts, while the fiber content decreased. Four experimental isonitrogenous (crude protein: 249.2 g kg−1) and isocaloric (gross energy:18.25 MJ kg−1) diets were formulated as follows: a control diet with 0 % LYFSB (L. rhamnosus and yeast fermented SB), and three other diets with LYFSB replacing soybean meal (SBM) at levels of 10 % (LYFSB10 %), 20 % (LYFSB20 %), and 30 % (LYFSB30 %) based on protein content, over a 70-day period. 180 fingerlings of Nile tilapia (average initial weight of 5.19 ± 0.02 g) were placed at random in twelve circular plastic tanks (60 L capacity) with a stocking density of fifteen fish each. Nitrite and ammonia levels decreased as the replacement levels of LYFSB in tilapia diets increased, while nitrate levels showed the opposite trend. The phytoplankton community includes nine species in the biofloc system and four in tilapia gut content, with Chlorophyceae being the most common class, having the highest number in fish-fed diets (7805.67 organism/ml). The study revealed that LYFSB significantly influenced the zooplankton community, with protozoa dominating in biofloc water and rotifer in tilapia gut. LYFSB10 % and LYFSB20 % had the highest bacteria counts. Fish fed with LYFSB10 % and LYFSB20 % diets showed the highest values for specific growth rate (2.51 % day−1) and weight gain (24.92 g fish−1). These diets also exhibited increased activity levels of trypsin, lipase, and amylase enzymes. Increasing the inclusion of LYFSB in fish diets as a replacement for FM improved the intestinal and liver health of fish. The diets with LYFSB10 % and LYFSB20 % showed the highest levels of globulin, total protein, albumin, and IgM, with no significant differences between them. Fish fed LYFSB10 % had lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were highest in fish fed LYFSB10 % and LYFSB20 %, while malondialdehyde (MDA) activity was lowest in the LYFSB30 % diet. The study showed that the biofloc system enhanced water quality and increased the efficiency of tilapia fed LYFSB10 % and LYFSB20 %.

Evaluation of Physicochemical Parameters, Total Bacteria Count and some Heavy Metal Levels in Soil from Automobile Workshop Activities at Nnewi Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria

Disposal of used motor oil and chemical substances on land leads to loss in soil quality by minimal abundance and variety of microorganisms in soil. The objective of this paper was to evalaute the physicochemical parameters, total bacteria count and some heavy metal levels in soil from automobile workshop activities at Nnewi Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria. Using field survey and appropriate standard laboratory analyses, the results showed that the control uncontaminated soil samples recorded high bacteria count (6.9 x106 cfu/g). The available soil nitrogen(9.0), soil nutrients nitrate (15.10) and phosphorous (17.3) all recorded appropriate values when compared with WHO standard. The acidity of the soil using pH value as an indicator showed that the uncontaminated control soil samples were acceptable for crops also the Ec values. The heavy metals analysed indicates that the control soil samples were also moderate in heavy metals accumulation when compared with the contaminated soil samples particularly Cd, Pb (0.08) and Hg (0.01) while Cd was not detectable. These findings have shown that automobile activities can denature soil properties which could lead to soil infertility. The automobile activities has to be controled by the concerned agencies in Nigeria. Environmental education should be encouraged to reduce effects of anthropogenic activities on soil quality in the study area.

Potentially pathogenic culturable bacteria in hemodialysis waters

BackgroundHemodialysis patients are at risk of acquiring healthcare-related infections due to using non-sterile water to prepare hemodialysis fluid. Therefore, microbiological control and monitoring of used water are of crucial importance.Materials and methodsIn this work, we identified bacterial populations occupying a hemodialysis water distribution system for almost a 6-month period in Ahvaz city, southwest of Iran. A total of 18 samples from three points were collected. We found high colony counts of bacteria on R2A agar. 31 bacteria with different morphological and biochemical characteristics were identified by molecular-genetic methods based on 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. Endotoxin concentrations were measured, using Endosafe® Rapid LAL Single-Test Vials.ResultsA diverse bacterial community was identified, containing predominantly Gram-negative bacilli. The most frequently isolated genus was Sphingomonas. Five species including M. fortuitum, M. lentiflavum, M.szulgai, M. barrassiae, and M. gordonae was identified .Despite the presence of Gram-negative bacteria the endotoxin analysis of all samples revealed that their endotoxin values were below the detection limit.ConclusionThe members of Sphingomonas genus along with Bosea and mycobacteria could be regarded as pioneers in surface colonization and biofilm creation. These bacteria with others like Pelomonas, Bradyrhizobium, staphylococcus, and Microbacterium may represent a potential health risk to patients under hemodialysis treatment.

Exploring the Prevalence of Microorganisms in Selected Water Sources in Benue South of Nigeria using Selected Environmental Factors and Microbial Counts

In this study, we assessed the water and microbial qualities of major water sources in nine sites within three Local Government Areas (LGAs-Otukpo, Ohimini and Apa LGAs) in Benue South between January and March, 2023. Water samples were collected monthly for the analyses of selected physico-chemical variables and microbial constituents in the studied sites following standard procedures. The results of the physico-chemical variables showed that most of the variables were proportionately higher than the maximum standards by appropriate regulatory bodies. For instance, electrical conductivity (EC) was highest in S2-Upu borehole, Otukpo LGA (1,181+285 µS/cm) and lowest in S4-Okpokwu River, Ohimini LGA (19.35+6.35 µS/cm). The concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) in all the sites showed less aerated water except for S2 (5.37+0.34 mg/l) and 5S-Awulema borehole, Ohimini LGA (5.06+0.14 mg/l). On the microbial quality, the results of the total coliform counts from the nine sampling sites (water sources) showed that the highest coliform count (>1,600 MPN/100mL) was recorded in S1 in January 2023 while the lowest coliform count (12 MPN/100mL) was recorded in S2. The total bacteria viable counts (TVC) detected in the water sources sampled in the three LGAs in showed that the highest bacteria count (204 cfu per mL) was recorded in S3-Depot well, Otukpo LGA in January 2023, and the lowest bacteria count (36 cfu per mL) was recorded in S2 in January 2023. Escherichia coli was the most prevalent bacteria as it occurred in all the sites sampled except S6- Ijami well, Ohimini LGA and S9- Amoke well, Apa LGA. Our finding based on the concentration of pollution indicating physico-chemical variables (e.g., EC, BOD5, and COD) showed the water sources studied in the three LGAs in Benue South were relatively perturbed. This was also confirmed by the prevalence of microbial loads which in most cases exceeded the minimum standard set by WHO for drinking water.

Biosurfactant production potentials of microorganisms isolated from atmosphere of five petroleum stations at Tanke, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

Biosurfactants aid in bioremediation by improving the bioavailability of hydrocarbon contaminants. The objective of this work was to isolate, enumerate and identify bacteria and fungi for their biosurfactant production potential in the atmosphere of five petroleum stations at Tanke, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria using appropriate, standard microbiological methods (haemolysis test, emulsification index test, drop collapse test and oil displacement test). Fourteen bacteria and ten fungi were isolated in this study. The bacterial isolates belong to the genus Bacillus, Corynebacterium, Micrococcus, Staphylococcus, Listeria, Clostridium. The fungal isolates are of the genus Neurospora, Curvularia, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Rhizopus, Cladosporium, Colletotrichum, Sclerotinia. The mean number of bacteria counted during the sampling ranged from 3.48±1.15*102 CFU to 4.82 ±1.69*102 CFU, with petrol station 4 having the highest bacteria count (2.41*102 CFU) and petrol station 3 having the lowest bacteria count (1.74*102 CFU). The mean fungal count ranged from 7±3.7 CFU to 8.6±4.7 *102 CFU, with petrol station 4 having the highest fungal count (4.3 *10 CFU) and petrol station 3 having the lowest fungal count (3.4*10 CFU). Bacillus species showed promise of biosurfactant production after screening. Aspergillus fumigatus was the most prevalent fungus isolated (24%) while Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most prevalent bacterium isolated (11%). Some of these organisms are known opportunistic pathogens therefore, improved ventilation and sanitation of the petrol stations should be carried out to reduce the microbial load in the air. Also, bacteria that produce biosurfactant can be isolated from air of gas stations.

Effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CNPC003 and milk pasteurization on artisanal goat coalho cheese characteristics

This study evaluated the effect of adding Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CNPC003 (LP) and applying milk pasteurization on the microbiological, technological, and physicochemical characteristics and protein profile of artisanal goat coalho cheese during 60 days of ripening. Four types of cheese were produced, including cheeses made with raw and pasteurized goat milk and with and without LP (RC, PC, RCLP, and PCLP). All cheeses were safe for consumption and maintained high lactic acid bacteria counts (above 8 log CFU mL−1) at the end of the ripening period. RC and RCLP showed higher hardness and lower chewiness than cheeses made with pasteurized milk (PC and PCLP) after 60 days of ripening. As expected, there was a reduction in lactose content with a simultaneous increase in acidity and syneresis for all cheeses over the 60 days of ripening, with no significant change in the other evaluated physicochemical parameters. Proteolysis rates increased in all cheeses up to 60 days of ripening, aligning with elevated levels of soluble protein and free amino acids. After 60 days of ripening, PC showed a higher extent of proteolysis index, higher amount of high molecular weight peptides, higher number of identified proteins, and lower content of free amino acids. RCLP showed a higher depth of proteolysis index, higher free amino acids amount (1583 ± 3.95 mg 100 g−1), and fewer identified proteins. Among the peptides identified, it was possible to define 30 potential bioactive peptides according to the bioactivity score (>0.5), where both cheeses added with LP had 18 of these peptides, mostly potentially ACE inhibition sequences. The addition of LP and the pasteurization of milk positively affected the microbiological safety of ripened coalho goat cheeses, primarily contributing to the differentiation of their texture and protein and bioactivity profile.

Community science for assessing the vulnerability of freshwater ecosystems: Water quality monitoring, restoration, and outreach by young naturalists in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Community science models that complement formal scientific investigations are valuable tools for addressing gaps in knowledge and engaging the community. Freshwater quality monitoring and vulnerability assessment, for example, are essential for conserving freshwater ecosystems, but often suffer from limited resources. While municipal programs focus on priority areas, community-based models can improve overall coverage both spatially and temporally. As an example of how community science initiatives centered on freshwater ecosystems enhance monitoring capacity, we present the case of the Young Naturalists Club (YNC) in Nova Scotia, Canada. The YNC's Nature Guardians program involves youth aged 10-14 in water monitoring, restoration, and outreach activities within Shubie Park, in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Between 2018 and 2021 the Nature Guardians collected water monitoring data at multiple park locations, and shared findings with city authorities and the Atlantic Water Network. In response to high bacteria counts, and concerns over nutrient influxes, the group's 2021-2023 restoration efforts have aimed to improve water quality, focusing on native plantings and outreach signage. This type of community-based monitoring offers several advantages, including local site selection based on community concerns, the potential for low-cost long-term monitoring, and community engagement. While a community-based monitoring model presents certain challenges including data standardization and verification, it offers a broader reach and can produce high-quality data when appropriate protocols are followed. This case underscores the potential of a community-based water quality monitoring approach and highlights the potential for community science to augment existing assessment structures, ultimately contributing to more resilient and sustainable freshwater ecosystems.

Quality evaluation of Braided Cheese (Gibna mudaffara) made from raw milk with the addition of starter culture during the ripening period

The purpose of this study was to see what effect adding starter culture to raw milk had on the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of braided cheese (Gibna mudaffara). The raw milk was warmed to 45°C before adding 2% w/v starter culture to the first treatment (T1) and no starter culture to the second treatment (T2). Both treatments contained sodium chloride (2% w/w) and rennet powder (1.3 gm/50 L milk). After manufacturing, the cheese was kept in the whey at 4°C for 45 days. At 1, 15, 30, and 45-day intervals, physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics were assessed. Results revealed that protein (18.21%), total solids (50.27%), ash (7.29%), and titratable acidity (0.65%) were found to be high in T1 cheese, while fat (19.66%) and moisture (48.97%) were found to be high in T2. The ripening period had a significant (P<0.001) effect on all physicochemical characteristics except fat. T2 cheese had high counts of total viable bacteria [TVB] (log10 6.60 cfu/g), Staphylococcus aureus (log10 2.35 cfu/g), Escherichia coli (log10 2.01 cfu/g), and yeasts and moulds (log10 5.91 cfu/g). In T1 cheese, all microbes under study decreased significantly as the ripening period progressed, whereas in T2 cheese, all microbes decreased during ripening except TVBC. T2 cheese scored higher on colour, flavour, and overall acceptability, while T1 cheese scored higher on taste and body. All sensory properties of both cheeses were significantly affected by the ripening period. This study concluded that heat treatment and adding the starter culture is required for the production of safe and high-quality braided cheese.

Remediation of crude oil contaminated soil with locally formulated bioremediation agent

Hydrocarbon pollution is one of the major environmental challenges facing the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, and over the years, various methods and strategies have been suggested to be used in tackling these problem. This research was aimed at restoring crude oil contaminated soil with locally formulated bioremediation agent (coded LOFBA). The local bioremediation agent (LOFBA) formulated consisted of cow dung, chicken droppings and periwinkle shells. Four soil treatments (unpolluted soil, polluted soil with crude oil, polluted soil remediated with LOFBA and polluted soil remediated with NPK) were setup using completely randomized blocked design (CRBD). The microbial isolates were identified on the basis of cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. Physicochemical properties of the soil (pH, total nitrogen, sulphate, phosphorus, total organic carbon, moisture, exchangeable cations, heavy metals) were estimated using standard procedures while total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were determined using the gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GCMS). The LOFBA had pH 5.6, high calcium (47.325%), Nitrogen (1.49%), phosphorus (0.26%), electrical conductivity (194.81μmho/cm) and high counts of bacteria and fungi. The microbial isolates identified were Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus cereus, Acinetobacter aceti, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes. Soil remediated with LOFBA showed a significantly (p < 0.05) higher bacterial counts total nitrogen and exchangeable ions (K, Mg, Na and Ca) than other treatments. Heptadecane, pristine, octadecane, eicosane, herieicosane and hentriacontane were more highly degraded in LOFBA remediated soil than NPK remediated soil. Naphthalene was the only PAH present in all soil samples after six months although LOFBA remediated soil had the lowest concentration. Besides, Acenaphylylene was detected in crude oil contaminated soil and soil remediated with NPK while none was detected in soil remediated with LOFBA. The results also revealed that total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) from unamended soil decreased from 21.33 mg/kg to 16.61 mg/kg (22.13% degradation), from 15.18 mg/kg to 3.03 mg/kg (80.04% degradation) in LOFBA remediated soil while that of NPK remediated soil decreased from 18.70 mg/kg to 7.97 mg/kg (57.38% degradation) after six months. The results indicate that the locally formulated bioremediation agent (LOFBA) enhanced the recovery of the oil contaminated soil better than NPK fertilizer. LOFBA is therefore, recommended for oil spill remediation in the tropic.

Physicochemical and bacteriological assessment of Wupa wastewater treatment plant effluent and the effluent-receiving Wupa River in Abuja, Nigeria.

The occurrence of pathogens in discharged wastewater effluent may constitute potential public health risks. This study assessed the physicochemical and bacteriological characteristics of water samples taken from the Wupa River in Abuja, Nigeria, which receives the final effluent of the Wupa Wastewater Treatment Plant. Sixty sewage/water samples were collected over 12 months from five sampling points. Coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli were simultaneously enumerated using the membrane filtration technique and Chromocult Coliform Agar. HANNA multiparameter metre was used to measure the physicochemical parameters including temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO) and total dissolved solids (TDS). Results of the bacteriological analysis showed that impermissible high mean counts of E. coli (≥ 1.2 × 104 CFU/100 ml) and total coliforms (≥ 5.4 × 104 CFU/100 ml) were detected in 95% and 100% of the water samples respectively. These values exceed the acceptable standard limits. The mean values of physicochemical parameters ranged from 6.3 to 8.7, 20.9 to 27.3 °C, 116 to 325.0 µS/cm, 1.3 to 11.4 mg/l and 98.0 to 180.0 mg/l for pH, temperature, EC, DO and TDS respectively, with all conforming to international and national standards. Wupa River seems to have a minor negative environmental impact, per the physicochemical data obtained in this study. However, the high counts of faecal indicator bacteria demonstrated in the effluent samples were higher than those of the river at both upstream and downstream sites, implying that the river microbial load may increase to constitute an unchecked environmental hazard. Adequate disinfection of the Wupa plant effluent before discharge into the Wupa River is imperative.

Innovative Functional Lactic Acid Bacteria Fermented Oat Beverages with the Addition of Fruit Extracts and Lyophilisates

Nowadays, plant-based fermented products are attracting a lot of consumer interest due to their probiotic and health-promoting properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality and antioxidant activity of innovative fermented oat beverages with the addition of extracts and freeze-dried local fruit. In the first step, chokeberry and hawthorn were selected based on their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The final study material consisted of oat beverages fermented with the use of the Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DKK 003 strain for 20 h with the addition of 1 and 5% of extracts and freeze-dried fruits. It was found that freeze-dried chokeberry and chokeberry extracts showed a higher content of polyphenolic compounds than freeze-dried hawthorn and hawthorn extracts. After the fermentation process of the innovative beverages, the content of polyphenolic compounds remained the same or there was a slight decrease depending on the additive type. Antioxidant activity significantly decreased after 20 h of fermentation in all enriched oat beverages with no significant differences observed compared to control samples. The obtained fermented beverages were characterised by a high lactic acid bacteria count (above 8 log CFU/mL), a low pH (approximately 4.15), and no microbiological contamination. Oat fermented beverages with fruit additives can be good dietary enrichment products.

Effects of Gamma-Ray Irradiation of Bacteria Colonies in Animal Feeds and on Growth and Gut Health of Weaning Piglets

Animal feeds contain a substantial number and diversity of microorganisms, and some of them have pathogenic potential. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of different doses of gamma (γ)-ray irradiation on the bacteria count in different types of feed and then to test the effect of γ-ray-irradiation-treated fishmeal on the gut health and growth performance of weaning piglets. In trial 1, three fishmeal samples, two feather meal samples, three meat meal samples, three soybean meal samples, and three vitamin complexes were treated with γ-ray irradiation doses of 0, 3, 6, or 9 kGy. The 6 and 9 kGy doses eliminated most of the bacteria in the feed but also resulted in a loss of vitamin C and B1. In trial 2, 96 weaning piglets were fed one of the following three diets with eight replicates (pens) per group over a 14-day period: (1) the control diet—the basal diet supplemented with 6% fishmeal with a low bacteria count (40 CFU/g) and no E. coli; (2) the fishmeal-contaminated diet (FM-contaminated) diet—the basal diet supplemented with 6% fishmeal with a high bacteria count (91,500 CFU/g) and E. coli contamination; and (3) the irradiated fishmeal (irradiated FM) diet—the basal diet supplemented with γ-ray-irradiation-treated E. coli-contaminated fishmeal. The piglets that received the FM-contaminated diet had significantly lower average daily gain and a greater diarrhea index compared to those fed the control diet, whereas γ-ray irradiation treatment abrogated the negative effect of the E. coli-contaminated fishmeal. Collectively, γ-ray irradiation at a dose of 6–9 kGy was sufficient to eliminate the microorganisms in the feed, thereby benefitting the growth performance and gut health of the weaning piglets.

Hygiene and environmental sanitation consequences on the spread of <i>Klebsiella species</i> and its antibiotic resistance in a ruminant animal farm

This study assessed the sanitation and hygiene practices in an animal farm through walkthrough observation and one-on-one interviews, monitored the levels of selected air parameters in animal houses using portable air samplers, identified the Klebsiella species from the bacterial population in the nose and skin of selected ruminant animals, and skin of consented animal handlers; and examined the antibiotic sensitivity test (AST) on the confirmed Klebsiella (K.) isolates following standard procedures. Most handlers (77.78%) wash their hands before starting work without soap (55.56 %), with well (77.78 %) or spent water (22.22 %). A total of 181 and 132 distinct bacterial colonies and gram-negative bacteria species, respectively, were obtained. The highest bacteria count (28cfu/ml) was from Cattle nasal swab samples, while the lowest (17cfu/ml each) was from the skin samples of Goats and Sheep. Also, the highest gram-negative bacteria (24cfu/ml) was from sheep skin swab samples, while the least was from goat nasal swab samples. Eighteen of thirty-two presumed K. species were confirmed with colony characteristics and biochemical tests. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was prevalent in 77.7% of the confirmed K. species. Two-thirds of Klebsiella isolates in goats and cattle showed multidrug resistance, compared with 60% in Sheep and 100 % in handlers. Klebsiella's estimated resistance percentages against Penicillin, Cefuroxime, Ceftazidime, Nitrofurantoin, and Gentamicin were 100, 67.7, 50, 38.9, and 22.2, respectively. This study found a significant gram-negative bacteria load in the skin swabs of animal handlers, which will only worsen with inadequate personal hygiene and poor sanitation.

Growth and Decay of Fecal Indicator Bacteria and Changes in the Coliform Composition on the Top Surface Sand of Coastal Beaches during the Rainy Season.

High counts of bacteria are present in beach sand, and human health threats attributable to contact with sand have been reported. In this study, we investigated fecal indicator bacteria in the top surface sand of coastal beaches. Monitoring investigations were performed during a monsoon when rainfall occurs randomly, and the composition of the coliforms was analyzed. The coliform count in the top surface sand (depth < 1 cm) increased by approximately 100 fold (26-2.23 × 103 CFU/100 g) with increasing water content because of precipitation. The composition of the coliforms in the top surface sand changed within 24 h of rainfall, with Enterobacter comprising more than 40% of the coliforms. Estimation of factors that changed the bacterial counts and composition revealed that coliform counts tended to increase with increasing water content in the top surface sand. However, the abundance of Enterobacter was independent of the sand surface temperature and water content. Coliform counts in the top surface sand rapidly increased and the composition showed remarkable variations because of the supply of water to the beach following rainfall. Among them, some bacteria with suspected pathogenicity were present. Controlling bacteria in coastal beaches is important for improving public health for beachgoers.

Microorganisms in Soil and Groundwater of Epe and Laje Solid Waste Dumpsites in Ondo Town, Nigeria

The menace of open dumps is a serious concern in Nigeria because of its associated health hazards. In this work, microorganisms in soil and groundwater of Epe and Laje dumpsites which are two major dumpsites in Ondo metropolis, Nigeria were investigated using standard techniques. Bacteria isolates were later identified based on their colonial morphology, cellular morphology and their biochemical characteristics while cotton in blue lactophenol technique was used for fungal identification. Epe had higher bacteria counts (cfu/ml) in both top soil (122.0 ×106) and subsoil (72.0 ×106) when compared with bacteria counts in Laje top soil (97.0 ×106) and subsoil (52.0 ×106). Similarly, Epe also had higher fungi counts (sfu/ml) in both top (25.5× 106) and subsoil (11.5× 106), comparably with fungi counts in Laje top soil (17.0×106) and subsoil (9.5×106)). Meanwhile, total heterotrophic bacteria counts (cfu/ml) of the ground water samples was higher in Epe (42.0 x106 ) and Laje (27.0x106) in comparison with total heterotrophic fungi count (sfu/ml) in Epe (14.0x106) and Laje groundwater samples (10.5x106). Identified isolates included Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, Proteus spp (bacteria) and Mucor spp, Aspergillus niger and Fusarium spp (fungi). Remarkably, these isolates are organisms of medical importance, suggesting serious health threats to the residents around the dumpsites.

A preliminary study of the bacteriological evaluation of raw milk from Kogi State University dairy farm

Milk is a food that inherently favours microbial growth and due to its characteristics, several precautions must be taken to prevent contamination in its production, processing and consumption, which are routinely subject to changes. Raw milk is a complex mixture which is highly nutritious, contain high level of water (85%) and a pH close to neutral which makes it highly perishable and a suitable medium for the growth and multiplication of microorganisms. This study was carried out to evaluate the bacteria associated with raw milk from a dairy farm. A total of seven (7) raw milk samples were -gotten from different lactating cows. The samples were examined for pH, organoleptic property, and turbidity. Isolation of bacteria was done using the pour plate method, gram staining and various biochemical test were conducted to identify the organisms. The pH value of the samples ranged from 6.5 to 6.9. The total bacterial count ranged from 4.3x106 to 9.0x104 CFU/ml, and total coliform count ranges from 5.1x106 to 4.0x104 the bacteria isolated were Bacillus spp Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella spp and Streptococcus spp. The high bacteria count obtained in this study is an indication of poor sanitary condition and this calls for strict hygienic measure during handling of raw milk and its products.

Rotation of Triticale and Sweet Sorghum Improves Saline-Alkali Soil and Increases Productivity in a Saline Soil

ABSTRACT Soil salinization significantly restricts crop yield, animal foraging, and biomass production for biofuels. Identifying an efficient farming system to mitigate these concerns has become a major research focus. The present study addresses the potential of rotating triticale and sweet sorghum at various planting densities to alleviate soil salt stress, enhance production, improve agronomic characteristics, and boost soil microbial communities in a saline agricultural environment in East China. Several indicators in 2017 and 2018. Results show that triticale and sweet sorghum planting significantly decreased soil salt contents compared to bare land plots. Multiple agronomic traits were measured for each planting density. For triticale, a density of 180 × 104 plants ha−1 showed the best plant height, tiller number per plant, yield, and lodging rate; for sweet sorghum, a density of 7 × 104 plants/ha showed the best plant height, yield, and lodging rate. High-density planting of triticale (180, 260, 320 × 104 plants/ha) and sweet sorghum (7, 8, 9 × 104 plants/ha) was associated with high counts of bacteria, Actinomycetes, and salt-tolerant Actinomycetes. However, planting density had no significant effect on the counts of fungi or salt-tolerant bacteria. Redundancy Discriminant Analysis (RDA) showed that plant height, yield, lodging rate, bacteria, salt-tolerant bacteria, Actinomycetes, and salt-tolerant Actinomycetes were negatively correlated with soil salinity, while tiller number per plant and stem thickness were positively correlated with soil salinity. In conclusion, a rotation system of triticale and sweet sorghum with planting densities of 180 × 104 and 7 × 104 plants/ha, respectively was established to improve and make full use of saline soil.

Impact of oral hygiene on febrile neutropenia during breast cancer chemotherapy.

Oral hygiene is crucial in the management of oral and febrile complications during chemotherapy for cancer. This study aimed to investigate the impact of oral hygiene on the incidence of febrile neutropenia (FN) throughout the course of chemotherapy for breast cancer. A total of 137 patients with breast cancer who underwent four cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy with docetaxel and cyclophosphamide (TC) combination therapy or docetaxel alone were assessed for oral hygiene by quantifying the number of oral bacteria they harbored. These patients received professional oral health care (POHC). Eighteen patients underwent primary prophylaxis with granulocyte colony-stimulating factors. The relationship between oral bacteria count and FN incidence was retrospectively assessed. The FN incidence rate was 47.4% throughout all treatment cycles (32.8%, 13.5%, 14.3%, and 14.4% in cycles 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively). The oral bacteria count decreased with each treatment cycle (cycle 1: 9.10 × 106 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL, cycle 2: 5.89 × 106CFU/mL, cycle 3: 4.61 × 106CFU/mL, cycle 4: 5.85 × 106CFU/mL, P = 0.004). Among 281 treatment cycles, FN occurred in 63 (22.4%). In the treatment cycle-based analysis, high oral bacteria count was an independent risk factor for FN. FN incidence decreased with each treatment cycle and was associated with changes in oral bacteria counts. The oral bacterial count was one of risk factors for FN development in breast cancer.

Nitrogen-Fixing and Phosphate Solubilizing Potentials of Rhizobacteria from the Rhizosphere of Two Cassava Varieties in Iyamho Community

Microorganisms in close association with the roots of plants can enhance plant growth, through nitrogen fixation (NF) and phosphorus solubilization (PS). Although the type of microbes in close association with different plants varies, their population and genetic capabilities is affected by several factors. Therefore, in this study, the plant growth promoting properties of rhizobacteria present in the rhizosphere of two cassava varieties (Sweet cassava US, bitter cassava ST) indigenous to Iyamho community was explored. The samples were analyzed for total culturable heterotrophic bacteria community and the obtained isolates were screened for NF and PS abilities using a semi-solid N-free medium and Pikovaskya agar respectively. The bacterial population in both agar medium varied, however, the bacterial counts on Luria Bertani (3.67 x 105, 3.35 x 106) was higher than Nutrient agar (2.73 x 105, 2.68 x 105) after incubation for 24 hours at 37oC for sweet and bitter cassava rhizosp here respectively. Also, isolates from sweet cassava had the highest bacteria count in both Nutrient agar and Luria Bertani agar. A total of sixteen isolates were obtained, six phosphate solubilizers, five nitrogen fixers, and five without traits for either NF or PS. The Gram-negative bacterial group was more dominant across all isolates while the dominant genus was Bacillus. This study indicates that the nitrogen fixers and phosphate solubilizers are major constituents of the rhizomicrobe of cassava plants although the distribution varies across cassava varieties. However, sweet cassava rhizosphere harbored more nitrogen-fixing bacteria while both varieties had the same amount of phosphate solubilizing rhizobacteria.

Isolamento de Escherichia coli e Staphylococcus aureus em leite cru de tanques de refrigeração: identificação e perfis de resistência antimicrobiana

Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in milk cooling tank reflects a hygienic deficit in animal management, production environment, and milk obtainment. With implications for public health as agents of infection and food poisoning, and the presence of antimicrobial-resistant strains. Therefore, were investigated in cooling tanks with high counts of somatic cells and total bacteria in milk. Microorganisms, in which a profile of resistance to antimicrobials was investigated, and whether there was a similarity in this profile between the strains of the eight dairy properties.Therefore, eighty-eight samples were obtained, and inoculated on Compact Dry® plates. Of this total, 27.27% (24/88) samples tested positive for E. coli and 56.81% (50/88) for S. aureus. Among 24 E. coli strains subjected to disk-diffusion antibiograms, 70.83% were resistant to rifampicin, 50% to ampicillin and 41.67% to cefoxitin and erythromycin, while of the 51 S. aureus strains, 94.32% expressed resistance to azetroanam, 86.27% to ampicillin and nalidixic acid, 76.47% to rifampicin and 47.06 % to erythromycin and cefoxitin. A criterion of resistance to over three antibiotics was observed for 8.33% (2/24) of the isolated E. coli strains and 17.65% (9/51) of the S. aureus strains, characterizing them as multidrug resistant (MDR) strains. Resistance phenotypes displayed high similarity between properties F5 and F6 for S. aureus, and properties F6 and F8 for E. coli when applying the Jaccard index. The presence of these antibiotic-resistant pathogenic microorganisms indicate flaws in milk production handling and sanitary conditions, representing risk to milk consumers.