Microbiological Methods Research Articles

Determining limit of quantification in microbiology

The determination of limit of quantification (LOQ) is one of the tasks specified in the validation process of a microbiological method. So far a detailed procedure for doing it is still lacking. Given the LOD (limit of detection), or data for estimating the LOD, we propose a procedure for determining the LOQ based on a Poisson confidence interval and a probability interval. This approach assures that data generated with mean at the LOQ will be higher than the LOD with high probability. We determine the required number of replicates in the validation test used to determine the LOD and the LOQ using the negative binomial probability density function that models over-dispersion of growth media plate count data in validation tests. The objective is to facilitate the determinations of some parameters commonly used in microbiological testing, such as setting control limits and suitable number of growth media plate counts. Key words: microbiological methods, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), confidence intervals.

Method of photodynamic action in surgical treatment of local limited peritonitis in the experiment

Background. Despite the use of antibiotics and metal nanoparticles, mortality in surgical treatment of local limited peritonitis (LLP) remains high, therefore, it is advisable to develop a new method of using photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the postoperative period. Objective. To substantiate a new method of using PDT in postoperative treatment of simulated MOP. Material and methods. The material for this study was 80 white laboratory rats weighing 200±50 g, which were divided into four groups (20 animals in each). After modeling MOP, the animals of all experimental groups underwent opening, sanitization and drainage of the purulent cavity. In the postoperative two-week period of MOP treatment, laboratory, planimetric, microbiological and instrumental research methods were used. In the control group, standard sanitization of the cavity and antibiotic treatment were performed. In the second group, the cavity was treated with a mixture of intralipid solutions and low-intensity laser radiation (LILI). In the third group, the MOP cavity was treated with metal nanoparticles in an intralipid solution followed by LILI. PDT in the treatment of localized peritonitis in animals of the fourth group included a mixture of intralipid and methylene blue solutions (as a photosensitizer) and irradiation with red LED radiation. Results. When comparing the results obtained by the 14th day of treatment of localized peritonitis, only in animals of the fourth group normalization of the OAC parameters, complete suppression of microflora growth, obliteration of the cavity due to proliferation, replacement with collagen fibers and connective tissue were achieved. Conclusion. A treatment method that allows complete obliteration of the localized peritonitis cavity and shortening the treatment period has been experimentally substantiated.

Synergistic enhancement of heavy metal tolerance and reduction by indigenous bacterial consortia of Pseudomonas putida and Pasteurella aerogenes

Effective remediation is needed to reduce environmental and health threats from heavy metal contamination. This work examines the bioremediation capability of a new bacterial consortium from the polluted Tanjaro River: Pseudomonas putida pUoR_24 and Pasteurella aerogenes aUoR_24. Research will evaluate the consortium’s ability to reduce copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni) concentrations in different environments. The study used microbiological methods to investigate metal tolerance, reduction efficiency, and growth optimization at varied temperatures, salinities, and pH levels. Results demonstrate the consortium’s superior metal tolerance, with Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) of 8 mM for Cu and 7 mM for Ni. Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) showed outstanding metal reduction rates of 84.78% for Cu, 91.27% for Zn, and 88.22% for Ni, exceeding those of individual strains. Based on Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses, Cu exhibited the highest weight percentage (3.7%), followed by Ni (0.5%), while Zn was undetectable, suggesting preferential sequestration of Cu and Ni by the consortium. The consortium also displayed robust growth across a wide range of temperatures (20–37°C), salinities (up to 4% NaCl), and pH levels (2–11). These findings show that microbial consortia can establish eco-friendly bioremediation solutions for heavy metal-contaminated settings.

Can chlorhexidine gluconate baths reduce fungal colonisation in intensive care unit patients?

BackgroundChlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) bathing is widely used in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) to reduce bacterial colonisation, yet its efficacy against fungal skin colonisation, particularly Candida spp., is not well understood. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of daily CHG bathing on Candida colonisation among ICU patients.MethodsFrom 2020 to 2022, axillary/inguinal swabs were collected from 675 ICU patients across three units on admission (Day 1, D1), Day 5 (D5) and Day 8 (D8). Patients received daily CHG bathing (either 2% impregnated wipes or 4% liquid solution) from D1 to D5, followed by soap-and-water bathing from Day 6 to D8. Standard and molecular microbiological methods were used to identify fungal species, and colony-forming units (CFUs) were quantified. Colonisation rates and fungal burden were compared across time points and bathing protocols.ResultsA total of 988 swabs from 675 patients were collected, 675 on D1, 203 on D5 and 110 on D8. CHG bathing had no significant impact on Candida burden at individual time points, (D1, p = 0.223; D5, p = 0.939 and D8, p = 0.669). No significant differences in colonisation or fungal burden were observed between the use of 4% CHG solution and 2% CHG-impregnated wipes upon ICU admission. However, in the subgroup of 89 patients monitored longitudinally, a transient reduction in colonisation was observed during the CHG bathing period (D1–D5), followed by a significant increase during the soap-and-water period (D6–D8) (p = 0.005; between periods: p < 0.001). Among the 329 positive swabs, 274 yielded > 100 CFU/ml. High colony counts of C. albicans (> 1000 CFU/mL) were observed, with no significant association between colonisation levels and specific Candida species (p = 0.940).ConclusionsCHG bathing demonstrated only a limited and transient impact on Candida colonisation in ICU patients. Colonisation rates rebounded after cessation of CHG use, suggesting ongoing acquisition during ICU stay. These findings highlight the need for additional or alternative infection control measures targeting fungal pathogens in critical care settings.

STUDY OF MICROBIOLOGICAL SAFETY OF CAMEL MILK AND SHUBAT

Camel milk and shubat – a fermented product made from camel milk – are traditionally consumed in countries of Central Asia, Africa, and the Middle East due to their beneficial properties, including improved metabolism and immune system support. However, the microbiological safety of these products remains a significant concern, especially when consumed in raw form. This study aims to assess the microbiological safety of camel milk and shubat collected in different seasons. Four samples were analyzed using microbiological methods such as CompactDry, Palcam, and Baird-Parker media to detect pathogenic microorganisms, including Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus. Most samples showed no presence of pathogens, indicating good sanitary conditions. However, Listeria monocytogenes was detected in one shubat sample collected in September, indicating a potential health risk for consumers. These findings emphasize the need for regular microbiological monitoring, pasteurization, and adherence to sanitary standards during the production and storage of these products. Ensuring the microbiological safety of camel milk and shubat is crucial for public health, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Regulation of the Microbiome in Soil Contaminated with Diesel Oil and Gasoline

Petroleum-derived contaminants pose a significant threat to the soil microbiome. Therefore, it is essential to explore materials and techniques that can restore homeostasis in disturbed environments. The aim of the study was to assess the response of the soil microbiome to contamination with diesel oil (DO) and gasoline (G) and to determine the capacity of sorbents, vermiculite (V), dolomite (D), perlite (P) and agrobasalt (A), to enhance the activity of microorganisms under Zea mays cultivation conditions in pot experiments. The restoration and activity of the soil microbiome were evaluated based on the abundance and diversity of bacteria and fungi, using both classical microbiological methods and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Bioinformatic tools were employed to calculate the physicochemical properties of proteins. DO increased the abundance of cultured microorganisms, whereas G significantly reduced it. Both DO and G increased the number of ASVs of Proteobacteria and decreased the relative abundance of Gemmatimonadetes, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Planctomycetes, and fungal OTUs. These contaminants stimulated the growth of bacteria from the genera Rhodanobacter, Sphingomonas, Burkholderia, Sphingobium, and Mycobacterium, as well as fungi belonging to the Penicillium genus. Conversely, they had a negative effect on Kaistobacter, Rhodoplanes, and Ralstonia, as well as the fungi Chaetomium, Pseudaleuria, and Mortierella. DO caused greater changes in microbial alpha diversity than G. The stability of microbial proteins was higher at 17 °C than at −1 °C. The most stable proteins were found in bacteria and fungi identified within the core soil microbiome. These organisms exhibited greater diversity and more compact RNA secondary structures. The application of sorbents to contaminated soil altered the composition of bacterial and fungal communities. All sorbents enhanced the growth of organotrophic bacteria (Org) and fungi (Fun) in DO-contaminated soils, and actinobacteria (Act) and fungi in G-contaminated soils. V and A had the most beneficial effects on cultured microorganisms. In DO-contaminated soils, all sorbents inhibited the growth of Rhodanobacter, Parvibaculum, Sphingomonas, and Burkholderia, while stimulating Salinibacterium and Penicillium. In G-contaminated but otherwise unamended soils, all sorbents negatively affected the growth of Burkholderia, Sphingomonas, Kaistobacter, Rhodoplanes, Pseudonocardia, and Ralstonia and increased the abundance of Gymnostellatospora. The results of this study provide a valuable foundation for developing effective strategies to remediate soils contaminated with petroleum-derived compounds.

Acute infectious gastroenteritis in childhood: the role of rapid multiplex molecular syndromic panels in diagnosis and clinical management.

Acute infectious diarrhea is a major global health issue, especially in children, as gastrointestinal infections are the second most common infectious disease after respiratory infections. The implementation of rapid multiplex molecular syndromic panels (RMMSP) for the comprehensive detection and identification of enteric pathogens in stool samples has enhanced diagnostic precision, supplementing-or, in some cases, replacing-traditional methodologies. This narrative, non-systematic review synthesized the available evidence on the clinical performance of gastrointestinal RMMSP up to December 31, 2024. On May 27, 2024, specialists in Pediatrics and Microbiology met to assess the use of RMMSP in pediatric gastrointestinal infection diagnosis. This review focused on RMMSP applicable to urgent management of infectious acute gastroenteritis (AGE), excluding those panels unsuitable for immediate diagnosis. RMMSP facilitated rapid pathogen detection in pediatric infectious AGE and have shown potential advantages over traditional microbiological methods, including a reduction in time to appropriate treatment. Their use appeared particularly useful in emergency and inpatient settings for inflammatory AGE, prolonged traveler's diarrhea, or cases at risk for complications. They were also considered for outpatient diagnosis in moderate/severe cases, chronic diarrhea, or immunocompromised patients. Within a diagnostic stewardship framework, current evidence suggests that RMMSP can contribute to minimizing unnecessary testing and hospitalizations, improving outbreak control, and optimizing antimicrobial use. However, further research is necessary to refine diagnostic workflows and ensure timely result delivery. This document evaluated key aspects regarding the application of RMMSP in pediatric infectious AGE, aiming to establish standardized protocols, support clinical decision-making, and facilitate optimal patient management.

Invited review: Combined mitigation of methane and ammonia emissions from dairy barns through barn design, ventilation and air treatment systems.

Invited review: Combined mitigation of methane and ammonia emissions from dairy barns through barn design, ventilation and air treatment systems.

Получение обогащенного белкового концентрата на основе молочной сыворотки

Utilization and processing of milk whey have become a pressing problem for the dairy industry as a result of unprofitable production methods and the poor energy-saving industrial technologies. Milk whey is a valuable raw material that contains more than 200 organic and mineral components. It can be processes into products with useful biological properties. The article describes a new fortified protein curd whey product obtained with magnesium thermal coagulation of proteins and fermented with a complex lactobacillus starter. The curd whey was obtained by acid-rennet coagulation as a by-product of cottage cheese with a fat mass fraction of 9%. After +35–40°C in water bath, fat and casein powder were removed in a cream separator. The permeate was obtained by thermal denaturation at 92 ± 1°C with a 10% MgCl2×6H2O solution in concentrations of 2–42 g/L. The protein was then subjected to vacuum filtration. The fermentation of whey proteins involved a complex starter culture of four Lactobacillus strains. The research relied on standard physicochemical and microbiological methods. The optimal mode for thermal magnesium denaturation of milk whey was 92 ± 1°C for 5–10 min with 18 g/L MgCl2. It yielded 25.0 g/L protein with 2.4 mg/g magnesium. When the magnesium concentrate of thermally precipitated whey proteins was fermented with the complex starter culture, it activated the proteolysis process, as well as provided the targeted physicochemical and sensory properties. After freeze-drying at –40°C for 18–20 h, the powder obtained was rich in living lactobacilli cells (1–3×107) and contained 907 mg/100 g magnesium. The new method made it possible to turn whey wastes into a magnesium-containing concentrate of thermally precipitated proteins with increased biological value. Its qualitative indicators provide a wide range of possibilities in various areas of the food industry.

Активность и состав секретируемых гидролаз термофильного штамма Bacillus sp. при культивировании на средах c растительной мукой

Plant raw materials are an accessible and efficient substrate for multipurpose enzymes and multi-enzyme complexes obtaining. Thermophilic bacteria are reliable producer strains for industrial enzymes with valuable physicochemical properties, e.g., heat resistance, stability at extreme pH, and chemical stability. Food scientists are on the lookout for new thermophilic strains capable of producing high yields of industrially valuable enzymes from cheap plant raw materials. In this research, various plant cultivation media affected the complex hydrolytic enzymes produced by a thermophilic strain of Bacillus subtilis Kb.12.Gl.35. The research objective was to select the optimal raw materials for the synthesis of thermostable hydrolases, i.e., proteases, amylases, and hemicellulases. The thermophilic strain was isolated from a compost sample, identified by 16S rRNA sequencing, and tested using standard microbiological and biochemical methods. The strain grew on different media with plant flour combined with yeast or corn extract. The activity of extracellular enzymes made it possible to study the composition of the hydrolase complex. The proteolytic activity was determined using casein as the substrate and by zymography. The 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) method revealed the carbohydrase activity. When culturing the hydrolase producer on nutrient media with plant flour (1%) and corn extract (0.5%), the highest level of protease synthesis (≥ 40 units/mL) was detected in the samples with amaranth, oat, and rice flour. The highest level of amylase (≥ 1,300 units/mL) belonged to the chickpea, oat, and rice flour samples. The biggest yields of galactomannanase (≥ 200 units/mL) and xylanases (≥ 60 units/mL) was found in the samples with amaranth, pea, and chickpea samples. The biggest amount of arabinogalactanase (≥ 35 units/mL) belonged to the amaranth, chickpea, and rice flour. Based on the zymographic analysis, the enzymes of 24.7–28.2 kDa and the proteases of 62.7–75.0 kDa appeared to be the most efficient proteolytic agents. Their activity was obvious on plant raw materials, in contrast to the standard LB medium. The secretion level of 15.1 kDa proteases was the same on the plant media as on the standard medium. Bacillus subtilis Kb.12.Gl.35 proved to be an effective producer of proteases, amylases, and hemicellulases with plant flour and corn extract in the medium. Further studies are needed to optimize the composition of nutrient media and cultivation conditions to increase the yield of the target hydrolytic enzymes.

Bacteriological Profile of Pus Samples and Their Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern at A Tertiary Care Hospital, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India'

Background: Pyogenic infections are a significant clinical concern, often caused by a variety of multidrugresistant organisms, particularly in hospitalized patients.The increasing trend of resistance in P. aeruginosa and other Gram-negative organisms highlights the need for updated local susceptibility data to guide empirical therapy. Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted from September 2024 to February 2025 at M.P. Shah Government Medical College, Jamnagar. A total of 1000 pus samples were analyzed, of which 322 (32.2%) showed positive bacterial growth. The isolates were identified by standard microbiological methods and antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, interpreted according to CLSI guidelines. Results: Out of 322 culture-positive isolates, Gram-negative bacteria were predominant (52.5%), with P. aeruginosa being the most frequently isolated organism (35.4%), followed by E. coli (16.1%) and Proteus spp. (12.7%). Among Gram-positive organisms, Staphylococcus aureus was most common (12.7%), with nearly half (48.1%) identified as MRSA. Carbapenems (meropenem, imipenem) showed high sensitivity against Gramnegative isolates, while vancomycin and linezolid were most effective against Gram-positive isolates. ESBL production was observed in 61.2% of Gram-negative isolates. Conclusion: The study emphasizes a high burden of multidrug-resistant pathogens in wound infections, particularly among Gram-negative organisms. Continued surveillance and strict antimicrobial stewardship are crucial to mitigate resistance. Carbapenems and beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations remain the most effective empirical options. The findings support the need for hospital-specific antibiotic policies and infection control strategies

Characterization of Enterococcus faecalis associated with root canal failures: Virulence and resistance profile

Abstract Background: Enterococcus faecalis is a facultative anaerobe frequently associated with chronic root canal infections. Its virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance complicate its elimination. This research aims to analyze the virulence factors and antibiotic resistance profiles of E. faecalis isolates derived from unsuccessful root canal procedures. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 patients who required nonsurgical retreatment due to previous root canal therapy failures. The samples were assessed for biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance, while the production of gelatinase and hemolysin was evaluated through the standard microbiological methods. The correlation between biofilm production and antimicrobial resistance was analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: Among the 50 E. faecalis isolates, 66% demonstrated biofilm formation, with 24% categorized as strong biofilm producers. Antibiotic susceptibility testing indicated complete resistance to metronidazole, whereas all isolates were sensitive to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, vancomycin, and piperacillin-tazobactam. Significant resistance rates were observed for ampicillin (44%), erythromycin (60%), tetracycline (64%), and ciprofloxacin (66%). A strong negative correlation (r = −0.88) was found between biofilm formation and antibiotic susceptibility, suggesting that strains capable of biofilm production exhibited greater resistance to antibiotics. Conclusion: The research underscores the critical importance of the pathogenic traits of E. faecalis, especially its biofilm production potential, in the persistent nature of root canal infections and its association with antibiotic resistance. These results highlight the necessity for enhanced disinfection methods and the exploration of alternative treatment strategies aimed at biofilms to improve the therapeutic outcomes and reduce the risk of reinfection after root canal procedures.

Mechanism of DNA and RNA degradation over a photoactive TiO2@SiO2-coated fabric.

Mechanism of DNA and RNA degradation over a photoactive TiO2@SiO2-coated fabric.

Fosfomycin resistance in extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli isolated from urinary tract-infected patients in a tertiary care hospital.

Introduction. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a significant global health concern, with Escherichia coli being the predominant pathogen responsible for uncomplicated and complicated cases. Fosfomycin has emerged as a promising oral treatment option for multidrug-resistant UTIs, particularly those caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli. However, fosfomycin resistance has been paralleled by its irrational use and the emergence of enzymes that modify fosfomycin in ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae, especially in Asia.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. There is limited data on the prevalence of fosfomycin resistance among UTI patients in Northern Haryana, India. We hypothesize that demographic factors such as age, gender and patient type (inpatient vs. outpatient) may influence the prevalence of fosfomycin resistance and also provide insights into the effectiveness of fosfomycin in combating ESBL-producing E. coli infections in a tertiary care setting.Aim. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of fosfomycin resistance among ESBL-producing E. coli among UTI patients in a tertiary care hospital.Methodology. Between March 2023 and February 2024, 7,348 urine samples were received from patients suspected of UTIs. The samples were subjected to screening using wet film examination and standard microbiological methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done by VITEK-2 Compact (using an N-235 card), and ESBL production was confirmed using the combination disc diffusion test.Results. Out of 7,348 urine samples, 1,176 (16%) were culture-positive, with E. coli accounting for 57% of the isolates. Among the 385 E. coli isolates, 224 (58%) were ESBL producers. Fosfomycin demonstrated high efficacy, with 95% susceptibility among ESBL-producing E. coli and 96% among non-ESBL producers. However, 5% of ESBL-producing E. coli isolates were resistant to fosfomycin. Resistance to other antibiotics, such as nalidixic acid (98%) and ampicillin (93%), was notably high. No significant associations were found between ESBL production and demographic factors such as age, gender or patient type (outpatient vs. inpatient).Conclusion. Fosfomycin remains a highly effective treatment option for ESBL-producing E. coli UTIs in Northern Haryana, India, with low resistance rates observed. However, the emergence of fosfomycin resistance, albeit minimal, highlights the need for continuous surveillance and rational use of antibiotics to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Assessment of Fermented Unripe Plantains and Soybean Blends Using Microbiological Methods

Assessment of Fermented Unripe Plantains and Soybean Blends Using Microbiological Methods

Prevalence of Multidrug-Resistant Oral Bacteria and Demographics of Dental Outpatients in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

Oral diseases and the rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in dental care pose significant public health concerns. This study investigated the antibiogram of Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial isolates from dental patients in Awka. It analyzed associated demographic factors for a possible link to the presence of the identified pathogens. Oral samples were collected and analyzed using standard microbiological methods and 16S rDNA sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Identified MDR isolates included Mammalicoccus sciuri, Enterococcus casseliflavus, Enterococcus gallinarum, and Glutamicibacter creatinolyticus. Among these, E. gallinarum showed the highest resistance but was the least prevalent (8%), while M. sciuri was the most prevalent (46%). Demographic and lifestyle variables—age, sex, education, marital and employment status, oral hygiene practices, and confectionery consumption—significantly influenced clinic visits. Enterococcal species were sensitive to Gentamicin, Ceftriaxone, Levofloxacin, Ofloxacin, Cefotaxime, Erythromycin, Ciprofloxacin, and Azithromycin, but resistant to Cefuroxime, Augmentin, Cefixime, and Imipenem. Notably, E. gallinarum was resistant to Erythromycin and Azithromycin, unlike E. casseliflavus. M. sciuri was sensitive to Gentamicin, Levofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, and Ofloxacin, but resistant to Cefixime, Imipenem, and Augmentin. G. creatinolyticus was generally sensitive to several antibiotics, including Cefuroxime and Levofloxacin, but resistant to Cefixime, Imipenem, and Augmentin. Although these bacteria share morphological and biochemical traits, molecular analysis revealed significant genetic differences. These MDR strains are believed to be transient oral pathogens resident across all age groups.

Prevalence of multi-drug resistant, extensively drug resistant, pan drug resistant bacteria from intensive care units of a tertiary care teaching hospital, Amalapuram, India

The prevalence of MDR, XDR and PDR gram-negative bacteria, drug resistance and sensitivity patterns in the intensive care unit of the tertiary care hospital Amalapuram from June 2023 to July 2024 is of interest. The study included all patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit and various clinical samples like blood, urine, respiratory samples, body fluids and pus received in the lab were inoculated on different media like Mac-Conkey agar and blood agar according to Standard Microbiological methods. Bacterial identification was done based on colony morphology, Gram stain and various biochemical reactions after obtaining pure growth. Gram-negative bacteria were identified using a series of biochemical tests, like oxidase, catalase, indole production, methyl red, V-P, citrate, urease and triple sugar iron agar tests. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method according to CLSI guidelines. We found a high frequency of antibiotic resistance in ICU isolates, primarily caused by Gram-negative bacilli like Klebsiella and E. coli.

Phenotypic characterization and antibiogram of aerobic bacteria isolated from varieties of processed meat sold within Kafanchan Metropolis, Kaduna State

Meat and meat products are constantly threatened by pathogenic antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can lead to foodborne diseases and significant economic losses. In order to address this issue, this research aimed to isolate and identify aerobic bacteria and their antibiograms from various meat products sold within Kafanchan metropolis. A total of nine ready-to-eat meat samples were aseptically collected, including "balangu, kilishi, and tsire" samples from each of Kafanchan ward A, Maigizo, and Takau wards, respectively. These samples were processed according to standard microbiological methods for bacterial isolation and identification. Five different bacteria were isolated and identified in the study, including Bacillus spp., Corynebacterium spp., Enterococcus spp., Staphylococci aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The Kilishi sample had the highest rate of contamination, with 3 out of 5 (60%) of the total bacteria identified compared to the other meat samples. Furthermore, all the bacteria identified in this study were found to be resistant to all the antibiotics tested. The bacteria isolated from the tsire sample in Takau ward exhibited the highest antibiotic resistance, with a 0.9% Multiple Drug Resistance (MDR) index. On the other hand, bacteria from Kilishi samples had the lowest MDR index value of 0.3%. In light of these findings, it is imperative that regulatory agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, and the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, take proactive measures to ensure the safety of food products for consumption. This includes monitoring and regulating the appropriate use of antibiotics at recommended rates, as well as enforcing accurate drug withdrawal periods during the treatment of animals before slaughter.

Identification of Pathogenic Bacteria from Kilishi Meat Sold in Ka-shere Municipal: Repercussions for Public Health and Food Security

Kilishi, a popular dried meat snack predominantly consumed in northern Nigeria, is often accompanying with lacking hygienic practices during its preparation, management, and storage. This study aimed to identify the pathogenic bacteria in Kilishi sold in the Kashere municipal, Gombe State, Nigeria. A total of 30 Kilishi samples were collected from three different locations: Bakin Tasha (Spot 1), Bakin Cross (Spot 2), and Bubabani (Spot 3). The samples were examined through standard microbiological methods, including bacteriological analysis, Gram staining, and biochemical tests. The results disclosed significant bacterial infection across all samples, with Spot 3 unveiling the highest coliform count of 2.9 × 10¹º CFU/mL, followed by Spot 2 (2.5 × 10⁹ CFU/mL) and Spot 1 (1.7 × 10⁹ CFU/mL). Six bacterial species were recognized, with Bacillus species being the most predominant (28.1%), followed by Escherichia coli (23.4%), Staphylococcus species (17.2%), Pseudomonas species (12.5%), Proteus species (4.7%), and Salmonella species (14.1%). The presence of these pathogenic bacteria highlights a serious public health risk. The study underscores the need for improved hygienic practices during the manufacture, management, and storage of Kilishi to reduce microbial contamination and ensure user safety.

Isolation and characterization of Bacteria in Stored Pap (akamu) from Toru-Orua Community in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Akamu (pap) is a local maize-based food prepared by fermentation of maize seeds for some days, ground, sieved and allowed to sediment (stored pap) which is preserved by soaking in water and changing the water above the stored pap on a daily basis. This method can lead to contamination of pap if water used is from unsafe source. Hence, the objective of this paper was to isolate and characterize bacteria in stored pap (akamu) from from Toru-Orua Community in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria using standard microbiological methods and relevant biochemical procedures. The findings from the study showed the presence of various bacterial species including Lactobacillus sp., Escherichia sp., Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Enterobacter sp., and Proteus sp.. It was observed that pap soaked without changing water developed an off flavour, colour, taste and had a higher population of bacteria. Biochemical tests showed various results for catalase, indole, oxidase, citrate, glucose and lactose fermentation, gas and hydrogen sulphide production. The presence of coliform bacteria provides a measure of sanitary alarm over the production and preservation of akamu. It is thus advised that the water used in the preservation of akamu must be clean, safe and changed daily (at least within 24 hours) so as to minimized bacterial populations and reduce risk of contamination.