Micrococcus Species Research Articles

Isolation and Characterization of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Degrading Bacteria from Polluted Sites of Gwalior City, M.P., India

Plastic is harmful to nature and this issue could be solved by its degradation. Biodegradation of plastic waste utilizing bacterial strain is an eco-friendly approach. In this study, top bacterial strains that degrade the polymeric ingredient of the polymer polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were isolated and identified using a development culture procedure. For this investigation, soil from various contaminated areas was collected, which had abundant plastic waste. The biodegradation of polyvinylchloride films was studied using a liquid culture approach for six months. A couple of bacterial organism packs were then limited to emulsifying the commonly used PVC polymer in agar media. The PVC strain showed particular degradation and was chosen for further testing because the species Bacillus and Micrococcus were considered more credible. Bacillus and Micrococcus species have both proven the biodegradability of PVC based on the mean weight decrease, which was 0.873 for Bacillus species and 0.916 for Micrococcus species after a period of around six months. The FTIR study confirmed the breaking down by demonstrating the proximity of porosity and sensitivity of bacteria-infested polythene surfaces. Bacillus has a higher degradation potential than Micrococcus in our research.

AN ANALYSIS OF THE PROBIOTIC BACTERIA IN THE COMMONLY FERMENTED MAIZE, OIL BEAN, AND CASTOR OIL IN NIGERIA

Active probiotic organisms are essential bacteria considered live microorganisms obtained from fermented foods. There is increasing evidence that probiotics are necessaryfor human health. This study aimed to isolate and characterize the active probiotic microorganisms in Nigerias commonly fermented food samples. Maize, castor oil,and African oil beans were the primary fermentable food samples used in the study. The result revealed the presence of active probiotic organisms such as Pedioccocus, Micrococcus,Lactobacillus, and Bacillus species. The study concluded that these organisms are responsible for the fermentation of carbohydrates and protein-rich seeds.

Gold leaching from ores using biogenic lixiviants – A review

• The extraction of gold from ores by biosynthesized reagents is discussed. • The use of cyanogenic bacteria for extracting gold is reviewed and discussed. • The ability of iodide-oxidizing bacteria (IOB) on the solubilization of gold is examined. • The capability of organic compounds of microbial origin on the dissolution of gold is reviewed. • The benefits and drawbacks of microbial gold leaching over traditional cyanide-based gold leaching are discussed. The recovery of gold from different sources, such as ores and concentrates, commonly is carried out in industry using cyanidation because it has the advantage of high selectivity of gold over other elements. However, cyanidation has some technical, economic, and environmental limitations. Therefore, investigations have been conducted of new hydrometallurgical approaches for recovering gold from gold-bearing ores by using cheap, non-toxic, and effective reagents, such as biogenic lixiviants. In this paper, we summarize the research that has been conducted on applying biogenic reagents, such as biogenic cyanide, iodine, and triiodide, and organic compounds, such as amino acids, for the extraction of gold from ores. The use of cyanogenic bacteria, such as Chromobacterium violaceum ( C. violaceum ), Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( P. aeruginosa ), Bacillus megaterium ( B. megaterium ), and Micrococcus species ( sp.) , for extracting gold is reviewed and discussed. Also, this work reviews the ability of iodide-oxidizing bacteria (IOB), such as Roseovarius tolerans , on oxidizing iodide (I − ) to iodine (I 2 ) and triiodide (I 3 − ) and the solubilization of gold as gold diiodide and gold tetraiodide. The capabilities of organic compounds of microbial origin, such as amino acids, on the dissolution of gold also are reviewed and discussed. The advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of microbial leaching of gold over traditional cyanide-based gold leaching are presented. Recommendations for further studies are provided.

Microbial changes during the fermentation of baobab (Adansoniadigitata) fruit pulp yoghurt

This study was conducted to assess the microbial changes during the fermentation of Baobab (Adansoniadigitata)fruit pulp yoghurt. The Baobab fruit pulp yoghurt was prepared in the Laboratory using the conventional method. Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus were used as starter cultures while a control was produced without the starter cultures. de Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) agar was used to culture lactic acid bacteria. The microbialload, succession and percentage occurrences were determined using standard methods. The total aerobic bacterial count wasfound to be within the range of 1.9x103 - 1.4x105 cfu/ml. The Lactic acid bacteria and fungal count ranges were 4.5 x 103 - 7.5 x 103 cfu/ml and 8.0 x 101 – 2.8 x 104 cfu/ml respectively. At the end of fermentation time, there was significant difference between the test and control Baobab yoghurt at P<0.05. Lactic acid bacteria recorded the highest count of 6.2 x 104 and 7.5 x 103 cfu/ml in the test and control respectively. Bacillus species , Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus,Streptococcus thermophilus and Micrococcus species were the bacteria isolated while the fungal isolates were Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Hansenula species. Lacbacillusbulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Bacillus species and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were the only microorganisms found at the end of fermentation time. The study obtained low microbial count and isolated less number and type of microorganisms from Baobab fruit pulp yoghurt because of the antimicrobial effect of baobab pulp and pasteurization treatment.Based on the results of this study, Baobab fruit pulp yoghurt can be said to be of good microbiologicalquality for human consumption. The industrial use of Baobab fruit pulp in the production of yoghurt is recommended.

Investigation of effects of orthokeratology and povidone iodine disinfecting solution on the conjunctival microbiome using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry

PurposeTo determine organisms present in the conjunctiva of children before and after orthokeratology lens wear, using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. MethodsConjunctival samples were collected from children aged 8–12 years (inclusive) at baseline and on three occasions over the first six months of orthokeratology treatment. All lenses were disinfected using the povidone iodine-based solution every day after use. Specimens were cultured and all isolated colonies were identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Numbers of organisms and diversity were compared over the study period and the presence of any ocular pathogens noted and participants informed, where appropriate, to enhance their compliance with lens care routine. ResultsOrganisms isolated from 76 children were generally similar to other studies employing culture methods. However, MALDI-TOF results yielded a wider range of species of micrococci and corynebacteria, as well as a few less frequently reported organisms. Only one culture yielded fungi. Ocular pathogens were only isolated from 9 subjects (4 before lens wear and 5 after lens wear), each on one occasion only. Diversity and numbers of organisms fell slowly over the period of the study, but the changes were not significant. ConclusionsLens wear did not affect the overall content of the ocular microbiome, but the diversity was somewhat reduced. The incidence of ocular pathogens was low, suggesting that risk of ocular infection was not substantially increased by orthokeratology treatment using a povidone-iodine disinfecting solution.

ACTIVE PROBIOTIC ANALYSIS OF FERMENTED CEREAL AND LEGUMES COMMONLY CONSUMED IN NIGERIA

Active probiotic organisms are good bacteria considered to be live micro-organisms that are obtained from fermented foods. Evidence has shown that probiotics are essential in human health. This studys primary objective is to isolate and characterize the active probiotic organisms present in certain fermented food samples. Maize, African oil bean, and castor oil were subjected to analysis. The result found the presence of active probiotic organisms such as Pedioccocus, Lactobacillus, Micrococcus, and Bacillus species. The study concluded that these organisms are responsible for the fermentation of carbohydrates and protein-rich seeds.

The bacterial colonization of healthcare workers' mobile phones in a large tertiary care teaching hospital in Saudi Arabia.

The use of mobile phones by healthcare workers is a risk factor for microorganism transmission in healthcare settings. Pathogenic bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative bacteria like Escherichia coli that are known to cause nosocomial infection have been isolated from mobile phones. In this cross-sectional study, we assess the burden and related risk factors of the bacterial colonization of healthcare workers' mobile phones. We collected samples from the mobile phones of 130 healthcare workers' in a Saudi Arabian teaching hospital, using moistened cotton swabs. The isolated organisms were identified using an automated identification and susceptibility system. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to test the data. Of 130 swabs collected, 45 (34.6%) grew one species and 48 (36.9%) grew two or more. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most commonly isolated bacteria (52.3%), followed by Micrococcus and related species (25.4%), Staphylococcus hominis (13.8%), and Bacillus species (6.9%). Clinically significant microorganisms such as S. aureus and Pseudomonas sp. were identified in 2 (1.5%) samples, respectively. The odds of mobile phone colonization were 8.5 times higher (95% CI = 3.2-23.1) in the laboratory, neonatal intensive care unit, and medicine departments. Mobile phones owned for more than one year were more likely to be culture positive (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.1-7.6). In our study, the prevalence of bacterial colonization among healthcare workers' mobile phones was high. Our findings suggest that high-risk groups for mobile phone colonization-such as laboratory, neonatal intensive care unit, and medicine department staff-should be a priority for preventative measures, to improve infection control.

Bacterial contamination rates and drug susceptibility patterns of bacteria recovered from medical equipment, inanimate surfaces, and indoor air of a neonatal intensive care unit and pediatric ward at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia

Introduction: Bacterial contamination of medical equipment, inanimate surfaces, and indoor air of the hospital environment is the main source of hospital-acquired infection in developing countries.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the bacterial contamination rates for medical equipment, inanimate surfaces, and indoor air, and the drug susceptibility profiles of bacteria, in the neonatal intensive care unit and pediatric ward of Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (HUCSH).Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out from October 20 to December 30, 2020. Samples were collected from medical equipment, inanimate surfaces, and indoor air of the neonatal intensive care unit and pediatric ward, and processed using standard microbiological methods. Data entry and analysis were carried out using SPSS software version 25.0.Results: Of the total samples collected, 171 (74.7%; 95% CI 68.4‒83.5) were culture positive. These comprised 33 (58.9%) of samples taken from medical equipment, 26 (42.6%) from inanimate surfaces, and 112 (100%) from indoor air . Micrococcus species (41.3%), Acinetobacter species (13.7%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (10.2%) were the most commonly isolated bacteria.Conclusions: High bacterial contamination rates of medical equipment, inanimate surfaces, and indoor air of the neonatal intensive care unit and pediatric ward were found. Most of the bacterial species isolated were known causative agents of hospital-acquired infection. Around one-quarter of the bacteria were multidrug resistant.

Quality and Safety Assessment of Edible Seaweeds Alaria esculenta and Saccharina latissima Cultivated in Scotland.

Within Europe over the last 10 years, there has been an increase in seaweeds cultivated for human consumption. For food safety reasons, it is important to assess the microbiological and nutritional quality of the biomass. The fresh and dried edible seaweeds Alaria esculenta and Saccharina latissima were assessed over two consecutive years for the presence of microorganisms. Seaweed samples supplied from Scotland were stored under isothermal conditions for specific time intervals depending on the sample’s condition (fresh, dried or rehydrated). During storage, microbiological analyses were performed for the enumeration of Total Viable Counts (TVC), Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacteriaceae and Bacillus spp., as well as yeasts and molds. Additionally, bacterial colonies from the Marine Agar growth medium were isolated and subjected to PCR-RAPD analysis for characterization of the bacterial diversity of seaweeds. Bacterial isolates with different fingerprint patterns were further subjected to sequencing (16S rDNA, V1–V4 region). The presence of human pathogenic bacteria was also investigated. Results showed that the initial population of TVC was differentiated depending on the year of seaweed harvest, being closer to the enumeration limit (1.0 log CFU/g) in fresh samples from 2020 and higher in samples from 2019 (6.7 and 3.9 log CFU/g in A. esculenta and S. latissima, respectively). DNA-based analysis revealed the presence of Psychrobacter, Cobetia and Pseudomonas species in A. esculenta, while Psychrobacter and Micrococcus species were present in S. latissima.

Variation in Sodic Soil Bacterial Communities Associated with Different Alkali Vegetation Types.

In this study, we examined the effect of salinity and alkalinity on the metabolic potential and taxonomic composition of microbiota inhabiting the sodic soils in different plant communities. The soil samples were collected in the Pannonian steppe (Hungary, Central Europe) under extreme dry and wet weather conditions. The metabolic profiles of microorganisms were analyzed using the MicroResp method, the bacterial diversity was assessed by cultivation and next-generation amplicon sequencing based on the 16S rRNA gene. Catabolic profiles of microbial communities varied primarily according to the alkali vegetation types. Most members of the strain collection were identified as plant associated and halophilic/alkaliphilic species of Micrococcus, Nesterenkonia, Nocardiopsis, Streptomyces (Actinobacteria) and Bacillus, Paenibacillus (Firmicutes) genera. Based on the pyrosequencing data, the relative abundance of the phyla Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes and Bacteroidetes also changed mainly with the sample types, indicating distinctions within the compositions of bacterial communities according to the sodic soil alkalinity-salinity gradient. The effect of weather extremes was the most pronounced in the relative abundance of the phyla Actinobacteria and Acidobacteria. The type of alkali vegetation caused greater shifts in both the diversity and activity of sodic soil microbial communities than the extreme aridity and moisture.

Bacteriological Assessment of Automated Teller and Point of Sales Machine User Interface in Uyo Metropolis, Nigeria

The Automated Teller Machine (ATM) and Point of Sales (POS) machine user interface of different banks, schools, hospitals, restaurants/eateries, shopping malls and petrol/gas stations in Uyo metropolis were bacteriologically assessed in the dry and wet seasons using cultural technique. The result of fomites key pads indicate total heterotrophic bacteria counts (THBC) was in the order: Banks > Hospitals > Schools > Petrol/Gas stations > shopping malls > Restaurants/Eateries in both seasons. There was an increase in the bacterial counts of the fomites from all locations in the wet season compared to the dry season and the difference significant (p = 0.05). The THBC from ATMs in banks, hospitals and schools ranged from 5.6 ± 0.1 to 7.8 ± 0.6 Log₁₀CFU/cm2 and from POS 3.4 ± 0.3 to 5.0 ± 0.2 Log₁₀CFU/cm2) for Petrol/Gas stations, shopping malls and Restaurants/Eateries in the wet season. The dry season revealed THBC range of 4.1± 0.6 to 6.4 ± 0.3 Log₁₀CFU/cm2 for ATMs and 2.6 ± 0.8 to 3.8 ± 0.1 Log₁₀CFU/cm2 for POS. Organisms associated with the fomites were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and species of Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Proteus, Streptococcus, Salmonella, Shigella, Micrococcus, Vibrio and Klebsiella. The highest and least frequency of occurrence in the dry season indicated Micrococcus (17.2%) and Vibrio (1.4%) in relation to Staphylococcus aureus (18.2%) and Proteus sp. (2.8%) in the wet season. The Gram-positive organisms exhibited high and low susceptibility to Gentamycin and Augmentin compared to Ofloxacin and Amoxicillin respectively in Gram-negative bacteria. The results indicate ATM and POS machine user interface as possible sources of pathogenic organisms. Therefore, regular cleaning of ATM and POS user interface and public awareness on the need for adequate personal hygienic practice after the use of these machines is recommended to reduce associated risks.

Optimization of Pigment Production by Micrococcus and Arthrobacter species Isolated from Soil and Water

A pigment is a substance that is substantially used in different industries that come in a wide range of coloration and few of which are soluble in water. Bacterial pigments have many applications in the modern day life. Some microorganisms have the characteristics feature to produce pigments which may additionally beneficial us in identification. Bacterial pigments have larger compatibility and greater biodegradability with the environment. Nontoxic nature of pigment produced with the aid of a huge range of microorganisms make them ecofriendly for use in foodstuff, dye, cosmetics, pharmacy and different industrial purposes. Pigments of bacteria provide various advantages compared to synthetic dyes. They are biodegradable in nature, easy to extract, easily available, cheaper substrates needed. The pigment produced by the bacteria can be used as anticancer agents, antibacterial agent and anti-proliferative agents. The object of the existing find out about was once to isolated pigment producing microorganism from water and soil samples and explores their properties. Based on their morphological and biochemical characteristics, they have been recognized as Micrococcus and Arthrobacter. The pigment isolated from bacterial spp. is used for the antimicrobial activity, anti-oxidant recreation and for optimization of pH, temperature and NaCl. It was once concluded that water and soil have various microorganisms and they have the capacity of producing pigments.

Bioelectrochemical processes of oxidation of dicarboxylic amino acids by strain Micrococcus luteus 1-I in a biofuel cell

A facultative anaerobic strain was isolated and studied from the activated sludge of the treatment facilities of a petrochemical enterprise. Its morphological and cultural, physiological and biochemical, tinctorial, molecular genetic characteristics have been investigated. Based on the data obtained, strain 1-I was assigned to the species Micrococcus luteus. The electrogenic activity of this bacterium in BFC was shown using dicarboxylic amino acids - glutamic and aspartic. The open-circuit voltage indices in the BFC with M. luteus 1-I increased in 6 days to 511.5 mV with the addition of aspartic acid, and 419 ± 38.5 mV with the addition of glutamic acid. In this case, the short-circuit current increased to 3.17 ± 0.12 and 1.6 ± 0.14 mA, respectively. The specific power of BFCs based on M. luteus 1-I was the highest with the addition of aspartic acid (40-50 mW / m2 at a current density of 0.15 to 0.4 A / m2). The indicated indicator in a similar BFC with glutamic acid was 26-32 mW / m2 (at a current density of 0.08 to 0.28 A / m2). The oxidation of these compounds by the studied bacterial strain was also confirmed by the methods of cyclic voltammetry.

The pollution status and effects of seasonal changes in rivers within Imo River Basin, Southeastern Nigeria

The pollution status and effects of seasonal changes in rivers within Imo River basin were studied between October 2015 and September 2016. Water samples and 4 species of fish samples were collected from seven rivers: Otanmiri, Nwaorie, Njaba, Blue Lake Oguta, OrashiOpuomo and AbubaUnuchi, using suitable sterile containers. The water and fish samples were analysed bacteriologically using culture technique and the method of (1) for physico-chemical parameters. The findings revealed that 11 genera of bacteria Staphylococcus species, Streptococcus faecalis, Micrococcus species, Aeromonas species, Vibrio species, Salmonella species, Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, Flavobacterium species and Klebsiella species were present in the water and fish samples examined. The total heterotrophic bacteria count (THBC) of the rivers during the raining season ranged from 2.3 x 106 to 2.9 x 106cfu/ml and 2.02 x 105 to 2.6 x 105cfu/ml in the dry season. For the fish samples, the THBC ranged from 1.86 x 105 to 2.4 x 105cfu/ml in the raining season and increased to 2.3 x 105 to 2.8 x 105cfu/ml in the dry season. The physico-chemical parameters of the watersamples: cadmium, lead, mercury, nitrate, sulphate, phosphate and copper were found to be higher than WHO standard for drinking water, especially during the dry season. The prevalence of physically observed fish diseases generally increased from 35.6% percent in the raining season to 74.4% in the dry season. The study has established high pollution of rivers within Imo river basin and adverse effects of seasonal changes on aquatic organisms in the rivers due to pollution.

ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ACTIVE PROBIOTIC ORGANISMS IN FERMENTED ZEA MAYS, PENTADETHRA MACROPHYLLA BENTH,AND RICINUS COMMUNIS

Active probiotic organisms are good bacteria considered to be live micro-organisms that are obtained from fermented foods. Evidence has shown that probiotics are essential in human health. This studys primary objective is to isolate and characterize the active probiotic organisms present in certain fermented food samples. Maize, African oil bean, and castor oil were subjected to analysis. The result found the presence of active probiotic organisms such as Pedioccocus, Lactobacillus, Micrococcus, and Bacillus species. The study concluded that these organisms are responsible for the fermentation of carbohydrates and protein-rich seeds.

Nasopharyngeal Carriage and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile of Staphylococcus aureus among Children under Five Years in Accra.

This cross-sectional study investigated the Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) nasopharyngeal carriage epidemiology in Accra approximately five years post-pneumococcal conjugate vaccines introduction in the country. Archived nasopharyngeal swabs collected from 410 children aged under five years old were bacteriologically cultured. The resultant S. aureus isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and screening for carriage of the mecA and LukF-PV (pvl) genes, following standard procedures. The data obtained were analyzed with Statistical Products and Services Solutions (SPSS) using descriptive statistics and Chi square tests of associations. The isolated bacteria decreased across coagulase-negative Staphylococci (47.3%, n = 194), S. aureus (23.2%, n = 95), Diphtheroids (5.4%, n = 22), Micrococcus species (3.7%, n = 15), Klebsiella pneumoniae (3.2%, n = 13), Moraxella species and Citrobacter species (1.5% each, n = 6), Escherichia coli, Enterobacter species, and Pseudomonas species (0.9% each, n = 2). The MRSA carriage prevalence was 0.49% (n = 2). Individuals aged 37–48 months recorded the highest proportion of S. aureus carriage (32.6%, 31/95). Resistance of S. aureus to the antibiotics tested were penicillin G (97.9%, n = 93), amoxiclav (20%, n = 19), tetracycline (18.9%, n = 18), erythromycin (5.3%, n = 5), ciprofloxacin (2.1%, n = 2), gentamicin (1.1%, n = 1), cotrimoxazole, clindamycin, linezolid, and teicoplanin (0% each). No inducible clindamycin resistance was observed for the erythromycin-resistant isolates. Three (3.2%) of the isolates were multidrug resistant, of which 66.7% (2/3) were MRSA. The pvl gene was associated with 59.14% (55/93) of the methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) isolates, but was not detected among any of the MRSA isolates.

Bacteriological Assessment and Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile of Bacteria Recovered from <i>Clarias gariepinus</i> Selected from Various Fish Farms in Anambra North Senatorial Zones in Anambra State, Nigeria

Fishes are cheap sources of protein and are commonly reared in artificial pond in Nigeria. Bacterial infested fishes have been a serious public health concern. This study was aimed at isolating and identifying bacteria associated with the internal organs (gills, liver, guts) of Clarias gariepinus (African Catfish) in fish ponds in Anambra North Senatorial zones in Anambra State, Nigeria, and to determine the seasonal bacterial load of the organs and antibiotic susceptibility profile of the isolates to conventional antibiotics. A total of 720 African catfish were sampled from randomly selected fish farms during rainy and dry seasons. Bacteria isolates inoculated on Blood and Nutrient agar plates were identified based on morphological and biochemical characteristics. Susceptibility of the isolates to antibiotics was carried out using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Isolates from the fish organs include species of Vibrio, Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, Lactobacillus, Staphylococcus, Microbacterium, Serratia, Proteus, Bacillus, Streptococcus, Citrobacter and Micrococcus. Results also revealed that there was significant difference (p value Bacillus sp. was the most abundant gram positive bacterium in the organs of the fish samples during the rainy and dry season, while Citrobacter sp., a gram negative organism, was relatively abundant in the liver and gut. Percentage susceptibility of the bacteria to antibiotics was highest with vancomycin (100%) and least with erythromycin (75.0%). The most susceptible isolates were species of Staphylococcus, Microccoccus and Microbacterium while Bacillus sp. was the most resistant bacterium. This study has shown that high bacteria load are found in the internal organs of the fish and a good number of the bacteria are resistant to some of the antibiotics tested. There is, therefore, need for adherence to proper sanitary measures to avoid bacterial contamination of fish.

Study of the resistance pattern and alteration in the conjunctival flora of patients exposed to repeated antibiotics

AIM: To investigate and analyze the changes in the conjunctival flora of patients exposed to repeated antibiotic usage. In addition, determining the effects of this repeated exposure on the resistance pattern of the conjunctival flora. METHODS: This study included 40 patients, admitted to the Retina Unit of the Research Institute of Ophthalmology. All chosen patients had a minimum of 4 consecutive, monthly intravitreal injections (IVI), some were extended to 6mo or 1y as required. The patients were randomly divided into 3 groups and each group received one kind of antibiotic which was either ofloxacin, moxifloxacin or ceftazidime. All bacterial isolates were tested for antibiotic susceptibility using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. RESULTS: In this study the conjunctival normal flora at base line culture varied from a predominance of Staphylococcus epidermidis (51.2%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus 14% to Micrococcus species 12.8% and other coagulase negative staphylococci (CONS) 13%. Our results showed an increase in the percentage of Staphylococcus epidermidis among ceftazidime treated eyes during the four visits in comparison to baseline cultures of patients randomized to ceftazidime. In contrast, there was no noticeable increase in Staphylococcus aureus percentage from baseline. In fluoroquinolone treated eyes, we also observed an increase in percentage of Staphylococcus epidermidis from base line. In contrast to ceftazidime treated eyes, the Staphylococcus aureus percentage in fluoroquinolone treated eyes showed an increase from baseline. However, the pattern of the ocular flora composition changed with the exposure to the old and newer generation of fluoroquinolones. We noticed an increase of Staphylococcus epidermidis in moxifloxacin treated eyes than that in ofloxacin treated eyes from baseline. There was no observed difference in the pattern of Staphylococcus aureus regarding exposure to older and newer generations of fluoroquinolones. CONCLUSION: Repeated use of ophthalmic antibiotics not only alters the composition of the normal ocular flora, but also selects for resistant strains.

Comparison between cosmetic and non-cosmetic users among the group of medical students to find the effect of cosmetics on their facial flora

Human skin is a complex ecosystem with various microenvironmental conditions and thus, the presence of resident microbial flora prevents colonization by pathogens. Some cosmetics like skin peels are known to cause deeper exfoliation of the skin and causes loss of skin flora. So, in the present study, the attempt was to find out the effect of cosmetics that are applied to the face on resident flora of the face of medical students who are exposed to the hospital environment. Out of 120 subjects, 60 were cosmetic users and 60 were non-cosmetic users. Swabs were collected from the face of subjects after washing the face with soap and water and processed using standard techniques. The colonies were counted, identified and statistically analyzed. The isolated colonies were Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus (CoNS), Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus species, gram-negative bacilli and Corneybacterium species from both the groups. It was found that regular cosmetics users 12(20%) yielded less isolates of CoNS as compared to non-cosmetic users 42(70%). It was found that the use of cosmetics thus decreases the normal resident flora of the skin, but larger studies with more subjects are needed to confirm the present result.

Monitoring of Antimicrobial Resistance in diagnostic Veterinary laboratory in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global one health issue threatening our ability to treat bacterial infections in humans and animals. Surveillance of AMR is important in order to estimate the size of the problem, to identify targets for measures and to evaluate the effect of implemented measures. The study was conducted to determine how microbiological samples were collected, results interpreted and the number of samples collected for bacterial culture and sensitivity testing; to identify bacteria frequently isolated from milk and avian samples; and to determine the trend of samples submitted for bacterial culture, sensitivity testing and AMR prevalence. A retrospective study was conducted to collect AMR data by extracting information from laboratory logbooks and laboratory information system from 2010-2017. About 90% of samples were submitted by farmers, and then registered into laboratory registration systems at the reception. A total of 4157 samples were collected for bacterial culture, which included 3571 milk samples collected from cows, 555 samples obtained from live or dead chicken, and 31 samples collected from other animal species. Four hundred and thirty (430) samples requested bacterial culture and sensitivity testing, of which 346 (80.5%) were from cow milk samples, 53 (12.3%) from avian samples, and 31 (7.2%) from other animal species. The common bacterial isolates were Micrococcus, E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Enterobacter, and Bacillus species. The use of diagnostics and detection of drug susceptibility is important to support rational use of antibiotics and tracking of AMR.