Total Heterotrophic Bacterial Count Research Articles

Antibiotic Resistant and Plasmid Borne Bacteria Associated with Locally Produced Honey in Enugu State, Nigeria

Aim: The aim of this study is to isolate and identify bacteria contaminants present in the honey samples sold in Ogbete market and detect the presence of imipenem resistance genes in the isolates. Place and Duration of Study: A total of four samples were collected from Ogbete market at Zenith bank, Peace mass, Wheelbarrow and Peace park stations between the early hours of the morning (8-9am) within the month of April, 2023. Methodology: Microbiological analysis was carried out on the samples, including antimicrobial susceptibility test using disc diffusion method., after which Molecular analysis involving DNA extraction, PCR and Plasmid Profiling, were carried out. Results: The total mean heterotrophic bacterial count ranged from 0.03±2.5×103cfu/ml to 22.1±25.5×103cfu/ml. The highest total mean heterotrophic bacterial count was recorded in Zenith bank while the lowest was in Peace mass. The bacteria isolated and characterized through morphological and biochemical tests include Escherichia coli (45%) Klebsiella spp. (41%), Staphylococcus spp. (9%) and Streptococcus spp. (5%). Escherichia coli had the highest frequency of occurrence at 45% while Streptococcus spp. had the lowest at 5%. The sensitivity test showed that the isolates with the highest frequency of occurrence, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. posed a high resistance to Imipenem and Nalidixic at 80% while the least resistance was in Levofloxacin at 10% from these two isolates. The gene of interest, BlaIMP was found after PCR assay. Plasmid DNA was further carried out using the alkaline lysis method using the Zymo research kit. All isolates possessed a single plasmid with molecular weight of 23.1kbp. Conclusion: These isolates may undergo horizontal gene transfer and confer resistance to other microorganisms. Thus, there is need for the development of proper measures to counter bacterial contamination of locally produced honey as this poses a threat to public health.

ASSESSMENT OF THE NUTRITIONAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF VENDED TIGER NUT (Cyperus esculentus) DRINK IN CHOBA, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

The study was aimed at determining the nutritional and microbiological quality of tiger nut milk (Kunun-aya) sold by three vendors for a three-week period in Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria. Standard methods were employed in determining the proximate, mineral composition, total heterotrophic bacterial counts and presence of Staphylococcus and Escherichia species. Moisture content was consistently highest, ranging from 78.04±2.24 to 87.34±1.24, followed by carbohydrate (7.41±1.88 to 15.14±2.33) and the least was ash (0.11±0.03 to 0.26±0.14). The most abundant of the five minerals was potassium (K) with values ranging from 837.98±15.26 to 931.43±33.30, followed by sodium (Na) with values ranging from 587.39±15.58 to 663.78±34.65 and the least was iron (Fe) with values ranging from 8.50±3.57 to 13.44±3.47. Microbial counts results reveal the following for total heterotrophic bacteria (1.4 to 9.5×107 cfu/ml), Staphylococcus (1.6×103 to 5.5×104 cfu/ml) and Escherichia spp. (0 to 5×103 cfu/ml). The results obtained in this study has revealed the presence of valuable nutrient needed for healthy living as well as high microbial loads and presence of etiologic agents of human infections in vended tiger-nut milk sold in Choba. This underscores the need for the milk to be aseptically prepared to forestall the transmission of pathogenic bacteria to consumers.

Effect of ginger on the quality attributes of pineapple juice during storage

Homemade pineapple juice usually prepared without pasteurization and stored at room temperature could significantly influence the quality of the juice. This study aimed at assessing the effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) on bacteriological, physicochemical and nutritional quality of pasteurized and unpasteurized pineapple juice during storage at ambient temperature (28±2 oC) for 7 days. Unpasteurized; pineapple juice + 10 ml ginger; pineapple juice + 20 ml ginger; pineapple juice + 10 ml ginger; pineapple juice (control) were evaluated. The results obtained showed that total heterotrophic bacterial count, pH, titratable acidity and total soluble solids of the samples treated with ginger were within the range of 2.23-4.60 log10CFU/mL, 4.0-4.9, 0.51-1.86 g/l and 6.9-13.4 % while the corresponding values for the control was 2.0-4.14 log10CFU/mL, 3.5-4.8, 0.63-1.5 g/l, and 9.1-13.2 %, respectively. All the pineapple juice preparations met the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) requirements. The sample that had the highest vitamin C and ash content was unpasteurized pineapple juice mixed with 30 mL of ginger (7.46 mg/10 mL) and the control which was pasteurized (4.3 %) respectively. Based on the results obtained from this study, pasteurization of pineapple juice as well as addition of ginger to the juice are recommended for the production of a safe product for human consumption

Molecular Characterization and Evaluation of Antibiotic Resistance Gene of Bacteria Associated with Gills of Arius heudelotii and Clarias gariepinus

This study was aimed at the isolation and molecular characterization of bacteria associated with catfish from culture and wild environments. Samples of gills of Arius heudelotii and Claris gariepinus fishes of economic value from the New Calabar River Choba and earthen ponds from Aluu in Rivers State were collected and analysed. Characterization of isolates from the gills of the catfish was done using the 16S rRNA gene sequencing method to identify their relationship. The presence of a resistance gene was examined by polymerase chain reaction followed by agarose gel electrophoresis of the amplification products. The mean total heterotrophic bacterial counts was 6.5995±0.947 LogCFU/g for the gills’ samples obtained from the earthen pond Aluu. New Calabar River had 4.5041±1.054 LogCFU/g for the gills’ samples. A total of 12 bacterial flora were isolated from the gills of the sampled catfish: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp., Citrobacter spp., Bacillus subtilis, Proteus vulgaris, Streptococcus spp., Shigella spp. Staphylococcus spp., Micrococcus spp., Vibrio spp. and Acinetobacter spp. Vibrio azureus, Aeromonas dhakensis, Proteus vulgaris, Aeromonas hydrophila. Vibrio azureus and Providencia alcalifaciens were found to be carriers of the TEM gene, while Providencia alcalifaciens carried the CTX-M gene.  SHV gene was found in Vibrio azureus, Providencia alcalifacians, Proteus vulgaris, Aeromonas hydrophila, Providencia alcalifacians. However, the Oxa gene was not identified in the bacterial genera. The high probability of transferring them to other microbes to cause antibiotic pollution has become a serious public health challenge. Microbial loads with high or low presence of some potential pathogens call for public concern.

Genotypic Characterization and Virulence Features of Bacteria Associated with Chicken Meat in Rivers State, Nigeria

Microbial investigation of live poultry birds were carried out in three different locations (Aluu, Elioparanwo and RSU) in Ikwerre, Obio-Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas, Rivers State, Nigeria. In this study a total of 125 samples of muscle (25), breast (25), intestine (25), wing (25) and leg (25) of poultry birds were analysed using molecular techniques and evaluating there virulence features. The birds were processed and microbiological analysis was done using standard procedures, molecular identification of the isolates was carried out. The mean total heterotrophic bacterial count of the muscle, breast, intestine, wing and leg in the three different locations ranged from 16.6±2.3 to 25.2±3.5, 1.6±0.2 to 24.8±8.6, 0.11±0.1 to 8.9±2.7, 1.1±0.8 to 10.6±1.8 and 3.4±0.1 to 4.9±0.9 CFU/g, respectively. The mean total coliform counts of the three locations ranged from 2.1±0.3 to 2.1±0.2, 1.8±0.2 to 0.9±0.6, and 0.32±2.5 to 0.32±0.25, 2.6±0.3 to 7.7±0.9 and 2.3±0.4 to 2.9±0.3 CFU/g, respectively. Virulence features of A. caviae (CP072326, OL45594) shows proteolytic activity, catalytic DNase, motility, starch hydrolysis and biofilm formation. A. baumanii (ON606300) showed Lipolytic activity, catalytic, starch hydrolysis, capsule formation and biofilm formation. C. braakii (ON557391) was positive for Motility, catalytic and proteolytic.  JQ231164 C. freudii (motile, catalytic, proteolytic and biofilm formation. E. hormaechei (ON834331, ON834332) was positive for motility, starch hydrolysis and biofilm formation. MN733229 M. odoratiminus (Lipolytic, motile, catalytic, DNase, proteolytic, ureolytic, heomolytic, capsule formation and biofilm formation. The study revealed that microbial contamination of Chicken meat could arise from bacteria present in the environment and on birds. These findings, thus underscored the urgent need for improved biosecurity measures, enhanced hygiene practices to safeguard both poultry health and public health. There should therefore be stringent implementation of food safety measure throughout the poultry value chain from farm to table.

Bacterial and Fungal Isolates from Crude Oil Polluted Sediment in Eniong River, Itu, Nigeria

The need to know the level of contamination of radioactive elements, especially Microbial populations are crucial for the environment, providing vital ecosystem services such as biogeochemical cycling, decomposition, and degradation, which essential vital for the survival of all life forms on Earth. This study investigated the heterotrophic bacterial and fungal isolates in crude oil polluted sediment from the Eniong River using standard conventional analytical and culture-dependent techniques. The mean total heterotrophic bacterial (THBC) and mean total fungal counts (THFC) in sediment samples from the three stations of Eniong river sediment was 9.3 x 104CFU/g and 2.4 x 104 CFU/g, respectively. The heterotrophic bacterial count was highest in location A (upstream) and lowest in location C (downstream) while the lowest fungal count was obtained in location B (midstream) and highest in location C (downstream). The results revealed diverse bacterial and fungal assemblages and ecosystem's richness in microbial diversity. Twelve (12) bacterial species from the genera Staphylococcus, Salmonella, Shigella, Escherichia, Bacillus, Klebsiella, Micrococcus, Aeromonas and Pseudomonas were isolated. The eight (8) fungal species belonging to genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Geothrichium, Candida and Mucor were obtained. Bacillus cereus was the most prevalent bacterial isolate, accounting for 16%, while the least isolated bacteria were Aeromonas sp. and Salmonella sp. (4%). The most isolated fungi was A. niger (31.8%), while A. fumigatus (13.6%) was the least occurring fungal isolates. The findings clearly demonstrated that the sediment of the Eniong River provided a unique ecological niche that supports a variety of microorganisms.

Isolation and molecular characterization of microorganisms with biofertilizer potential

Biofertilizers are microbial-agro products containing mixed culture of microorganisms that promote plant growth, yield, soil quality and disease control. This study aimed to isolate, identify and screen microorganisms with biofertilizer potentials for application in farms. Soil samples were collected from farmland and waste-dump soils around University of Port Harcourt. The various microorganisms were isolated and estimated using nutrient agar, potato dextrose agar, cetrimide agar and Ashby’s agar. The microorganisms were screened for biofertilizer potentials based on nitrogen fixation, potassium and phosphate solubilization using Pikovskaya media. The results obtained from this study showed that thefarmland soil sample had a total heterotrophic bacterial and fungal counts of 5.045±0.02 and 4.220±0.02 Log10Cfu/gwhile the corresponding values in the waste-dump soil was 4.890±0.30 and 3.505±0.30 Log10Cfu/g respectively. After screening, the microorganisms with biofertilizer potentials were identified as Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus licheniformis, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Azotobacter chroococcum. Findings from this study have demonstrated that the microorganisms isolated from the farmland soil were more adept at nitrogen fixation and solubilizing insoluble potassium and phosphate compounds than their counterparts in waste-dump soil. These microorganisms have shown potentials to improve soil fertility and crop productivity in a sustainable way.

Bacteriological and physiochemical evaluation of locally produced tiger nut drink (kunu aya) sold in Owerri metropolis Imo state Nigeria

The public heath implication of consumption of contaminated and unregulated hawked drinks has received great attention in recent times. This work investigated succession parameters of micro-organisms and physiochemical characteristics of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) drink hawked in Owerri metropolis over a 72 hour period. Samples of freshly produced drinks were purchased from seven major locations (Ekeonuwa, Control, Ikenegbu, Futo campus, Ihiagwa, Obinze and Naze junction) in Owerri metropolis. Microbial evaluation of the drink samples was carried out using spread plate method. Physiochemical analysis of tiger nut drinks were carried out using standard A.O.A.C methods. The results indicated the presence of Staphyloccus sp, Microccus sp, Enterobacter sp, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella sp, Escherichia coli and Corynebacterium sp. These contrasted from organisms isolated from laboratory prepared control. The mean total bacterial counts indicated tiger nut drink sold around Naze recorded the highest total heterotrophic bacterial count (109 CFU/ml), tiger nut drinks sold at FUTO campus, Obinze and Ihiagwa recorded the highest total fecal coliform count (104 CFU/ml) and total Salmonella-Shigella count (104 CFU/ml), while the laboratory prepared recorded the least heterotrophic bacterial count (103 CFU/ml), zero total fecal coliform count and total Salmonella-Shigella count recorded. The pH and titratable acidity over a 72 hour period indicated that all the drinks were acidic, where the street sold drinks recorded the highest acidity compared to the laboratory prepared drink. Very low microbial count observed for the laboratory prepared tiger nut drinks underscores the importance of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). It is recommended that regulatory government agencies for food and drink products should step up campaign for adoption/implementation of GMP by local vendors/producers.

Comparing the Effects of Two Culture Methods to Determine the Total Heterotrophic Bacterial Colony Count in Hospital Purified Water

BackgroundAccurately detecting the quantity of microorganisms in hospital purified water is of significant importance for early identification of microbial contamination and reducing the occurrence of water-borne hospital infections. The choice of detection method is a prerequisite for ensuring accurate results. Traditional Plate Count Agar (PCA) belongs to a high-nutrient medium, and there may be limitations in terms of accuracy or sensitivity in detecting microorganisms in hospital purified water. On the other hand, Reasoner’s 2A agar (R2A) has characteristics, such as low-nutrient levels, low cultivation temperature, and extended incubation time, providing advantages in promoting the growth of aquatic microorganisms. This study, through comparing the differences in total colony counts between two detection methods, aims to select the method more suitable for the growth of aquatic microorganisms, offering new practical insights for accurately detecting the total count of heterotrophic bacteria in hospital purified water.MethodsThe most commonly used plate count agar (PCA) method, and the R2A agar culture were adopted to detect microorganisms and determine the total number of bacterial colonies in the water for oral diagnosis and treatment water and terminal rinse water for endoscopes in medical institutions. The two water samples were inoculated by pour plate and membrane filtration methods, respectively. Using statistical methods including Spearman and Pearson correlation, Wilcoxon signed-rank sum test, paired-Chi-square test, and linear regression, we analyze the differences and associations in the bacterial counts cultivated through two different methods.ResultsIn 142 specimens of the water, the median and interquartile range of the heterotrophic bacterial colony number under the R2A culture method and under the PCA culture method were 200 (Q1–Q3: 25–18,000) and 6 (Q1–Q3: 0–3700). The total number of heterotrophic bacteria colonies cultured in R2A medium for 7 days was more than that cultured in PCA medium for 2 days (P < 0.05). The linear regression results showed a relatively strong linear correlation between the number of colonies cultured by the R2A method and that cultured by the PCA method (R2 = 0.7264). The number of bacterial species detected on R2A agar medium is greater than that on PCA agar medium.ConclusionThe R2A culture method can better reflect the actual number of heterotrophic bacterial colonies in hospital purified water. After logarithmic transformation, the number of colonies cultured by the two methods showed a linear correlation.

Biodegradation potentials of edaphic bacterial isolates cultured on Haloxyfop R Methyl ester herbicide-mineral salt medium

The heterotrophic and haloxyfop-R methyl ester utilizing bacterial counts associated with top soil samples was evaluated. Three (3) bacterial isolates; Bacillus sp., Micrococcus sp. and Staphylococcus sp. were cultured and screened for their ability to utilize haloxyfop-R methyl ester as sole source of carbon and energy using the turbidimeteric procedure. The growth profiles of two axenic cultures; Bacillus sp. and Micrococcus sp. were determined using the shake flask test. Parameters which included pH, mean viable bacterial counts, optical density and dissolved CO2 were determined during growth profiling using relevant procedures and equipment. The pH of the soil samples was 5.08 ± 0.02 for sample A and 4.62 ± 0.02 for sample B. The total heterotrophic bacterial count was 2.8 × 104 cfu/g ± 849 for A and 4.62 × 104 cfu/g ± 989 for B. The mean dissolved CO2 data for Micrococcus sp. during the growth profile study ranged from 1.1 mg/l ± 0.1 to 6.8 mg/l ± 0.2. Axenic Micrococcus sp. was the most effective amongst the growth profile cultures in mineralizing the herbicide content of the culture medium.

Assessment of Airborne Microbial Composition and Antibiotic Susceptibility Profiles in Dumpsite Environments within Rivers State University

The study was aimed at determining the microbial air quality and antimicrobial susceptibility of dumpsites within Rivers State University. The samples were collected from 5 different dumpsites and 10 meters away using the plate sedimentation method. Petri dishes containing culture media were used as sampling surfaces. The sampled media were incubated at 37oC and 30oC for bacteria and fungi respectively. The isolates from the culture were subcultured and identified by biochemical test methods. The multidrug resistance sensitivity of the isolates was determined by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index was determined. The total heterotrophic bacterial count of the dumpsites ranged from 1.43×103CFU/m3 to 5.8×104CFU/m3. The total heterotrophic fungal count of the dumpsites ranged from 1.06×103CFU/m3 to 2.3×103CFU/m3. The different bacteria identified were Bacillus sp, Micrococcus sp, Pseudomonas sp, Serratia sp, Staphylococcus sp. The fungi, Aspergillus niger, Saccharomyces sp, Fusarium sp, Aspergillus flavus, Candida albican, Penicillium sp and Mucor sp, Rhodotorula sp, A. fumigatus were identified. The antibiotic sensitivity study showed that 100% of the Gram-positive isolates were resistant to Augmentin, cefuroxime, 66.6% were resistant to cefotaxime, 50% were resistant to ceftriaxone, sulbatam, 33.3% were resistant to cefexime and erythromycin while 16.66 of the Gram-positive bacteria were resistant to, levofloxacin, gentamycin, ofloxacin, imipenem and cefotaxime. For the Gram-negative bacteria, 83.3 were resistant to ampiclox, cefuroxime, levofloxacin, 66.6% were resistant to cefexime, 50% were resistant to augmentin, cefotaxime, 33.3% were resistant to imipenem, gentamycin, nitrofurantoin, 16% were resistant to ceftraxime and all (100%) the bacterial isolates were sensitive to nalidixic acid. The study revealed that the dumpsite had impact on both the microbial load and quality of the environment. The microorganisms identified could contain pathogenic sp and impact on human health especially the immune-compromised. Also, the microbial load of the air around the dumpsites decreased with increase in distance from the dump sites.  The presence of multidrug resistant isolates could be of public health concerns.

Abundance of Heterotrophic Bacterial Population in Coastal Waters of Palghar Taluka, Maharashtra, India

The population density of total heterotrophic bacteria in coastal water at 4 different sites along Palghar taluka namely; Kelwa coast, Navapur coast, Dandi creek and Satpati coast were studied. Total heterotrophic bacterial count was found to range from 0.34×102 – 423.1× 102 CFUml-1 in coastal waters. Average heterotrophic bacterial abundance was noted higher during monsoon at all 4 sites in the study with 47.2× 102 ± 34.79 CFU ml1at Satpati coast, 281.55× 102 ± 148.45 CFU ml-1 at Dandi creek, 265.26× 102 ± 149.74 CFU ml-1 at Navapur coast, and 1.12 × 102 ± 0.54 CFU ml-1 at Kelwa coast. Dandi creek recorded highest bacterial count throughout study period irrespective of season.

Assessing Environmental and Feed Quality in Southeast Livestock Production

Livestock production has thrived and sustained the livelihood of farmers while reducing poverty and improving the economy of developing nations. It has also contributed largely to the spread of pathogenic bacteria. This study evaluated the bacterial quality of air, water, soil, feed samples, and hand swabs in Aba, Umuahia, Mbaise, and Okigwe in Southeastern Nigeria. Air, water, soil, feeds, and hand swabs were sampled using standard microbiology laboratory procedures. Air samples were expressed in CFU/plate/hour while water, soil, feed and hand swabs were expressed in CFU/ml. Total heterotrophic bacterial count (THBC), total coliform count (TCC), and total potential pathogenic bacterial count (TPPBC) were all analyzed by growing the samples on general purpose, differential, and selective media after serial dilution respectively. Isolates were confirmed by subjecting them to biochemical tests. The highest THBC, TPPBC, and TCC values were obtained in the Aba pig farm, cow abattoir, and poultry farms respectively while Mbaise recorded the lowest values for THBC, TPPBC, and TCC. A total of 1531 bacterial isolates were obtained in all the four cities. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella enterica, Streptococcus poygenes, Vibrio cholerae and Shigella sp. were isolated. Escherichia coli had the highest total percentage distribution (16.9%; 259/1531) in all four cities and Shigella sp (4.8%; 74/1531) was the least distributed. Of the four cities studied, Aba farm had the highest percentages of E. coli (31.66%; 82/259), K. pneumoniae (31.19%;68/218), P. aeruginosa (30.28%; 43/142), E. aerogenes (31.85%; 43/135) and S. pyogenes (36.57%; 49/134). Among the bacterial isolates, Streptococcus enterica had the highest percentage values (42.38%; 64/151) while Shigella sp had the lowest percentage values (12.16%; 9/74). Overall, the bacterial burden in all the farms in the four cities, especially Aba was very high; thorough surveillance by health workers should be encouraged to help reduce the spread of bacteria and bacterial infections among livestock farms.

Assessment of Microbial Loads, Species Characterization and Composition in Prawn (Macrobrachium vollenhovenii) Fillets from Major Wetlands in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

The objective of this paper is to assess the assessment of microbial loads, species characterization and composition in prawn (Macrobrachium vollenhovenii) fillets from major wetlands (Nwaniba, Ibaka, Ibeno and Itu) in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The microbial loads, species characterization and composition in prawn fillets were determined using standard microbiological procedures. Results from the study revealed total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranging from 2.10 x 104cfu/g in samples from Ibeno to 7.30 x 104cfu/g from Itu samples. Samples from Itu also recorded the highest values (3.5 x 104cfu/g) of total heterotrophic fungal counts. A total of eight bacterial (Staphilococcus aureus, S. albus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, Arthrobacter freundii and Salmonella ecterica) and six fungal (Candida tropicalis, Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. terreus, Mucor mucedo, and Rhizopus sp) species were isolated.  The bacterial species, Micrococcus luteus and Arthrobacter freundii had 100% frequency of occurrence while in the fungal group it was Candida tropicalis. The presence of these pathogenic organisms in prawn samples from these wetland areas may infer possible threat to the health of prawn consumers especially when the products are undercooked or poorly processed before consumption.

Bacterial Density in Soil Samples Collected from Hospital Wastes Dumping Site at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Medical Centre, Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria.

The soil quality is characterized by adequate nutrients as a result of abundant nutrients cycling bacteria. Most soil in Nigeria has been subjected to different kinds of pollutants resulting from anthropogenic activities which have become a major threatening factor to the quality of soil. This study was carried out to evaluate bacterial density in soil samples collected from hospital wastes dumping site at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Medical Centre, Uli, Anambra State. A total of 30 composite soil samples were aseptically collected from the site using a sterile soil auger. The samples were analyzed for total heterotrophic bacterial count (THBC) and phosphate solubilizing bacterial count (PSBC) using standard plate technique. The predominant bacterial isolates that aided nutrients cycling were appropriately characterized, and their densities in both impacted and non-impacted soil samples were enumerated. Also, the bacterial isolates were characterized based on morphology, microscopy, and biochemical characteristics. There was an increase in the THBC and PSBC in the impacted soil, and Gram negative rods such as Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, and Micrococcus species (Gram positive) were the bacterial isolates. The study has revealed that wastes generated from hospital enhances microbial proliferation in the soil, which invariably increases soil fertility. Keywords: Bacterial Density, Soil Samples, Hospital Wastes and Dumping Site

Evaluation of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria from Organic Fertilized Farm Soils and Waterleaf (Talinum triangulare) in Aluu, Rivers State, Nigeria

The use of antibiotics in agriculture is believed to contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance, and consumption of vegetables represents a route of direct human exposure to resistant bacteria found in soil. This study was carried out to isolate and characterize antibiotic resistant bacteria from poultry dropping fertilized farm soils in Aluu community Rivers State. Thirty-six (36) soil and waterleaf (Talinum triangulare) samples were collected for a period of three months from the vegetable farms and subjected to standard microbiological procedures such as standard plate counts, identification, sensitivity testing using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and molecular identification. The total heterotrophic bacterial (THB), Staphylococcal, and total coliform counts ranged from2.72±0.52x106 to 7.30±3.54x106Cfu/g; 0x105to 4.30±0.28x105Cfu/g; 0x105 to 21.40±2.26x105Cfu/g and 2.65±0.21x105 to 3.10±0.85x105Cfu/g for FarmsA, B and C respectively. There was a significant difference (p˂0.05) in the total heterotrophic, coliform bacterial count but no significant difference in Staphylococcal and Salmonella-Shigella count between the different vegetable farms sampled in month one. THB, Staphylococcal, Faecal coliform (FC), coliform, Salmonella-Shigella counts ranged from3.80±1.83x106 to 4.69±1.69x106cfu/g; 1.08±0.04x105 to 1.40±0.11x105Cfu/g; 2.00±0.42x104 to 8.30±2.12x104Cfu/g; 3.95±0.21x105 to 5.95±0.21x105Cfu/g and 1.20±0.28x104to 2.40±0.85x104Cfu/g for FarmsA and B respectively. There was no significant difference (p˂0.05) in the THB, Salmonella-Shigella, Total coliform (TC) counts, but there was a significant difference in the Staphylococcal and faecal coliform counts between the different vegetable farms sampled for month two. The bacterial isolates identified were as follows; Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp, Shigella spp, Salmonella spp, Pseudomonas spp Proteus spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Serratia marcesens and Serratia nematodiphila. Forty-six (46) bacterial isolates were isolated from the soils and vegetables. Escherichia coli had the highest occurrence (75%) and Bacillus spp (9.09%) had the least occurrence. The susceptibility pattern of Bacillus spp, Staphylococcus spp, Enterobacter spp, Salmonella spp, Escherichia coli, Shigella spp, Pseudomonas sppand Proteus sppwere all susceptible to Ofloxacin, and gentamicin (100%) and resistant to Ceftazidime, Cefixime and Augmentin (100%). Hundred-percent (100%) of the bacterial isolates had multidrug resistance index greater than 0.2 and QnrA resistant gene were found in the resistant bacterial isolates. In conclusion, the use of antibiotic indiscriminately for agricultural purposes should be discouraged because of multiple antibiotic resistance.

Bacteriological Quality of Selected Sachet Water in Iree Community, Osun State, Nigeria

Water is an unaffordable resource and vital for human life. Potable drinking water is a basic need for human’s good health. The aim of the study was to examine the qualities of available sachet drinking water in Iree community bacteriologically. Ten different brands if sachet water were selected and were all purchased within Iree community. The selected samples were examined for Total Heterotrophic Bacterial Count (THBC), Total Coliform Counts (TCC) and Total Thermotolerant (Faecal) Count (TTC) using standard microbiological methods. The THBC values obtained ranged from (1.10 x 10

Effects of Methanolic Turmeric Extract, Alum on E. coli in Borehole &amp; Sachet Water PH.

The aim of this research were to determine the antibiogram and effects of methanolic turmeric extract and alum on Escherichia coli in some borehole and sachet water in Rivers State respectively. The various concentrations (100mg/ml,50mg/ml,25mg/ml and 12.5mg/ml) of these combinations, methanolic turmeric extract, Alum, MTE+ Alum were tested respectively for antibacterial activity on some strains of E. coli isolated from borehole and sachet water samples. These were compared with an antibiotic standard, using chloramphenicol as a positive control. Antibacterial activity was assessed using disc diffusion method (DDM) respectively. Of these combinations, methanolic turmeric extracts in synergism with Alum (MTE+Alum) exhibited the lowest mean diameter of inhibitory zone (DIZ) values of 5.0-20.0mm and Alum exhibited the largest mean of inhibitory zone (DIZ) values of 8.0-20.0mm on the test organism using disc diffusion method (DDM) respectively. There was no inhibitory zone with MTE+Aum at 12.5 concentration whereas (DIZ) values for methanolic turmeric extract ranged from 8.0-16.0mm by DDM. The susceptibility of combinations were more pronounced against CP064383 E. coli (20.0mm), CP089272 E. coli (14.0mm), AF099077 E.coli (14.0mm) and LG142154 E.coli (18.0mm) respectively. This results revealed that chloramphenicol inhibited the largest DIZ values. However, the activity of chloramphenicol revealed that purified and tested antibiotic should be used as the drug of choice for treatments. And the synergistic effects of methanolic turmeric extract plus Alum was effective against all strains of E.coli with concentration of 100mg/ml and can be used as second line of treatment against infections caused by E.coli. E. coli isolates with a prevalence of 100% were obtained as the test organisms. Susceptibility pattern of the test isolates showed 100% susceptibility to Gentamycin,75% by chloramphenicol, Ciprofloxacin and Vancomycin. They were resistant to Cefotaxime (75%) and Cotriazole (25%) respectively. Multiple antibiotic resistance index for test isolates revealed 3(75%) of four E.coli strains was &gt;0.2.The results for total heterotrophic bacterial count showed that there was no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) in the mean counts sampling locations Ikwerre, Obio/Akpor and Phalga. Faecal Coliform Count revealed that there was no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) in the mean counts with sachet water having the highest values of (2.77±0.14, 2.76±0.09 and 2.77±0.17) Log10CFU/ml while borehole water revealed least counts of (1.46±1.29, 0.79±1.18 and 1.86±1.44) Log10CFU/ml. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the potentials of Alum, MTE in synergism with alum as choice of treatment caused by E. coli in water samples from the study area.

Seasonal Influence on the Microbiology and Physicochemistry of Crude Oil Polluted Wetlands

Pollutants such as crude oil spills in an environment, affect the physical, chemical and biological properties of that environment. This study was conducted to determine the effect of seasonal variations on the microbiological and physicochemical characteristics of three crude oil-polluted wetlands in Rivers State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected at 3 depths (0-15cm, 15-30cm and 30-45cm) with the aid of a hand auger, sampling was done for a period of twelve months covering the rainy (March to August) and dry seasons (September to February). Samples were analyzed for physicochemical characteristics, using standard analytical and microbiological methods. The data obtained was analyzed using the statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 22 and Duncan’s multiple range test was used to separate means where differences occurred. Microbiological analyses showed that significantly higher microbial counts were observed in the dry season than in the rainy season in the wetland samples which could be due to favourable environmental conditions during the period of study. Wetland soil total heterotrophic bacterial (THB) count in the wet season ranged from 1.09x107cfu/g to 10.45x107cfu/g and from 2.43x107cfu/g to 18.56x107cfu/g in the dry season. Total heterotrophic bacteria had the highest population in all soil depths (0-15cm, 15-30cm and 30-45cm) in both seasons. Hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria such as Bacillus subtilllis, B. rigui, B. flexus, Lysinibacillus macrolides, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus penneri and fungi such as Aspergillus species, Fusarium species, Mucor species and Rhizopus species were genetically identified in this study. Temperature and other physicochemical parameters in the wetlands were altered due to the variation in season. Higher temperature ranges were observed in the dry season than in the rainy season as seen in Iwofe, temperature ranged from 26.500C (0-15cm) to 28.500C (30-45cm) in the rainy season while in the dry season it ranged from 31.500C (0-15cm) to 33.500C (30-45cm) which was above FEPA permissible limit of 300C for soil temperature. The study showed that season of study as well as crude oil spillage have significant effects on the microbiology and physicochemical characteristics of wetlands and therefore, contribute to microbiological degradation in wetlands.

Microbiological Quality and Shelf-Life Extension of Oysters (Crassostrea Gasar) Subjected to Hurdle Approach Involving Sodium Metabisulphite, Calcium Hypochlorite and Storage Temperature

This study set out to develop an efficient treatment for the quality control of oysters (Crassostrea gasar) using calcium hypochlorite [Ca(OCl) 2 ] and sodium metabisulphite (Na2S2O5) during a challenge test under ambient and refrigerated storage. Artificially inoculated oyster samples were treated in groups consisting of various treatments as follows: 10 ppm Ca(OCl) 2 and 100 ppm Na 2 S 2 O 5 combined treatment; 10 ppm Ca(OCl) 2 sole treatment and sterile deionized water treatment (control). The treated samples were then stored under refrigerated (4°C) and ambient (28±2°C) conditions for 96 h. Samples were subjected to analysis at intervals to determine their microbiological (total heterotrophic bacterial counts, coliform counts, and Salmonella counts), chemical (trimethylamine, pH), and sensorial (visual appearance, odour, and texture) attributes. The Ca(OCl) 2 and Na 2 S 2 O 5 combined treatment significantly inhibited (p&lt;0.05) the increase in the magnitude of the different microbial groups, trimethylamine (TMA) content, and pH when compared with the Ca(OCl) 2 sole treatment and control groups. Heterotrophic bacterial counts in oysters treated with both chemicals were 7.23 log 10 CFU/g and 5.66 log 10 CFU/g at the end of storage for samples kept at ambient and refrigerated conditions respectively. Organoleptic evaluation conducted by a team of panelists showed that oysters subjected to the combined treatment followed by refrigerated storage showed higher quality scores than the control and other treatments during the study and hence, maintained the freshness and overall acceptability of the seafood. Combined treatment using Ca(OCl) 2 and Na 2 S 2 O 5 prevented robust microbial proliferation, sustained the quality of freshly harvested oysters, and extended their shelf life by 4 days during refrigerated storage.