Total Viable Bacterial Count Research Articles

Combined effect of probiotics on prolonging the shelf life of GIFT tilapia fillets

Probiotics are posing diverse applications to modify food constituents for health benefits of humans. There is an increasing trend to get insights into developments of new technologies to improve the food products. The present study explored the preservation effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae as potential probiotics for improving the shelf life of GIFT Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). The probiotics addition in agar film exhibited a reasonable antioxidant activity and antimicrobial potency against some food-borne pathogens such as H2S-producing Pseudomonas sp. and luminescent bacterial colonies at 15°C. During storage, the physicochemical properties (pH) and microbial and sensory properties were evaluated. The study indicated that probiotics addition in agar film was found principal responsible for the inhibitory activity of total bacteria. Probiotics reduced the H2S-producing bacteria due to which reduction in chemical spoilage was observed. The lactic acid bacterial counts were 4.5 log CFU/g in treatment F4 on day 10 and 15. H2S-producing bacteria were 8.5–3 log CFU/g in F4. Enterobacteriaceae were 7–2 log CFU/g on day 10. Pseudomonas spp. was 3.5 log CFU/g in F4 on day 15. Total viable bacterial count was 9 log CFU/g in F4 on day 15. The pH was 6.8 in F4 at day 15, which indicate that decreasing in bacterial count was observed from control to treatment F4 which contain both probiotics. The colour of fillet was stable throughout the storage period in treatments. Thus, it may be concluded that films with probiotic could extend shelf life of tilapia fillets up to at least one week.

Rapid Microbiological Assessment in Raw Milk: Validation of a Rapid Alternative Method for the Assessment of Microbiological Quality in Raw Milk.

The consumption of dairy products and the dairy industry are one of the main global agri-food sectors for its size, economic importance, and level of technology. Microbiological quality of pasteurized milk or other milk products is dependent on microbiological quality of raw milk. A variety of microbiological count methods is available for monitoring the hygienic quality of raw milk. Among them, the pour plate method is the official essay for counting the number of colony-forming units in milk samples according to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) No. 4833-1:2013. The aim of the present study is the validation of the Micro Biological Survey (MBS) method, against the reference plate-count method, for the assessment of the microbiological quality of raw milk. This comparative study, performed in collaboration with the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana M. Aleandri (IZSLT), demonstrates the accuracy of this alternative method for the determination of total viable bacterial count in cow’s raw milk. The results obtained with the MBS method highlight its potential as a valid tool for reliable microbiological analysis in dairy industries.

Wine produced from date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruits using Saccharomyces cerevisiae X01 isolated from Nigerian locally fermented beverages.

The study focused on the production of wine from date palm fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.) using a strain of yeast isolated from selected Nigerian locally fermented beverages ('pito', 'brukutu' and palm wine). Seven (7) distinct yeasts were isolated and identified using cultural, microscopy and biochemical tests (temperature tolerance, flocculation, ethanol tolerance, H2S production and killer toxin production and the ability to assimilate and ferment sugars. The yeast isolates were screened using refractometric and spectrophotometric methods to select the isolate with the best ability for wine production. This isolate was molecularly characterized, grown in 1L of potatoes dextrose broth, freeze dried and used for wine production. The population of yeast, bacteria and the physicochemical analysis of the must were monitored during fermentation. Populations of bacteria in the wine were assessed by standard pour plate count. The proximate content and physicochemical properties of the produced wine before and after ageing, as well as the sensorial quality of the produced wine was determined. All the yeast isolates possessed the ability to flocculate, tolerate ethanol concentration of between 5 and 20% and temperature range of 30-45°C, produced low concentration of H2S and does not produce killer toxins. A palm wine isolate, identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae X01 was selected as the best isolate with the most ability for wine production. The total yeast count increases as the period of fermentation progressed while the total viable bacterial count reduced as the fermentation period progressed. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the physicochemical properties of the must during fermentation. At the end of the fermentation, the produced wine had 5.22% and 4.86% ethanol content for S. cerevisiae QA23 and S. cerevisiae X01 respectively. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the proximate and physicochemical compositions of the produced wine before and after ageing using Saccharomyces cerevisiae X01 when compared to the control S. cerevisiae QA23. This study revealed that the Nigerian locally sourced S. cerevisiae X01 can be used as an alternative substrate for industrial scale production of wine with a mild alcoholic content.

Using of sugarcane molasses on novel-yoghurt making

Novel molasses-yoghurt was prepared by adding varying concentrations of molasses (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2%) to milk and stored at 6 ± 2°C up to12 days. Results showed that, the molasses is rich in K, Mn, Fe and Cu. It has high of total solids (TS), sugar, total nitrogen (TN) and ash while low of pH values. On the other hand, the TS, acidity, soluble nitrogen (SN), TN, syneresis, firmness, density, fat content and pH values of plain yoghurt and novel molasses-yoghurt found to increase and decrease with increasing of molasses concentrations and during storage periods up to 12 days, respectively. Novel molasses-yoghurt had higher values of K, Ca, Mn, Na, P, Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn contents than that of control samples. All these elements of novel molasses-yoghurt were increased during storage than that of fresh samples in all treatments. Microbiologically, there were increase of total viable bacterial and Lactobacillus bulgaricus counts up to 4 days and decreased up to the end of storage periods in control samples and novel molasses-yoghurt. Whilst, there was decrease of Streptococcus thermophilus in all treatments up to 12 days of storage in most treatments. Moulds and yeasts were not detected in fresh and after 4 days of storage, whereas they were appeared after 8 days. Organoleptically, novel molasses-yoghurt with 0.5% molasses stored at 8 days had superior scores, followed by 1% stored at the same time, while, novel molasses-yoghurt with 2% molasses without storage had the lowest value of overall scores.

Microbiological assessment of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus collected from different super shops and local market in Dhaka, Bangladesh

The present study was conducted to detect the bacterial contamination of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus collected from super shops and local market of Bangladesh. The sample specimens were collected from three super shops in Dhaka city viz. Agora, Shwapno and Prince Bazar and one local market (Savar Bazar). Samples were analysed to determine some pathogenic bacterial genera through the isolation and enumeration from different organs. The isolates were identified as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp. and Vibrio spp. by conventional culture method, biochemical tests and PCR assay. Total Viable Bacterial Counts (TVBC) were also determined. Fishes were found to be contaminated within a range between 6×104 to 1.6×106 cfu g–1. The load of E. coli and Shigella spp. were higher than that of Salmonella spp. and Vibrio spp. in all the studied samples. The study concludes that more precautions are required for personnel hygiene during fish processing and handling in order to prevent assemblage of pathogenic bacteria in super shops as well as local fish markets of Bangladesh.

Biological Characterization of Water in Damietta Branch of the Nile River, Egypt.

Damietta branch is one of the two main branches of the Nile River (Egypt), that often inhabited by many aquatic organisms, which affect and reflect its water characteristics. This study examine the relation between submerged macrophytes, their epiphytic microalgae and bacterial communities as well as the variations in their distribution and species composition with respect to season and location. Macrophytes, epiphytes and water samples were collected from 5 sites distributed along Damietta branch. Macrophytes, epiphytes and bacterial indicators of pollution were identified using standard methods. Three submerged macrophytes (Myriophyllum spicatum, Ceratophyllum demersum L. and Potamogeton crispus) and 191 epiphytic algal taxa dominated by 87 Bacillariophyta and 62 Chlorophyta were recorded with significance seasonal and spatial variations. Myriophyllum spicatum was the most frequent macrophyte (p = 100%) and represent about 100, 100, 97.4 and 64.9% kg DW m-2 of the total collected macrophytes biomass during autumn, winter, spring and summer respectively. The relation between some epiphytic algal species and specific macrophytes was evident and the high organic pollution tolerant algal species like, Melosira granulata, Nitzschia palea, Synedra ulna, Oscillatoria limosa, Microcystis aeruginosa were recorded. Results of bacteriological analysis revealed a significance difference in total viable bacterial counts developed on either 22 or 37°C, total coliform, fecal coliform, fecal streptococci and Escherichia coli attributed to the seasons and sites. The results indicated different relations between macrophytes, epiphytes and bacteria, which is a useful biological tool for characterization of water quality in Damietta branch for different purposes.

Evaluation of bacterial quality of Oreochromis niloticus samples of Lake Manzala, Egypt

The present study aimed to investigate bacterial quality of tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) and evaluate the hygienic health hazard of fish contaminated with some food borne pathogens. Bacteria were isolated from intestine, gills and flesh of Oreochromis niloticus collected from Lake Manzala during two seasons; winter and summer, 2017. Microbiological studies was applied for all samples as total viable bacteria, total coliform, faecal coliform, faecal streptococcus and examined for the presence of Pseudomonas sp. Results show that total viable bacterial count mean was highest in intestine 222 x 104 CFUg-1 in summer. Total coliform count mean was highest in intestine 425 x 103 CFUg-1 in summer. Faecal coliform count mean was highest in gills 90 x 102 CFUg-1 in summer. Faecal streptococcus detected in fish organs only in summer. P. aeruginosa count mean was highest in intestine 185 x 102 CFUg-1 in summer. Molecular identification of suspected colonies was as DNA extraction, PCR technique using ISSR protocol and sequencing, using the nucleotide sequences of the genes for 16S rRNA revealed different strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. All isolates were tested for resistance to 10 groups of antibiotics namely Tetracycline (10μg), Gentamicin (10μg), Ampicillin (10μg), Trimethoprim/Sulphamethoxazole (25μg), Vancomycin (30μg), Erythromycin (15μg), Ciprofloxacin (30μg), Chloramphenicol (30μg), Amoxicillin (10μg) and Rifampicin (5μg) using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The results showed high frequency of multi-drug resistance to many antibiotics, particularly penicillin, ampicillin and chloramphenicol. Therefore this fish species caught from the Lake Manzala may pose health hazards to human and the whole ecosystem.

Appraisal of Indoor Microbial Pollutants at University Research Labs and Offices under Mediterranean Climate

Bacteria and fungi grow indoors when sufficient moisture is available. This study aims to determine the total viable bacterial count and fungi levels and to compare these levels among various science teaching laboratories and staff offices in Gaza city universities. A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted, sixty-five (65) air samples were collected from three local universities using Air Sampler. Auto Ranging Multimeter was used to record humidity and temperature. Air samples with counts of bacteria or fungi more than 500 Colony forming units “CFU”/m3 were considered polluted according to the world health organization (WHO) standards. Among the 65 samples from the three universities, 48 sample (73.8%) had more than 500 colonies/100L. In term of fungal concentration, nine samples (13.8%) exceeded the WHO standards of 500 CFU/m3. The highest percentage of bacterial load in air samples at the three universities (more than 500 CFU/m3) was at IUG with 80.8% due to its old existence, more labs and lab activities. The lowest was at AQU with 61.5% due to less lab and lab activities. The highest percentage of fungal load in air samples at the three universities also were at IUG with 19.2 % and the lowest was at AQU with 7.7%.

Microbiological analysis of different categories of food items in Dhaka city, Bangladesh

Pathogenic microorganisms have been so far reported to contaminate a wide range of foods triggering food borne infections or intoxications including the enteric complications, abdominal pain, fever, bloodstream infection etc. The current study was attempted to observe the microbiological quality of some popular foods collected from different places of Dhaka city, Bangladesh. Conventional cultural, microscopic and biochemical tests were followed for the detection and enumeration of bacterial isolates associated with these food samples. The investigation encompassed detection of total viable bacterial count (TVBC) and presumptive identification of other pathogenic bacteria from these samples. Higher counts of TVBC, coliform, Staphylococcus spp. and fungal load were recorded as 1.46×107 CFU/g (yogurt 1), 4.5×106 CFU/g (yogurt 1), 5.6×105 CFU/g (raw meat) and 2.9×103 CFU/g (sea fish), respectively. Fecal coliform was detected only in one out of ten samples. On the contrary Salmonella spp., Vibrio spp., Shigella spp. and Pseudomonas spp. were completely absent. The antibiogram study showed that all the isolates were sensitive against Kanamycin and Azithromycin. Better sensitivity was also observed against Gentamycin and Ciprofloxacin. Varying degree of antibiotic resistance was also detected against Cefixime, Amikacin and Neomycin. Our study emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring of the various categories of food samples for the safety of public health.

Isolation and Molecular Identification of Staphylococcus Species in Cow’s Milk Distributed in Khartoum State

The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate the bacteria load and the level of Staphylococcus Species and Staphylococcus aureus contamination in raw cow´s milk distributed in Khartoum state. One hundred and eighty samples were taken from Khartoum, Omdurman and Khartoum North, 60 samples of raw milk from healthy apparently cows in farms, 60 samples of raw milk vended by donkeys, 60 samples of raw milk vended by cars. Total Viable Bacterial count was done using standard plate count. The samples were detected for the presence of Staphylococcus Species using conventional methods, cultured in Baird-Parker and Mannitol agar, Gram Stain, biochemical tests were done. The TVBC showed that the highest bacterial load was detected in the raw milk vended by Donkey (6.90±.03 log10 cfu/ml) vended by cars (6.78±0.12 log10 cfu/ml) then the lowest bacterial load detected in the milk collected from farm (6.63±0.07 log10 cfu/ml). Out of 180 samples of raw milk studied, 130 showed contamination by Staphylococcus species corresponding to 72.2% of the samples being contaminated and out of 180 samples of raw cow´s milk 80 was contaminated with staphylococcus aureus corresponding to 44.4% of the samples.The isolated Staphylococcus species was confirmed further by using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) targeting the partial sequence of 16s rRNA gene. Sequencing identified Staphylococcus aureus, staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus hominies and Staphylococcus simulans. The results showed a high level of contamination by Staphylococcus Spp. and staphylococcus aureus in raw cow´s milk that distributed in Khartoum state.

Improvement of Free Fat Soft Cheese Quality Using Exopolysaccharide- Producing Lactic Acid Bacteria as starter microflora

Free fat soft cheese was made from standardized buffalo's milk (control full fat 4.2% and 0.1% free fat milk). Milk were divided into eight portions, the first two treatments were made of full fat milk (control) without cheese starter (control), and the second was made of free fat milk without cheese starter (control). The other six treatments were made of free fat soft cheese with different starter cultures: A1 and A2 by using White Daily 82 and White Daily 42(acid producing starter cultures). V1 and V2 treatments were made with mixed starter of acid-producing cultures (A1) and exopolysaccharide-producing lactic acid bacteria (YF-L811and YC-X11). V3 and V4 treatments were made with mixed starter of acid-producing cultures (A2) and exopolysaccharide-producing lactic acid bacteria (YF-L811 and YC-X11). Three replicates of full and free fat soft cheese were traditionally made and stored at 5± 1°C. Samples were analyzed when fresh and after 7, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 days of storage, and examined for chemical, microbiological, rheological and organoleptic characteristics. Results designated that, the use of exopolysaccharide-producing LAB in V1 treatment free fat soft cheese resulted in the highest soluble nitrogen / total nitrogen, soluble tyrosine and tryptophan contents, and the rate of accumulation of total volatile fatty acids compared, with all other cheese treatments. The highest lactic acid bacterial counts were detected in fresh V1 free fat soft cheese and V2. Lactic acid bacterial counts gradually decreased within 120 days of the storage. Yeast and mould counts were less than the standards within first 60 days of the storage period. Total viable bacterial counts slightly increased in all cheese samples, as the storage period progressed. Hardness, cohesiveness, chewiness and adhesiveness properties were high in control full-fat, as compared with all other free fat cheese. Free fat soft cheeses in the presence of acid producing bacteria mixed with exopolysaccharide producing-lactic acid bacteria as starter culture could be recommended

SUPPLEMENTATION OF BIO-YOGHURT WITH JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE (Helianthus tuberous L.) as a NATURAL SOURCES.

Used Helianthus tuberous(Jerusalem artichoke)as supplement to product function yoghurt to enhance native value health benefits and to improve rheological,phyisco-chemical and sensory properties of final product. Yoghurt was made from fresh cow ,s milk fortificaed with the conventionl yoghurt starter culture containing Bifidobacterim bifidum, Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus acidophilus .Jerusalem artichoke extract( JAE) was added at levels 3,5and 7%.then storage for 15 days, at 5±1◦C. Results showed that moisture content was increase by increasing addition rate of JAE unit 7%(T3) No significant difference between the control sample and the treated sample of protein, fat and ash. There were significant increase of fibers content in all treatment, compared with control. Yoghurt with 7%(T3)had the highest content of amino acids compare with other treatments and control the data also showed that (T2) supplementation yoghurt with (JAE) (5%)had the highest content of vitB3 T3 compared with other treatments. No-significant decrease in PH values at 3% JAE compared to the control sample at zero time Meanwhile ,this decrease became significant with treatments 3, 5and 7%JAE at zero 5,10 and 15 days storage. The rate of syneresis increase by the rate of JAE till7% comparing with control. Yoghurt supplementated by 5% JAE demonstrated a high rheological and phisco-chemical properties than ather treatment and control The total viable bacterial count TVBC between the control and the treated sample with 3% JA E had no significance difference compared to sample contained 7% JAE. lactic acid bacteria showed higher and progressive increase as seen in the amp1es contained JA E at levels of 3, 5 and 7% resulted in high1y significance between treated samples and the control Molds and yeasts enumeration of Bio-yoghurt as affected by supplementing with JAE are registered in the same table. No numbers of these populations recorded in fresh samples as affected by higher heat of milk and the used ingredients and phenolic compounds contained in both Jerusalem artichoke. Psychrophilic bacteria showed that it did not detect in Bio- yoghurt wither supplemented with JAE at different levels of supplementation. Conclusively, from these results, it could be concluded that supplementation dairy products with Jerusalem artichoke as treatment for diabetes. Because if it was approved that it reduces the level of glucose in blood, because they contain many vitamins and nutrients necessary and beneficial to human health.

The Antibacterial Activity of Hydroxyapatite-Tryptophan Complex with Gray Titania by Photocatalysis Using LED Diodes.

Peri-implantitis is an important biologic complication that can lead to implant failure. Proper treatment should effectively kill bacteria, not harm the implant surface, and promote regeneration. Recently, photocatalytic coating without antibiotics or external agents was proposed to be an alternative to antibiotic therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the photocatalytic antibacterial effect of a new titanium implant coating made from hydroxyapatite-tryptophan complex and gray titania, which was activated by two visible lights. Titanium alloy substrate was plasma sprayed with hydroxyapatite (80 wt%) and dititanium trioxide (20 wt%) and then pressed with tryptophan. Three bacteria related to peri-implantitis, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, were used in this study. Six conditions were tested: (1) control group (only bacteria), (2) photocatalytic sample in darkness (bacteria and coated sample in darkness), (3) red laser for 15 minutes (bacteria irradiated with photoactivated disinfection [PAD] light, 650-nm wavelength), (4) broadband light-emitting diode (LED) for 15 minutes (bacteria irradiated with broadband LED, peak wavelength at 470 nm), (5) photocatalysis by red laser for 15 minutes (bacteria and coated sample irradiated with PAD light), and (6) photocatalysis by broadband LED for 15 minutes (bacteria and coated sample irradiated with broadband LED). After 15 minutes of irradiation, photocatalytic antibacterial effects were evaluated by total viable bacterial count, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assay, and LIVE/DEAD assay. The number of all bacteria tested was significantly decreased by the photocatalytic effect of both visible light sources (P < .05). For P gingivalis, viable bacteria of lethal photosensitization groups were also significantly decreased (P < .05), especially when using the broadband LED. However, the coating material itself did not have antibacterial properties without light activation. There was no significant difference in ATP among groups (P > .05). LIVE/DEAD staining showed that red fluorescent bacterial cells were present in photocatalytic groups from the two light sources. Photoactivated hydroxyapatite-tryptophan complex and gray titania as a photocatalytic coating has antibacterial effects on bacteria associated with peri-implantitis.

Isolation and quantification of indicator and pathogenic microorganisms along with their drug resistance traits from bottled and jar water samples within Dhaka city, Bangladesh

Commercial drinking water may serve as potential threat to public health if these items are contaminated with a number of pathogenic microorganisms due to faulty manufacturing process. Present study attempted to isolate and quantify the microorganisms from various jar and bottle water samples collected from various areas of Dhaka city. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of suspected bacterial isolates were also determined in this study. Out of the eighteen samples studied, ten were jar water samples and eight were bottled water samples. The range of total viable bacterial count (TVBC) in these samples ranged from 102 to 105 cfu/ml. Specific pathogens such as, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Vibrio spp. and fecal coliforms could not be found in these samples. However coliforms could be detected in 10 samples. The antibiogram study showed that all Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. isolates found from these samples were sensitive against gentamicin (10 μg) and azithromycin (30 μg). Variable antibiotic resistance among these bacterial isolates was detected against cefotaxime (30 μg), streptomycin (10 μg) and erythromycin (15 μg).&#x0D; Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.9(1) 2019: 12-14

Influence of dietary Moringa oleifera on broilers performance, intestinal microbial population and humoral immune competence

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of using different levels of phytobiotic containing Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) leaf powder (MOLP) on broiler chickens body growth performance parameters, intestinal microbial population, and the humoral immune response. Day-old Hubbard broiler chicks (n = 200) were randomly allocated into 4 treatment diet. Basal diet was supplied with treatments T0, T1, T2 and T3 representing (0, 1%, 5% and 7.5% MOLP); respectively. Chickens were kept under observation for 5 weeks. Body performance parameters, total viable bacterial and coliform counts and humoral immune response to Newcastle disease (ND) virus vaccine were detected using the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. The results revealed significant (P &lt; 0.05) improvement in performance parameters in groups supplemented with dietary MOLP. However, the best significant (P &lt; 0.05) performance was observed in the group fed 1% MOLP. There was no significant (P &lt; 0.05) difference among treatments considering the total viable intestinal bacterial and coliform counts. Significant (P &lt; 0.05) increase in the means of HI in dietary MOLP supplemented groups was observed, where the highest means were seen in 1% MOLP treated birds. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with MOLP could improve the performance parameters and the immune response while reducing the total viable intestinal bacterial and coliform counts of broiler chickens. The study recommended using of dietary level of 1% MOLP to improve performance, intestinal health, and immune competence.

Effect of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) essential oil on the quality parameters of stirred yoghurt

Aim Stirred yoghurt was supplemented with thyme essential oil in an attempt to enhance its quality. Materials and methods Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) essential oil concentrations (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 μl/ml) were added to the prepared stirred yoghurt and then examined for microbiological count and mycotoxin quality during storage intervals following the Egyptian standards. Results Samples contained ≥ 6 μl/ml oil showed significant increase (p<0.05) of total viable bacterial count and lactic acid bacteria, whereas mold and yeast count was decreased. Pathogenic bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, and coliform group were not detected in any of the samples, which complied with the standards. Moreover, aflatoxin M1 content was reduced by time in direct proportion to the thyme essential oil concentration. Conclusion The bioactive components in thyme act as a natural preservative in stirred yoghurt throughout the storage interval when the yogurt is fortified with hydro-distilled thyme essential oil.

Microbiological Analysis of Pharmaceutical Non Injectable Drugs Produced in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Pharmaceutical drugs are applied and consumed by the patients with weak immune system and for this reason these products must be of good quality and within the required microbiological limit. Present study attempted to determine the microbiological quality of pharmaceutical non injectable oral and topical drugs as well as their antibacterial activity. A total of sixty samples were studied from different categories of medicine including syrup, tablet &amp; capsule and ointments. Microbiological analysis was done after serial dilution. Antibacterial activity of the samples was also determined by Kirby-Bauer method. The total viable bacterial count of 9 syrups, 7 tablet &amp; capsules and 13 ointments samples exceeded the microbial limit ˂102cfu/ml or cfu/gm recommended by USP (United States Pharmacopeia) and BP (British Pharmacopeia). Regarding to the presence of specific bacteria, about six, six and three samples from syrup, tablet &amp; capsule and ointment samples were of good quality respectively out of twenty samples each. Some drug prevailed good activity towards few bacteria and no activity at all to some others. As the drugs possess antibacterial activity, the contaminants might represent some other species of the same genera of bacteria having some mechanisms to prohibit such activities towards them. More than 50% of the drugs contain higher bacterial and fungal load rendering the quality at risk and not recommended to use by the patients to whom these products will impart most harm as these patients are already immune compromised.

Post harvest bacterial load in the gut of Ompok pabda (Hamilton, 1822) from two fish markets of Brahmanbaria

This study was conducted to enumerate the post harvest bacterial load in the gut of captured and cultured Ompok pabda by spread plate method using different selective culture media. The bateriological parameters, such as total viable bacterial counts (TVBC), total coliform counts (TCC), total fecal coliform counts (E. coli), pathogenic bacteria Salmonella spp, Shigella spp. and Vibrio cholerae were determined. Highest bacterial load was found in the month of July and lowest in January. The quantitative and qualitative aspects of gut microbes showed that TVBC of captured O. pabda were found 9.2 × 106, 7.0 × 107, 9.5 × 106 cfu/g and that of cultured fish were 1.56 × 107, 7.2 × 107 and 2.24 × 107 cfu/g during pre-monsoon, monsooon and post-monsoon, respectively. The bacteriological quality of fish from both captured and cultured sources did not comply with ICMSF standard. Pathogenic bacteria E. coli, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp. and Vibrio cholerae were also detected from both captured and cultured O. pabda. The findings of this study indicated that the fish collected from the local fish markets were contaminated with different pathogenic bacteria that reflect the unhygienic conditions of the markets.&#x0D; Bangladesh J. Zool. 47(2): 243-251, 2019

Effects of nanoemulsion-based edible coatings with composite mixture of rosemary extract and ε-poly-l-lysine on the shelf life of ready-to-eat carbonado chicken

Spoilage of ready-to-eat carbonado chicken during storage usually causes safety concerns and economic losses. A novel edible nanoemulsion coating with natural antimicrobial and antioxidant was applied to improve carbonado chicken shelf life. The nanoemulsion based on gelatin and chitosan incorporated a mixture of rosemary extract and ε-poly-l-lysine (ε-PL) and was fabricated by high pressure homogenization. Emulsion droplet size and ζ-potential were examined by a zetasizer, and the mean droplet sizes were 257 nm and 1122.44 nm for the nanoemulsion and a coarse emulsion, respectively. A higher ζ-potential was obtained for the nanoemulsion (+32.50 mV) than for the coarse emulsion (+26.25 mV). The rheological properties of the coating solutions showed shear-thinning behavior. Microstructure analysis of the coating showed that the nanoemulsion possessed smoother and more homogeneous surfaces without pores and with better structural integrity than those of the coarse emulsion. Ready-to-eat carbonado chicken coated with the gelatin-chitosan solution, coarse emulsion, or nanoemulsion and uncoated samples were prepared for a preservation study. Samples coated by the nanoemulsion displayed the lowest total viable bacterial counts (TVC), mold and yeast counts, TBARS values, and pH changes under 4 °C refrigeration over 16 days. The nanoemulsion-coated carbonado chicken shelf life was prolonged by at least 6 days compared to that of the control. The nanoemulsion-based edible coating, as a novel antimicrobial and antioxidant material, effectively sustained active compound release to the meat surface and is a promising technology to improve the safety and quality of ready-to-eat meat products.

Genetic and genomic analyses underpin the feasibility of concomitant genetic improvement of milk yield and mastitis resistance in dairy sheep.

Milk yield is the most important dairy sheep trait and constitutes the key genetic improvement goal via selective breeding. Mastitis is one of the most prevalent diseases, significantly impacting on animal welfare, milk yield and quality, while incurring substantial costs. Our objectives were to determine the feasibility of a concomitant genetic improvement programme for enhanced milk production and resistance to mastitis. Individual records for milk yield, and four mastitis-related traits (milk somatic cell count, California Mastitis Test score, total viable bacterial count in milk and clinical mastitis presence) were collected monthly throughout lactation for 609 ewes of the Chios breed. All ewes were genotyped with a mastitis specific custom-made 960 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. We performed targeted genomic association studies, (co)variance component estimation and pathway enrichment analysis, and characterised gene expression levels and the extent of allelic expression imbalance. Presence of heritable variation for milk yield was confirmed. There was no significant genetic correlation between milk yield and mastitis traits. Environmental factors appeared to favour both milk production and udder health. There were no overlapping of SNPs associated with mastitis resistance and milk yield in Chios sheep. Furthermore, four distinct Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) affecting milk yield were detected on chromosomes 2, 12, 16 and 19, in locations other than those previously identified to affect mastitis resistance. Five genes (DNAJA1, GHR, LYPLA1, NUP35 and OXCT1) located within the QTL regions were highly expressed in both the mammary gland and milk transcriptome, suggesting involvement in milk synthesis and production. Furthermore, the expression of two of these genes (NUP35 and OXCT1) was enriched in immune tissues implying a potentially pleiotropic effect or likely role in milk production during udder infection, which needs to be further elucidated in future studies. In conclusion, the absence of genetic antagonism between milk yield and mastitis resistance suggests that simultaneous genetic improvement of both traits be achievable.