Journal of Advances in Microbiology

Foreign Body-induced Oral Abscess Mimicking Refractory Bovine Actinobacillosis: A Case Report

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aim: To report a case of an oral foreign body mimicking treatment-resistant actinobacillosis in a non-descript cow.

Case Presentation: A three-year-old non-descript cow, which had calved twice, was presented to the Veterinary Clinical Complex, Tirunelveli, with anorexia for three days, difficulty in mastication, and bilateral oedematous submandibular swelling. Clinical examination of the oral cavity showed cystic fluid accumulation on the left medio-lateral aspect of the tongue and a hard, ulcerated mass on the right side with halitosis. The animal had previously received treatment for an eye infection at a nearby veterinary clinic without improvement. Samples were collected for haematological and microbiological examination.

Discussion: Haematology was normal except for neutrophilia. Culture and subsequent Gram staining revealed Gram-negative coccobacilli consistent with Actinobacillus lignieresii. Treatment comprised intravenous 20% sodium iodide (70 mg/kg), intramuscular Dicrysticin-S (5 g/day for 5 days), flunixin meglumine (2 mg/kg) for 5 days, and oral potassium iodide (10 g/day for 8 days), along with local wound dressing and supportive therapy. The animal was lost to follow-up and later relapsed. The owner subsequently sold it for slaughter, where a needle-shaped foreign body was recovered from the oral cavity.

Conclusion: The foreign body likely initiated oral tissue injury and abscess formation, with secondary A. lignieresii infection, mimicking primary actinobacillosis.

Molecular Characterization of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2 (HSV-2) among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Some Hospitals within Bauchi Metropolis

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) belongs to the Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily within the Herpesviridae family and causes genital herpes. Genital HSV infection is a pressing public health issue, with its global prevalence rising significantly over the past 40 years. Pregnancy is a distinct phase of life experienced by many women.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional, hospital-based study conducted among 162 pregnant women who were screened for herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2). Sociodemographic characteristics, risk factors, and clinical characteristics were analysed in relation to HSV-2 test outcomes. Associations were determined using the chi-square test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: A total of 162 blood samples were collected and analysed in the laboratory. The findings revealed that 5 (3.1%) were positive for HSV-2 IgG, and 1 (0.6%) was positive for HSV-2 IgG/IgM. IgG antibodies usually indicate past or latent infection, while IgM antibodies suggest recent or acute infection. The absence of amplified DNA fragments in the five analysed samples indicated that HSV-2 genetic material was not detected at the time of analysis.

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate a relatively low burden of HSV-2 infection among the pregnant women examined, especially when compared with several Nigerian and African studies reporting higher seroprevalence rates. The presence of both IgG (3.1%) and IgG/IgM (0.6%) antibodies confirms that HSV-2 infection still occurs among pregnant women. These findings highlight the importance of integrating molecular diagnostics with serological screening and clinical evaluation to better understand the epidemiology of HSV-2 infection during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to determine the molecular characteristics of herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) among pregnant women attending some hospitals within Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria.

Microbial Contamination of Utensils and Washing Water in a Nigerian Tertiary Institution Restaurant: A Comprehensive Risk Assessment

C. A. Olafimihan, A. S. Awe — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Foodborne illnesses remain a critical public health challenge in developing nations, with contaminated food contact surfaces serving as significant reservoirs for pathogenic microorganisms. Restaurants in tertiary institutions are particularly vulnerable settings, where large, diverse populations consume daily meals under conditions that are rarely subject to rigorous microbiological surveillance.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the microbiological contamination of food-contact utensils, specifically spoons and dishes, and associated washing/rinsing water in restaurants in tertiary institutions in Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria.

Methods: Samples were collected from canteen restaurants at the Federal Polytechnic Offa and were analysed using standard cultural, morphological, and biochemical identification methods. Microbial loads were estimated by spread-plate and streak-plate methods on Nutrient Agar, MacConkey Agar, and Potato Dextrose Agar. Organisms were identified through Gram staining and biochemical tests including catalase, coagulase, motility, starch hydrolysis, and carbohydrate fermentation assays.

Results: Total Aerobic Plate Counts (TAPC) ranged from 1.4 × 10³ to Too Numerous To Count (TNTC) CFU/mL across all sample types. Total Coliform Counts (TCC) and Total Fungal Counts (TFC) were equally elevated, with TCC for spoons reaching 7.6 × 10³ CFU/mL and TFC values up to 6.0 × 10³ SFU/mL. Bacterial isolates identified included Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., Campylobacter jejuni, Enterococcus spp., Micrococcus spp., and Bacillus spp. Fungal isolates comprised Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Rhizopus spp., Cladosporium spp., Fusarium spp., and Epicoccum nigrum.

Conclusion: The high microbial burden across all sample categories reflects systemic failures in sanitation protocols, utensil washing practices, and hygiene education among food handlers. Urgent institutional and regulatory intervention is required to mitigate the risk of foodborne illness outbreaks within these educational settings.

Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Salmonella spp. Isolated from Patients’ Blood Specimen in Federal Medical Center, Umuahia

P. N. Sabastine-Nkeonadi , E. C. Onwuchekwa, U. K. Chukwu — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Bloodstream infections caused by Salmonella spp. remain clinically important in settings where sanitation and healthcare infrastructure are limited. This study assessed the prevalence, serotypes, and molecular identity of Salmonella isolates recovered from patients’ blood specimens at Federal Medical Center, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.

Methods: Whole-blood specimens were collected from 470 patients and cultured in blood-culture media. Suspected isolates were assessed by culture morphology, Gram staining, biochemical methods, serological testing, and 16S rRNA sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated by the disk diffusion method.

Results: Of 470 blood specimens cultured, 88 were initially culture-positive for suspected organisms, corresponding to 18.7%. Among 74 samples subcultured, 22 yielded bacterial growth, representing 29.7% of the subcultured samples. Molecular analysis identified four Salmonella enterica strains corresponding to Typhi, Paratyphi A, and the ARA7 isolate reported in the manuscript. The 25–34-year age group accounted for the largest share of positive cases reported, while more positive cases were observed among males than females. The study also reported variation in positivity across the March–August sampling period.

Conclusion: The findings document blood-culture positivity and molecularly confirmed Salmonella strains among patients investigated at Federal Medical Center, Umuahia. Blood culture supported phenotypic detection, while 16S rRNA sequencing provided molecular confirmation of the recovered isolates. These findings provide facility-specific data for the study population and period.

Determinants of Hemoglobin Levels at Antenatal Enrollment: Impact of Malaria Infection and HIV among Pregnant Women in Bamenda, Northwest Cameroon

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Malaria and HIV remain major contributors to maternal anemia in sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigated the relationship between malaria burden, HIV status, and hemoglobin levels and identified predictors of anemia and malaria among pregnant women at antenatal enrollment in Bamenda. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2023 among pregnant women attending their first antenatal care visit at the Azire Integrated Health Center. All consenting participants completed a questionnaire and provided venous blood samples. Malaria infection and parasite density were determined by microscopy, HIV status was determined using RDTs and medical records, and hemoglobin concentration was measured using a hemoglobinometer. All statistical analyses were conducted using R version 4.4.0 and RStudio. Of the 242 pregnant women enrolled, the prevalence of malaria was 42.98% (104/242), HIV prevalence was 7.44% (18/242), malaria-HIV coinfection was 2.89% (7/242), and anemia prevalence was 23.97% (58/242). Malaria prevalence was highest among women older than 35 years (47.37%, 9/19) and urban residents (43.31%, 55/127), whereas anemia was most frequent among women younger than 20 years (37.50%, 6/16). Anemia severity was markedly higher (p < 0.0001) among malaria-positive participants, with 33.65% (35/104) having mild anemia and 14.42% (15/104) having moderate anemia. The overall geometric mean parasite density was 974.3 ± 3.86 parasites/µL. Parasite density was elevated among HIV-positive (2312.92 ± 2.88 parasites/µL) and anemic women, with the highest value observed among those with both HIV infection and anemia (2659.8 ± 2.97 parasites/µL). The combined burden of malaria and HIV highlights the need for integrated screening and early interventions at antenatal enrollment, with particular emphasis on malaria control and anemia prevention among HIV-infected and younger pregnant women in malaria-endemic settings.

Efficacy of a Single Dose of Albendazole (400mg) against Soil Transmitted Helminth Infections amongst Pre-School and School Aged Children in Bamenda, North West Region Cameroon

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

To monitor anthelmintic drug efficacy, the World Health Organization recommends measuring the reduction in the number of eggs excreted in stool after drug administration. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a single dose of albendazole (400 mg) against STHs amongst pre-school- and school-aged children. A community-based study targeting pre-school-aged (≤5 years) and school-aged (6-15 years) children in the rural communities of Ngo-Ketunjia, Batibo and Santa health districts was carried out. Stool analysis for parasitological cure rate was performed using stool ELISA coproantigen detection, while the egg reduction rate was assessed using the McMaster method: Out of 1,146 stool samples examined for STHs during the baseline survey, ELISA coproantigen detection showed a prevalence of 56.5% (648/1,146), whereas the McMaster technique showed a prevalence of 17.6% (202/1,146). The parasitological cure rate following a single dose of albendazole was 81.5%. Species-specific cure rates were: Ascaris lumbricoides 88.8% (245/276), hookworm (Necator americanus/Ancylostoma duodenale) 86.7% (150/173), Trichuris trichiura 60.3% (73/121) and Strongyloides stercoralis 76.9% (60/78). A single dose of albendazole (400 mg) was not highly effective against A. lumbricoides, Hookworm and T. trichiura, although the egg reduction rates (ERRs) for all three STH species were moderate: A. lumbricoides (91.7%; 1378/1503), Hookworm (89%; 808/908) and T. trichiura (30.9%; 79/256): Alternative strategies using species-specific combined therapy, together with an appropriate duration of treatment, are needed to reduce the transmission and burden of STHs in pre-school- and school-aged children.

Isolation and Characterization of Obtained Azospirillum and Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria from Rhizosphere of Barnyard Millet

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study aimed to isolate and characterise Azospirillum and phosphate-solubilising bacteria from the rhizosphere of barnyard millet cultivated in Kolhapur district, Maharashtra, India. Twenty rhizospheric soil samples were collected from Hatkanangale, Karveer, Kagal and Shirol tehsils. Azospirillum and phosphate-solubilising bacteria were isolated by serial dilution and pour plate techniques using nitrogen-free bromothymol blue medium and Pikovskaya’s agar medium, respectively. Four Azospirillum isolates and four phosphate-solubilising bacterial isolates were obtained and evaluated for morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics. All Azospirillum isolates were Gram-negative and produced white subsurface pellicles on semi-solid nitrogen-free bromothymol blue medium, with vibroid and rod-shaped cells observed among the isolates. All phosphate-solubilising bacterial isolates were Gram-negative and rod-shaped, while colony colour and form varied among isolates. Biochemical testing showed differences among the isolates in methyl red reaction, indole production, gelatine liquefaction, hydrogen sulphide production, oxidase activity and starch hydrolysis, whereas catalase activity was positive in all isolates. All phosphate-solubilising bacterial isolates formed clear halo zones on Pikovskaya’s medium, indicating phosphate-solubilisation activity under the experimental conditions. The recorded solubilisation index ranged from 1.05 to 3.80. These findings document morphological and biochemical variation among Azospirillum and phosphate-solubilising bacterial isolates obtained from the barnyard millet rhizosphere in the sampled areas of Kolhapur district.

Spatial Distribution of On-Site Sanitation Facilities and Seasonal Bacteriological Quality of the Honi River, Nyeri County, Kenya

Mengo Ezekiel Marigi, Lucas Mogaka, Vitalis Too — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study assessed the spatial distribution and proximity of household on-site sanitation facilities to the Honi River and determined seasonal and spatial variation in the bacteriological and physicochemical water quality of the Honi River. Sixty household sanitation facilities within a 200 m riparian buffer were mapped using a Geographic Information System, and their proximity to the river was determined. Water samples were collected in triplicate from upstream (Rurii), midstream (Mweiga), and downstream (Chaka) sites during the dry (January) and wet (March) seasons and analysed using the American Public Health Association Standard Methods for four bacteriological indicators: Escherichia coli, faecal coliforms, total coliforms, and Shigella. Salmonella and Giardia were also screened for but were not detected. Physicochemical parameters comprising turbidity, pH, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, Nitrate-N, phosphate, and detergents were also investigated. Of the 60 mapped facilities, 40 (66.7%) were located within 100 m of the river; overall, 32 (53.3%) were pit latrines and 28 (46.7%) were septic tanks. Mean Escherichia coli concentration was highest at Mweiga during the dry season (14.00 ± 1.00 CFU/100 mL) but shifted to Chaka during the wet season (6.67 ± 0.58 CFU/100 mL), indicating a site-specific rather than a uniform upstream-to-downstream pattern. Between the dry and wet seasons, catchment-mean turbidity rose from 2.61 to 373.56 NTU, total suspended solids from 17.90 to 369.00 mg/L, and Nitrate-N from 0.16 to 12.20 mg/L, whereas electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids declined, consistent with a dilution effect. Chaka recorded the most severe wet-season deterioration (turbidity ≈ 997 NTU; total suspended solids ≈ 981 mg/L; Nitrate-N 17.43 mg/L; phosphate 7.33 mg/L), with wet-season Nitrate-N at Mweiga and Chaka exceeding the World Health Organization guideline value of 10 mg/L. The findings show that Honi River water quality is spatially heterogeneous and seasonally variable, and that although the proximity of sanitation facilities represents a plausible environmental contamination risk, the available data do not establish a direct causal link. The study provides baseline evidence to support risk-based sanitation siting, riparian protection and seasonally targeted water-quality monitoring in the catchment.

Investigation on Effect of Different Agro-wastes on Growth and Yield of Milky Mushroom (Calocybe indica)

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Milky mushroom (Calocybe indica) is a tropical edible mushroom capable of converting agricultural residues into edible biomass. This study evaluated the suitability of different agro-waste combinations for milky mushroom production during 2025–2026 at the Department of Plant Pathology, RCSM Government College of Agriculture, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India. Eleven combinations of wheat straw, paddy straw, soybean straw, sugarcane bagasse, sugarcane trash, deseeded maize cob, groundnut shell and coconut coir pith were evaluated in a 1:1 ratio using a completely randomised design with three replications. The assessed parameters included spawn run, pinhead formation, first harvest, period between flushes, sporocarp number, pileus breadth, stipe length, successive harvest yields, total yield, biological efficiency and crude protein content. Significant differences occurred among substrate combinations. Wheat straw + paddy straw (1:1) recorded the shortest spawn run (18.33 days), earliest pinhead formation (31.67 days), earliest first harvest (40.67 days), highest sporocarp number (17.33), pileus breadth (5.69 cm), stipe length (8.16 cm), total yield (806.33 g kg⁻¹ dry substrate), biological efficiency (80.63%) and crude protein content (22.22%). Wheat straw + soybean straw (1:1) ranked second for total yield (691.34 g kg⁻¹) and biological efficiency (69.13%). Groundnut shell + sugarcane bagasse produced the lowest total yield (255.29 g kg⁻¹) and biological efficiency (25.53%). Under the study conditions, wheat straw + paddy straw was the most favourable combination evaluated for milky mushroom production.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Enteric Bacteria in Ready-to-Eat Abacha Vended at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

I. M. Wilcox, B. Chuks Dike, G. A. Uzah — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aim: This study assessed the microbiological quality, prevalence, antimicrobial resistance profile, and molecular identity of enteric bacterial isolates recovered from ready-to-eat Abacha vended at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Study Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study.

Place and Duration of Study: Biology Laboratory, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, over a period of five weeks.

Methodology: Thirty Abacha samples were collected from five vending locations within the university campus at a rate of five samples per week and analysed using standard microbiological methods. Total heterotrophic bacteria and coliform counts were determined, while enteric bacterial isolates were identified using conventional microbiological techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using the disc diffusion method, and multiple antibiotic resistance indices were calculated. Isolates showing high resistance to the antibiotics tested were further identified by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.

Results: Total heterotrophic bacteria and coliform counts ranged from 6.036–6.047 and 5.95–5.97 log₁₀ colony-forming units/g, respectively, with no significant differences among sampling locations (THB: P = .05, TCC: P = .51). Escherichia coli was the most prevalent isolate (36.7%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (26.7%), Shigella spp. (20.0%), and Enterobacter spp. (16.7%). E. coli showed 81.8% resistance to both ciprofloxacin and gentamicin, while Shigella spp. showed 100% resistance to ofloxacin, gentamicin, penicillin, and Augmentin. Multiple antibiotic resistance indices ranged from 0.2–0.9. Molecular analysis confirmed the identities of the selected bacterial isolates based on 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences.

Conclusion: The high bacterial loads and occurrence of enteric bacteria with substantial antimicrobial resistance indicate potential food safety concerns associated with ready-to-eat Abacha sold within the university environment. Molecular identification further supports the characterisation of the recovered bacterial isolates. Improved food hygiene practices and antimicrobial stewardship are recommended.

Isolation and Characterization of Obtained Gluconacetobacter from Beetroot juice and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria from Rhizosphere of Beetroot

Pratik Sachin Kakade, R.A. Karande, D. P. Deshmukh, S. J. Waghmare — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Phosphorus availability is a major factor influencing plant growth, while beneficial bacteria associated with plant tissues and the rhizosphere can contribute to nutrient mobilisation. Gluconacetobacter and phosphate-solubilising bacteria are of particular interest because of their plant-associated characteristics. However, information on the phenotypic and biochemical characteristics of beetroot-associated Gluconacetobacter and rhizospheric phosphate-solubilising bacteria remains limited. The present study aimed to isolate and characterise Gluconacetobacter associated with beetroot and phosphate-solubilising bacteria (PSB) from the beetroot rhizosphere. Nineteen root and rhizospheric soil samples were collected from beetroot-growing locations in Hatkanangale, Karveer, Kagal and Shirol tehsils of Kolhapur district. Gluconacetobacter and PSB were isolated using serial dilution and pour-plate techniques on LGIP and Pikovskaya's media, respectively. Five Gluconacetobacter isolates, designated Ga-I to Ga-V, and three PSB isolates, designated PSB-I to PSB-III, were obtained and characterised using morphological, Gram-staining and biochemical tests. All Gluconacetobacter isolates were Gram-negative, rod-shaped and circular in colony form, with colony colours ranging from yellowish orange to deep orange. The PSB isolates were also Gram-negative and rod-shaped, produced white colonies, and showed circular or irregular colony morphology. Biochemical testing demonstrated variation among isolates in methyl red reaction, H2S production, oxidase activity and other evaluated characteristics. Phosphate-solubilisation ability of the PSB isolates was assessed on Pikovskaya's medium containing tricalcium phosphate. All three isolates produced clear zones indicating phosphate-solubilising activity. PSB-I recorded the highest solubilisation index of 2.83, followed by PSB-II at 1.92 and PSB-III at 1.70. These observations demonstrate phenotypic and biochemical variability among the bacterial isolates recovered from beetroot-associated samples and identify PSB-I as the isolate showing the highest phosphate-solubilisation index under the conditions evaluated.

Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Humans and Fermented Food Sources with Probiotic Potentials

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) obtained from natural sources may provide strains with useful probiotic properties. This study characterised LAB isolated from Nigerian fermented foods and healthy human sources and evaluated their probiotic potential. A total of 124 presumptive LAB isolates were screened for survival under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, including acidic pH and bile salts. Surviving isolates were assessed for antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 10536, Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 51812, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 13932, and Shigella flexneri ATCC 9199, and selected isolates were examined in competitive co-culture assays. Thirty-four isolates were identified within the family Lactobacillaceae. Approximately 80% viability (5 log10 CFU/mL) was observed among selected isolates after 12 h exposure to simulated gastric juice at pH 2 and 2% bile salts. Antimicrobial activity varied among isolates, with zones of inhibition reaching 70 mm in the overlay assay. Isolate 3ST2 (L. casei) showed the strongest overall antagonistic activity, producing a 70 ± 0.00 mm zone of inhibition against all four indicator bacteria. Treated cell-free supernatants generally showed lower antimicrobial activity than live cultures. Competitive co-culture assays also showed variable interactions between LAB isolates and the indicator bacteria. These findings indicate that the fermented foods and human sources examined contained LAB strains with in vitro probiotic potential that warrant further evaluation.

Assessment of Coliforms as Indicators of the Hygienic Quality of Natural Cocoa Masses Produced in Côte d’Ivoire

Kamou Richard Kamou, Vandjiguiba Diaby, Adrien Mani Kouangbé, Karamoko Ouattara — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The microbiological hygiene quality of natural cocoa mass is an important consideration for public health safety, economic valorisation, and the sustainability of the cocoa sector in Côte d’Ivoire. During the production of natural cocoa mass, particularly during cocoa bean fermentation, the cocoa mass is exposed to a succession of microorganisms, some of which may indicate faecal contamination or inadequate hygiene practices.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of hygiene control and the risk of faecal-origin contamination of natural cocoa masses produced in Côte d’Ivoire from March to May 2025, using total and thermotolerant coliforms as microbiological indicators.

Study Design: This was a descriptive, experimental, and cross-sectional study focused on the assessment of microbiological hygiene indicators in natural cocoa mass.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the San-Pedro area, Côte d’Ivoire, from March to May 2025, over a period of 3 months.

Methodology: Six samples of natural cocoa mass, coded E1 to E6, were collected from three industrial production units (SACO, OLAM, and ICP) located in San-Pedro. The detection, enumeration, and quantification of coliforms were performed on Violet Red Bile Lactose (VRBL) agar in accordance with standardised ISO methods. Colonies were assessed based on observations of their chromatic (colour) and morphological (size, shape, edge, elevation, surface, and opacity) characteristics, followed by enumeration and quantification expressed as CFU/g.

Results: No colonies characteristic of total or thermotolerant coliforms were observed in any of the six samples. The corresponding coliform counts (N = 00±00 CFU/g) were below the detection limit of the method for each indicator investigated, indicating no detectable coliform contamination.

Conclusion: The natural cocoa masses analysed exhibited satisfactory hygienic quality and reflected good control of production conditions and microbiological hygiene practices.

Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. Leaves and Stem Bark : Antibiofilm Activity in the Management of Oral Infections

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Oral diseases remain a major global health problem, with a disproportionately high burden in developing countries. Bacterial biofilm formation contributes to the persistence of oral infections and can reduce the effectiveness of conventional antimicrobial treatments.

Aims: The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the anti-biofilm activity of Diospyros mespiliformis against Streptococcus mutans, one of the main bacteria involved in dental biofilm formation, and Staphylococcus aureus, an opportunistic pathogen.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Laboratory of Biochemistry and Applied Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry-Microbiology, Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, between November 2025 and March 2026.

Methodology: The crystal violet method using a 96-well microplate was used to assess the anti-biofilm activity of methanol extracts from the leaves and stem bark of D. mespiliformis. The antioxidant activity of the two extracts was also assessed using the 2,2-diphényl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) methods. The secondary metabolites were quantified and detected using qualitative methods.

Results: At a sub-bactericidal concentration of 100 µg/mL, 35% inhibition of S. mutans biofilm formation was recorded for both the stem bark and salicylic acid. The leaf extract was more effective, with an inhibition rate of 56%. The stem bark and leaf extracts had a less pronounced inhibitory effect on S. aureus biofilm formation compared to the reference compound, salicylic acid, which had an inhibition rate of 56%. The stem bark extract showed the highest anti-DPPH activity, while the highest FRAP-reducing activity was recorded for the leaf extract. The phytochemical analysis revealed that the flavonoid content of the leaf extract was higher than that of the bark, while the stem bark extract was found to have a higher polyphenol content.

Conclusion: The anti-biofilm activity of D. mespiliformis provides a scientific basis for its use in the treatment of oral infections. The phytochemicals contained in this plant could be isolated and serve as effective adjuvants in the fight against oral infections.

Serum Interleukin-6, Tumour Necrosis Factor-α and Lipopolysaccharide-binding Protein in Pseudomonas aeruginosa-Associated Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Cross-sectional Study of Clinical, Microbiological and Inflammatory Profiles from Al-Najaf, Iraq

Hadeel Ali Hussin, Mohammed Najah Abbas, Asseel Abdulateef Abdulzahra — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is frequently isolated from infected diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), but whether its recovery is associated with a distinct systemic inflammatory profile remains uncertain. This study compared serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) in patients with and without P. aeruginosa-associated DFUs and in healthy adults.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 120 participants in Al-Najaf, Iraq: 40 patients with clinically infected DFUs yielding P. aeruginosa, 40 with infected DFUs without P. aeruginosa and 40 healthy controls. Bacterial isolates underwent disc-diffusion susceptibility testing, and serum biomarkers were measured by ELISA. Analyses adjusted for age, sex and body-mass index.

Results: Mean IL-6, TNF-α and LBP concentrations were higher in P. aeruginosa-positive than P. aeruginosa-negative DFUs (26.7 vs 16.5 pg/mL, 100.1 vs 59.1 pg/mL and 14.1 vs 10.9 µg/mL, respectively; all P < 0.001), with lower values in healthy controls. Twenty of 40 P. aeruginosa isolates were multidrug resistant, although biomarker concentrations did not differ significantly by resistance status. LBP (AUC 0.946) and TNF-α (AUC 0.941) discriminated P. aeruginosa-positive from P. aeruginosa-negative DFUs better than C-reactive protein (AUC 0.812). LBP was the only independent correlate of P. aeruginosa isolation.

Conclusion: P. aeruginosa-positive DFUs were associated with a greater systemic inflammatory response. LBP showed the strongest discriminatory performance, but external validation is required before clinical application.

Influence of Personal Hygiene Practices on Waterborne Diseases in Mathare Informal Settlement in Ngong, Kajiado County, Kenya

Wangui Lucy Wairimu, Elijah Walubuka, Patrick Kubai — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Unsafe personal hygiene and handwashing contribute significantly to repeated exposure to waterborne diseases in informal settlements. This study examined the influence of personal hygiene practices on the incidence of waterborne diseases in Mathare informal settlement in Ngong, Kajiado County, Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional study using mixed methods was conducted between February and May 2026. Structured questionnaires (n = 334), an observation checklist, focus group discussions (N = 17), and a retrospective analysis of clinical data from three neighbouring health facilities (Ngong Sub-County, Zamzam, and Kenswed) were used for data collection. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests ( ), Pearson correlation (r), and binary logistic regression. The results showed a significant difference between reported behaviour and observed hygiene conditions. While 75% of respondents reported washing their hands after using the toilet (mean = 3.90, standard deviation = 1.18), direct on-site observation showed that only 25.1% had a designated handwashing station near the facility and only 12% had soap. Notably, 80% of households faced shortages of soap and water due to serious financial constraints (mean = 2.10, standard deviation = 1.09). Binary logistic regression showed that handwashing with soap was significantly associated with lower disease occurrence (Mean = -0.985, p < 0.001, OR = 0.373), corresponding to a 62.7% reduction in the odds of disease. The study concluded that high health literacy was undermined by substantial economic barriers that may sustain faecal-oral transmission. Subsidised soap programmes and low-cost handwashing infrastructure are recommended.

Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Staphylococcus aureus Isolates at Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya

Pharis Kaumbuthu Mutia, Dorothy Kagendo Kithinji, Jane Rutto, Patrick Kubai — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus aureus constrains treatment options and complicates infection prevention. Facility-specific susceptibility data are important for empirical treatment, antimicrobial stewardship and surveillance. This study assessed the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of clinical S. aureus isolates and determined the proportion of phenotypic methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) at Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital (MeTRH).

Methods: This retrospective laboratory-based study used routine microbiology records from MeTRH. S. aureus isolates were identified using conventional microbiological methods with confirmation by the VITEK 2 Compact system. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using VITEK 2 Compact and interpreted according to CLSI M100, 35th edition. Because antimicrobial panels varied by specimen and testing episode, denominators differed among agents. Cefoxitin susceptibility was used as the phenotypic surrogate for MRSA.

Results: Thirty-seven S. aureus isolates were recovered from 1,082 clinical specimens. Resistance was 100.0% to benzylpenicillin and amoxicillin, 75.0% to amoxicillin–clavulanic acid, 63.3% to cefoxitin, 52.9% to erythromycin and 43.7% to tetracycline. Susceptibility was 82.8% to gentamicin, 77.3% to ciprofloxacin and 75.0% to clindamycin. All isolates tested against linezolid and vancomycin were susceptible. Of 30 isolates with cefoxitin results, 19 (63.3%) were classified as MRSA and 11 (36.7%) as methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA).

Conclusion: The isolates showed substantial resistance to commonly used β-lactam agents and a high proportion of phenotypic methicillin resistance. Routine culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, facility antibiograms, antimicrobial stewardship and sustained MRSA surveillance are supported by these findings.

Efficacy of Essential Oils in Managing Oxidative Stress in Scabietic Dogs

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: To assess the oxidant-antioxidant balance in dogs infected with Sarcoptes scabiei and to examine whether a 2% blend of three essential oils—1% lemongrass oil (Cymbopogon citratus), 0.5% tulsi oil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) and 0.5% sandalwood oil (Santalum album)—could ameliorate these parameters.

Study Design: Dogs presenting to the Veterinary Clinical Complex with clinical signs of sarcoptic mange were enrolled. Oxidative-stress indices in infected dogs were compared with those of healthy dogs to determine differences associated with Sarcoptes scabiei infection. The effect of topical treatment with the essential-oil formulation was also compared with ivermectin treatment.

Place and Duration of Study: The investigation was carried out at the Department of Veterinary Medicine and the Veterinary Clinical Complex, DUVASU, Mathura, India, over 18 months from February 2023 to July 2024.

Methodology: Twelve dogs affected by sarcoptic mange were separated into two treatment groups: one received the 2% essential-oil formulation topically, whereas the other received ivermectin by subcutaneous injection. Six apparently healthy dogs served as controls. Total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured on day 0 before therapy and on days 14 and 28 after therapy. Statistical analysis was performed in GraphPad Prism using Student’s t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results: Compared with healthy dogs, infected dogs had significantly higher TOS and OSI and significantly lower TAOC. Following therapy, both treatment groups showed improvement in these oxidative-stress indicators, with greater amelioration in the essential-oil (EO)-treated group than in the ivermectin-treated group.

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate an association between sarcoptic mange and altered oxidative-stress markers and suggest antioxidant potential for the essential-oil combination evaluated in this study.

Gut Microbiota Characterisation in HIV-Positive Adolescents and Young Adults in Côte d’Ivoire: A Shotgun Metagenomic Pilot Study with HIV-negative Controls

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The gut microbiota may undergo alterations in people living with HIV, including those receiving antiretroviral therapy. However, data on adolescents and young adults living with HIV in West Africa remain limited.

Objective: To characterise the gut microbiota of HIV-positive adolescents and young adults receiving antiretroviral therapy in Côte d’Ivoire and to compare it with that of HIV-negative controls.

Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive and comparative pilot study was conducted among 26 participants aged 10–24 years, comprising 13 HIV-positive participants and 13 HIV-negative controls. Faecal microbiota were analysed using shotgun metagenomics. Taxonomic composition, alpha diversity, beta diversity and the core microbiota were compared between groups. Alpha-diversity indices were compared using the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test with Benjamini–Hochberg correction. Beta diversity was assessed using Bray–Curtis distances, principal coordinates analysis (PCoA), PERMANOVA and PERMDISP with 999 permutations.

Results: Sequencing generated 294,656 reads, of which 252,522 were microbial reads (85.70%). The microbiota was mainly represented by Pseudomonadota (50.30%) and Bacillota (46.24%), while Bacteroidota accounted for 3.46%. Pseudomonadota showed similar proportions in HIV-positive and HIV-negative participants (50.89% vs 49.31%), whereas Bacteroidota was less represented in HIV-positive participants (1.14% vs 7.40%). No significant differences in alpha diversity were observed. Bray-Curtis PCoA showed substantial overlap between the groups; PERMANOVA did not identify a significant difference in overall community composition (pseudo-F = 0.419; R² = 0.017; p = 0.651), and PERMDISP showed no significant difference in dispersion (F = 1.064; p = 0.375). The core microbiota was largely shared between the groups. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii was more highly represented in HIV-negative controls (34.07% vs 0.73%), whereas Streptococcus salivarius, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Ochrobactrum anthropi and Achromobacter xylosoxidans were more highly represented in HIV-positive participants.

Conclusion: HIV-positive and HIV-negative participants shared a substantial taxonomic core and did not differ significantly in overall microbial community structure, despite marked differences in the relative representation of several taxa. Given the pilot and exploratory nature of the study, the small sample size and the limited sequencing depth, these observations require confirmation in larger cohorts incorporating functional analyses and improved control of potential confounding factors and contamination.

Formulating Microbiological Culture Media using Domestic Food Products

M. I. Robinson, M. C. Nelson — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the prospects of formulating microbiological culture media from domestic food products, specifically garri and offor, as low-cost alternatives to conventional commercial media for the enumeration, cultivation, and characterisation of bacteria and fungi. Four locally formulated media were prepared: Peptone Garri Agar (PGA), Peptone Offor Agar (POA), Potato Dextrose Garri Agar (PDGA), and Potato Dextrose Offor Agar (PDOA). Open-air sampling was carried out at four locations within Rivers State University, namely the Biology Laboratory garden, the Faculty of Science car park, the Biological Science car park, and the Biology Office car park. Exposed plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours for bacteria and at ambient temperature for 3–5 days for fungi, after which colony counts were recorded and discrete isolates were characterised using standard microscopic, cultural, and biochemical procedures. A total of eight (8) bacterial genera (Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Leuconostoc, Micrococcus, Lactobacillus, Klebsiella, Proteus, and Pediococcus) and five fungal genera (Penicillium, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium, Mucor, and Rhizopus) were isolated and identified on the locally formulated media. The highest bacterial load of 9.4 × 10³ CFU was recorded at the Science car park, while the highest fungal load of 3.0 × 10² CFU was recorded at the Faculty of Science car park. Staphylococcus sp. was the most frequently occurring bacterial isolate (27.27%), while Penicillium spp., Rhizopus spp., and Aspergillus niger were the most frequently occurring fungal isolates, each accounting for 30% of fungal recoveries. These findings indicate that the locally formulated garri- and offor-based media supported appreciable growth, enumeration, and differentiation of a broad diversity of environmental bacteria and fungi. The study concludes that domestic food products, particularly garri and offor, show potential as affordable, locally sourced substrates for microbiological culture media formulation, offering a possible approach to the recurring shortage and high cost of imported commercial media in Nigerian university and public health laboratories. Further comparative and optimisation studies are recommended to standardise the formulations and validate their performance against a wider range of clinically and environmentally significant microorganisms.

In vitro Evaluation of Antifungal Activity of Ageratum conyzoides, Basella alba and Mitracarpus villosus on the Strain of Lasiodiplodia theobromae in the Kisangani Region / D R Congo

J. T. K. Kwembe, K. M. Asumani, O. D. Onautshu, P. T. Mpiana, G. Haesaert — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Brown rot associated with Lasiodiplodia theobromae threatens cocoa production in the Kisangani region.

Aims: Following our previous investigations on the in vitro evaluation of antifungal activity, this study focused on demonstrating the inhibitory effects of extracts from fresh and dry leaves of Ageratum conyzoides, Basella alba and Mitracarpus villosus against a strain of Lasiodiplodia theobromae, the fungus responsible for brown rot of cocoa pods in the Kisangani region.

Methodology: This in vitro evaluation was conducted on PDA medium with six replicates. Four extracts from each plant studied were applied to half of the surface area of the culture medium.

Results: The strain of L. theobromae was inhibited by up to 68.1% by the aqueous extract of B. alba, 60.0% by the ethanolic extract of A. conyzoides and 55.2% by the ethanolic extract of M. villosus (all obtained from dry leaves). Among the extracts from fresh leaves, only the aqueous (56.7%) and ethereal (51.1%) extracts of A. conyzoides showed high inhibition percentages compared with those of B. alba and M. villosus.

Conclusion: The dry-leaf extracts showed high inhibition percentages, followed by the fresh-leaf extracts and, finally, the crude extracts after two days of incubation. Thus, in addition to the expected results, all the plants studied were active. The inhibitory effects could be higher for the secondary metabolites of the respective plants.

Piriformospora indica: A Novel Plant-growth-promoting Root Endophyte Fungus for Climate-resilient and Sustainable Agriculture

Navjot Kaur, Neeraj Rani, Rekha Bhandari, Chaitanya Thakur, Vani Mahindru — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Piriformospora indica (reclassified as Serendipita indica) is an axenically culturable, root-colonizing endophytic fungus of the order Sebacinales, originally isolated from the rhizosphere of woody shrubs in the Thar Desert, India. Unlike obligate arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, P. indica completes its life cycle on synthetic media without a living host, which makes it uniquely amenable to mass multiplication and formulation ("Rootonic") as a commercial bioinoculant. Since its discovery, an extensive body of literature has documented its unusually broad host range and its capacity to enhance seed germination, root and shoot biomass, nutrient acquisition, and crop yield across cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, fruit crops and ornamentals. Mechanistically, the fungus colonizes the root cortex through a biotrophic phase followed by a controlled, cell-death-associated phase, during which it reprograms host hormonal networks (auxin, gibberellin, jasmonic acid), strengthens enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defences and enhances osmolyte accumulation, thereby conferring tolerance to drought, salinity, heat, heavy-metal, and mechanical-impedance stresses. In parallel, P. indica directly and indirectly modifies the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the rhizosphere, improving nutrient mineralization, enzyme activity and soil aggregation, while also showing promise in the phytoremediation of cadmium, lead, copper and petroleum-hydrocarbon-contaminated soils. This review covers the taxonomy and morphology of P. indica, its mass-multiplication and field-application protocol, its mechanisms of plant growth promotion and abiotic-stress tolerance, and its effects on yield and soil health. The evidence positions P. indica as a dual-benefit, climate-resilient bioagent with strong potential for integration into sustainable and precision agricultural systems.