{"title":"An in vitro study on the antifungal and antibiofilm activities of probiotic bacteria against Candida species isolated from orthodontic appliances and dental caries","authors":"Z. Hashem, A. Hashem","doi":"10.21608/NRMJ.2021.164548","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/NRMJ.2021.164548","url":null,"abstract":"Candida species are opportunistic pathogens that may cause infections in predisposed persons. This work aimed to detect the antifungal and antibiofilm potentials of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum supernatants on Candida spp. About 60 % and 80 % of Candida isolates were recovered from saliva samples of 20 patients with fixed orthodontic appliances, and 20 children having dental caries, respectively. The antifungal susceptibility of Candida spp. was investigated using disk diffusion assay. C. albicans strains showed low resistance to fluconazole (15 %) and amphotericin B (10 %). Using the agar well diffusion assay, both L. acidophilus and L. plantarum supernatants inhibited the in vitro growth of all tested Candida spp. with inhibition zone diameters of (11-19 mm) and (7-16 mm), respectively. On observing the effects of L. plantarum and L. acidophilus supernatants on Candida cells’ morphology; the light microscopic examination demonstrated the inhibition in germ tube formation of all tested C. albicans with percentages of 68 % and 53 %, and for C. krusei with inhibition percentages of 69 % and 59 %, respectively. L. acidophilus and L. plantarum strains showed high co-aggregation ability with C. albicans strains with ranges of 42-49 % and 30-35 %, respectively. The antibiofilm activities of the two Lactobacillus supernatants were determined using the tissue culture plate assays. Significant inhibition of biofilms formation by Candida spp. was recorded on treatment with L. plantarum and L. acidophilus supernatants, with reduction percentages of 50-72 % and 74-85 %, respectively.","PeriodicalId":34593,"journal":{"name":"Novel Research in Microbiology Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41777884","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
B. N. Umar, J. Adamu, M. T. Ahmad, K. H. Ahmad, Ochuko Orakpoghe Nor, B. S. Aliyu, Nuhu Mohammed, A. Sada
{"title":"Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 infection: A synopsis of the host immune responses and viral immune evasion strategies involved","authors":"B. N. Umar, J. Adamu, M. T. Ahmad, K. H. Ahmad, Ochuko Orakpoghe Nor, B. S. Aliyu, Nuhu Mohammed, A. Sada","doi":"10.21608/NRMJ.2021.164547","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/NRMJ.2021.164547","url":null,"abstract":"The novel coronavirus designated as SARS-CoV-2 is the etiological agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which rendered the care of the global health powerless and plunged the world economy into a historic decline. This disease is characterized by different clinical pictures; ranging from asymptomatic mild phase to severe illness with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), in addition to having no specific therapy. The protective immunity involving solid CD4+ T-cells, viral specific CD8+ T-cells and the neutralizing immunoglobulins have been established in most of the convalescent COVID-19 individuals. On the other hand, the host immune response to severe COVID-19 infection has been attributed to the inflammatory cytokine storm, and to influx of the activated immune cells to the lungs; leading to severe pneumonia, extensive ARDS and finally to death. Despite of this, the protective and pathogenic aspects of the human immunity have not been fully elucidated. Recent attempts conducted by several published research works have focused on information derived from the immune responses to the severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus diseases (mainly; SARS and MERS). However, these works lack sufficiency due to variations in the transmissibility, virulence, host-virus interactions and the immune evasion mechanisms. Hence, adequate understanding of the host immune response mechanisms to SARS-CoV-2 will generate the impetus towards effective control and preventive measures. The objectives of this article were to provide an overview of the host immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection, the viral immune evasion strategies, and to define certain knowledge gaps that require further studies.","PeriodicalId":34593,"journal":{"name":"Novel Research in Microbiology Journal","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41502960","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Multidrug-resistance and biofilm formation profiles of Salmonella spp. isolated from raw chicken meat","authors":"G. I. Ogu, J. C. Okolo, F. I. Akinnibosun","doi":"10.21608/NRMJ.2021.164551","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/NRMJ.2021.164551","url":null,"abstract":"Available data showed that the recovery of multidrug-resistant and biofilm-producing Salmonella spp. from chicken meat is still scanty in Nigeria. Consequently, this study aimed to characterize the probable multidrug-resistant and biofilm producing Salmonella spp. prevalent in chicken meat vended in southern Nigerian markets. About 240 randomly sampled chilled raw chicken meats were collected from open markets in Delta, Edo, Ekiti and Ondo States, and then were analysed for detecting the presence of Salmonella spp.; using rinse centrifugation-plating technique, serological examination and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The confirmed Salmonella isolates were tested for multidrug-resistance and biofilm formation using Kirby Bauer disc diffusion test and tissue culture plates, respectively. Out of 229 presumptively examined Salmonella isolates, 52 isolates were confirmed as Salmonella spp., while 46 isolates were recorded as multidrug-resistant. The main serotypes recovered were; S. enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium (35/52; 67.31%), and S. enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis (17/52; 32.69%). Biofilm characterization of the recovered Salmonella isolates were; strong (OD > 0.240), 6 (11.5 %); moderate (0.120-0.240), 13 (25.0 %); weak (OD < 0.120), 19 (36.5 %), and non-biofilm producers (OD < 0.120), 14 (26.9 %). This study showed that multidrug-resistant and biofilm-producing Salmonella spp. were prevalent in raw chicken meat; vended within southern Nigerian open markets. Thus, there is an urgent need for relevant regulatory agencies to enforce consumer's safety.","PeriodicalId":34593,"journal":{"name":"Novel Research in Microbiology Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43659309","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Antimicrobial activity of Ricinus comunis, Swietenia mahogani and Crusentia cujete ethanol extracts against multidrug resistant pathogens, recovered from a hospital environment","authors":"M. Owoseni, Clara Ginikanwa, B. Sani, P. Upla","doi":"10.21608/NRMJ.2021.149388","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/NRMJ.2021.149388","url":null,"abstract":"Medicinal plants have been used as effective approaches to manage multidrug resistant pathogens, including infectious agents that cause nosocomial infections. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial potentials of ethanolic extracts of Ricinus comunis, Swietenia mahogani and Crusentia cujete against five multidrug resistant nosocomial pathogens namely; Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas sp., Klebsiella sp., Escherichia coli and Candida sp., which were isolated from hospital fomites. Using standard microbiological methods, fomite swab samples from ward beddings and door handles from the casualty, women, and children ward of Dalhatu-Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, Nigeria, were assessed. A total of 251 microbial isolates, consisting of 8 bacterial and 6 fungal genera were recovered. The highest frequency of microbial pathogens was recorded in the casualty unit (98[39%]), followed by the women’s unit (90[36%]), while the children’s ward (63[25%]) was the least contaminated. S. aureus (25[42%]) and Aspergillus sp. (43[72%]) were the most isolated bacteria and fungi; respectively, while Salmonella sp. (7[12%]) and Trichoderma sp. (9[15%]) were the least isolated. However, there were no significantly statistical differences across wards and microbial isolates. The five selected isolates were tested for in vitro susceptibility against several standard antibiotics to check their multiple drug resistance. The tested microorganisms exhibited various levels of multidrug resistance patterns except for Candida sp. which was resistant to two classes of antibiotics (azole group and griseofulvin). On the other hand, Klebsiella sp. was resistant to eight antibiotics of four classes. The ethanolic leaf extract of C. cujete was more effective against all the selected microbial pathogens, while the bark extract of S. mahogani was substantially effective. R. comunis exhibited no inhibitory potential against any of the tested pathogens. All the plant extracts were not as effective against the tested microorganisms as the conventional antibiotics that were used as positive controls. Results obtained indicate the risk of nosocomial infections caused by multidrug resistant pathogens originating from the hospital environment. Good hygienic practices, public awareness on nosocomial infections and further research into ethnomedicine are hereby recommended.","PeriodicalId":34593,"journal":{"name":"Novel Research in Microbiology Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45606313","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
E. Hefzy, Mona Ahmed, Abdelrahman M. Ahmed, D. Ali
{"title":"Utility of GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay for the diagnosis of pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis, A report from Egypt","authors":"E. Hefzy, Mona Ahmed, Abdelrahman M. Ahmed, D. Ali","doi":"10.21608/NRMJ.2021.149391","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/NRMJ.2021.149391","url":null,"abstract":"Early diagnosis of tuberculosis continues to be a challenge for clinicians. The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines recommend the application of GeneXpert MTB/RIF in extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) diagnosis. This study aimed to test and compare the accuracy of the GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay to diagnose pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and EPTB, compared to bacterial culture and to composite reference standard (CRS). The GeneXpert assay diagnosed tuberculosis (TB) in 19.5 % of patients. With reference to bacterial culture, the sensitivity of this assay for detection of the pulmonary and extra-pulmonary specimens was perfect. For pulmonary specimens, on using CRS; the detected sensitivity and specificity of the GeneXpert assay were 78.3 % and 99.1 %, respectively. However, for extra-pulmonary specimens, the sensitivity and specificity of the GeneXpert assay were 37.1 % and 99 %, respectively. In the current study, the GeneXpert assay showed almost perfect agreement with the bacterial culture for TB diagnosis. The diagnostic accuracy of the GeneXpert assay was high in ruling in, but not in ruling out of EPTB.","PeriodicalId":34593,"journal":{"name":"Novel Research in Microbiology Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45176941","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The skin commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis, is a boon or bane?","authors":"E. Abdallah","doi":"10.21608/NRMJ.2021.149372","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/NRMJ.2021.149372","url":null,"abstract":"Skin is an active immune organ, which protects the human internal organs from biotic and abiotic hazards. Staphylococcus epidermidis is a primary bacterial colonizer of the skin and one of the most abundant microorganisms among the other skin microbiome. Moreover, this bacterial sp. is considered as an active microbiological barrier of the skin and one of its defensive components. On the other side, S. epidermidis is a causative agent of serious infections including wound infections, and bacteremia. The aims of the current mini-review were to attract the attention of the scientific community to this perplexing bacterium, and to develop an enhanced understanding about the role of this microorganism in the skin. Furthermore, it is necessary to understand the relationship between the protective mechanisms of this bacterium in the human skin, and to realize the influences that direct this bacterium to turn from a useful commensal to a serious contagion.","PeriodicalId":34593,"journal":{"name":"Novel Research in Microbiology Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41936212","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"In vitro inhibition of uropathogenic Escherichia coli biofilm formation by probiotic Lactobacilli isolated from healthy breast fed infants","authors":"Z. Hashem, R. M. A. El-Baky","doi":"10.21608/NRMJ.2021.149380","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/NRMJ.2021.149380","url":null,"abstract":"Biofilm forming Escherichia coli bacterium exhibits multiple drug resistance, which is responsible for recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) that are difficult to eradicate. The work aimed to investigate the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of Lactobacilli isolated from faecal microbiota of healthy infants; to identify these isolates and determine their probiotic characteristics. E. coli isolates were recovered from urine samples of patients with urinary tract infections. On the other hand, Lactobacillus isolates were recovered from faeces of breast-fed infants. Five strong biofilm forming E. coli isolates with multidrug resistance (MDR) were selected. The antibacterial potential of Lactobacillus supernatants were assessed via disk diffusion assay. All the tested E. coli isolates showed high susceptibility to the Lactobacillus supernatants; where 54 % of these supernatants expressed inhibition zones diameters ranging from 15- 18 mm. Antibiofilm efficacies of Lactobacillus spp. against E. coli isolates were tested in vitro using microtiter plate assay and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). More than 50 % reduction of biofilms formation by the 5 selected MDR E. coli isolates was observed by most the Lactobacillus isolates. The scanning electron microscopy confirmed the elimination of E. coli biofilms by cells of the Lactobacillus isolates. Preliminary probiotic characteristics of the Lactobacillus isolates were investigated; all isolates tolerated 2 % bile salt concentration and acidic condition at pH 3. Regarding safety of the Lactobacilli for human consumption, all isolates were non hemolytic, and 14 Lactobacillus isolates were sensitive to all tested antibiotics except for vancomycin, as they are naturally resistant to it. About 14 safe probiotic Lactobacillus isolates were identified by API-50 CHL test as; Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. fermentum and L. paracasei.","PeriodicalId":34593,"journal":{"name":"Novel Research in Microbiology Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47125558","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Y. Muhammed, Mkpouto Pius, B. Sani, Bulus Timothy, Jafar Usman, Musa Garba
{"title":"Breakthroughs in SARS-CoV-2-monoclonal antibodies development","authors":"Y. Muhammed, Mkpouto Pius, B. Sani, Bulus Timothy, Jafar Usman, Musa Garba","doi":"10.21608/NRMJ.2021.149375","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/NRMJ.2021.149375","url":null,"abstract":"In December 2019, cases of unknown pneumonia-like disease connected to food markets were reported in China. The causative agent was identified as a Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and the disease which spread all over the world, was named COVID-19. This pandemic has negatively affected quality of life and economy worldwide, thus motivating thoughtful search for treatment and prevention strategies. Efforts have been made in drug repositioning and vaccine development as well as development of monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies provide a long-lasting protective immunity against the pathogens, and have been at the forefront line in the therapy of some viral diseases. This study aimed to review the advances in SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) development. Most of the developed SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies including; B38, CR3022, 47D11, and H4, have targeted the spike protein of the virus to prevent its interaction with the host cell ACE-2 receptor. However, others such as Tocilizumab prevent the inflammation caused by the cytokine storm.","PeriodicalId":34593,"journal":{"name":"Novel Research in Microbiology Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41781869","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maysaa T. Alloosh, Walid Khaddam, Adbulsalam K. Almuhammady
{"title":"Biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles using microorganisms and its medicinal applications","authors":"Maysaa T. Alloosh, Walid Khaddam, Adbulsalam K. Almuhammady","doi":"10.21608/NRMJ.2021.149378","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/NRMJ.2021.149378","url":null,"abstract":"Nanotechnology is one of the most important technologies that enter into multiple fields, as it depends on the synthesis of particles with nano scale called nanoparticles (NPs). Biosynthesis of nanoparticles can be done using plants or microorganisms; however, synthesis of NPs using microorganisms is economical and an ecofriendly method. This review article provides highlights on the latest studies on using diverse microorganisms such as; bacteria, actinobacteria, fungi and algae for the biosynthesis of some metal nanoparticles including; silver, gold, palladium, selenium, magnesium, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide.. etc, under simple manufacturing conditions and within a short period that ranges from a few minutes to several days. The resulting NPs mostly show anti-fungal potential towards several fungal species that cause important human diseases mainly; Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. Moreover, NPs has antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which recently become less affected by several antibiotics like penicillin and methicillin. This review will help the researchers who work in biosynthesis of NPs and in the nano-medical application fields.","PeriodicalId":34593,"journal":{"name":"Novel Research in Microbiology Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47788459","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
H. R. Ahmed, R. Ibrahem, R. M. A. El-Baky, H. Hetta, Amr M. El-Sayed, Nancy G F M Waly
{"title":"Association of Hepatitis C viral load with liver functions and risk factors among HCV patients, Minia governorate, Egypt","authors":"H. R. Ahmed, R. Ibrahem, R. M. A. El-Baky, H. Hetta, Amr M. El-Sayed, Nancy G F M Waly","doi":"10.21608/NRMJ.2021.149386","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/NRMJ.2021.149386","url":null,"abstract":"Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the blood transmitted hepatitis viruses. HCV infections have been identified as major causes of chronic hepatic diseases, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The aims of the current study were to determine the HCV viral load between 35 hepatitis C patients in Minia governorate, Egypt, and to assess association of the viral load with abnormal liver functions including; Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), prothrombin activity and platelet count. In addition to assessing if there are any risk factors associated with the population group, sex, age and other factors. About 35 blood samples were collected from hepatitis C patients randomly selected from the outpatient clinic at the Viral Hepatitis Management Center, Minia governorate, Egypt; including males and females of different ages. Viral load was determined using Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). All relevant information was collected from each patient including personal and clinical data. Current results showed that 68.60 % of the samples were from males and 31.4 % were from females, and most of them aged between 51 and 70 years. Approximately 11 (31.4 %) of the HCV patients had viral loads of <106, 12 (34.3 %) recorded viral loads of <105, and about 12 cases (34.3 %) had a viral load of < 104. HCV infection has been associated with 4 risk factors representing high HCV transmission routes including; dental intervention (80.0 %), history of hospital admission (65.7 %), previous surgeries (57.1 %) and family history of HCV (48.6 %). However, history of Schistosomiasis and blood-transfusion showed low association with HCV infection; recording (31.4 %) and (22.9 %), respectively.","PeriodicalId":34593,"journal":{"name":"Novel Research in Microbiology Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47819301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}