B.J.O. Efiuvwevwere, C.J. Ogugbue, G. Emoghene, A.K. Ngbara-ue
{"title":"Microbiological Quality and Shelf-Life Extension of Oysters (Crassostrea Gasar) Subjected to Hurdle Approach Involving Sodium Metabisulphite, Calcium Hypochlorite and Storage Temperature","authors":"B.J.O. Efiuvwevwere, C.J. Ogugbue, G. Emoghene, A.K. Ngbara-ue","doi":"10.59393/amb23390315","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59393/amb23390315","url":null,"abstract":"This study set out to develop an efficient treatment for the quality control of oysters (Crassostrea gasar) using calcium hypochlorite [Ca(OCl) 2 ] and sodium metabisulphite (Na2S2O5) during a challenge test under ambient and refrigerated storage. Artificially inoculated oyster samples were treated in groups consisting of various treatments as follows: 10 ppm Ca(OCl) 2 and 100 ppm Na 2 S 2 O 5 combined treatment; 10 ppm Ca(OCl) 2 sole treatment and sterile deionized water treatment (control). The treated samples were then stored under refrigerated (4°C) and ambient (28±2°C) conditions for 96 h. Samples were subjected to analysis at intervals to determine their microbiological (total heterotrophic bacterial counts, coliform counts, and Salmonella counts), chemical (trimethylamine, pH), and sensorial (visual appearance, odour, and texture) attributes. The Ca(OCl) 2 and Na 2 S 2 O 5 combined treatment significantly inhibited (p<0.05) the increase in the magnitude of the different microbial groups, trimethylamine (TMA) content, and pH when compared with the Ca(OCl) 2 sole treatment and control groups. Heterotrophic bacterial counts in oysters treated with both chemicals were 7.23 log 10 CFU/g and 5.66 log 10 CFU/g at the end of storage for samples kept at ambient and refrigerated conditions respectively. Organoleptic evaluation conducted by a team of panelists showed that oysters subjected to the combined treatment followed by refrigerated storage showed higher quality scores than the control and other treatments during the study and hence, maintained the freshness and overall acceptability of the seafood. Combined treatment using Ca(OCl) 2 and Na 2 S 2 O 5 prevented robust microbial proliferation, sustained the quality of freshly harvested oysters, and extended their shelf life by 4 days during refrigerated storage.","PeriodicalId":35526,"journal":{"name":"Acta Microbiologica Bulgarica","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135735555","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":"Potato Viruses of Economic Importance for Production of Planting Material in Bulgaria","authors":"N. Petrov, M. Stoyanova","doi":"10.59393/amb23390318","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59393/amb23390318","url":null,"abstract":"Potato is the world’s third most widespread food crop, following wheat and rice. Tubers play an important role in the spread of virus diseases in different regions in Bulgaria for seed production. The most important viruses in potatoes in Bulgaria include Potato virus Y (PVY), Potato leaf roll virus (PLRV), Potato virus S (PVS), and Potato virus M (PVM). Most of the viruses in potatoes do not induce symptoms in tubers, which plays an important role in viral dissemination by the growers. In this way, after planting the tubers, the quality and yield of the production may be severely reduced. The use of virus-free tubers by growers is of key importance for the control of diseases and the reduction of loss of production.","PeriodicalId":35526,"journal":{"name":"Acta Microbiologica Bulgarica","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135735926","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}
V. Rebić, S. Vinčević-Smajlović, S. Šestić, D. Čaluk, M. Aljičević, I. Šestić, D. Rebić
{"title":"Antimicrobial Resistance of the Genus Enterococcus in Cantonal Hospital of Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina","authors":"V. Rebić, S. Vinčević-Smajlović, S. Šestić, D. Čaluk, M. Aljičević, I. Šestić, D. Rebić","doi":"10.59393/amb23390308","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59393/amb23390308","url":null,"abstract":"Among Enterococcus spp, only the virulence gene harboring strains of Enterococcus faecalis and E. faecium are associated with human infections, including urinary tract infections (UTI), pelvic, blood, intraabdominal, and skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI). Over the past decades, enterococcal antimicrobial resistance has escalated in many regions of the world, leading to ominous outcomes. The rising incidence of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HCAIs) secondary to Vancomycin-resistant strain (VRE) resulted in high morbidity and mortality, as well as substantial challenges in control, prevention, and management). The aim of this study is to examine the antimicrobial resistance of E. faecalis and E. faecium species in different human samples. The study included 184 clinical samples over a period of 6 months. E. faecalis was identified in 95.65% and E. faecium in 4.35% of cases. E. faecalis isolates showed resistance to gentamicin in 40.9% of cases and to ampicillin in 1.7% of cases. Resistance to nitrofurantoin and ciprofloxacin was observed in 6.1% and 35.7% of E. faecalis isolates. VRE was isolated in 1.1% of E. faecalis isolates tested for this antibiotic. Resistance of E. faecium isolates to ampicillin and gentamicin was observed in 87.5% of cases in both antibiotics. All urinary isolates of E. faecium were resistant to ciprofloxacin. All E. faecium isolates were sensitive to vancomycin. Based on the results of our study, the growing importance of Enterococcus spp. as a causative agent of hospital infections and infections in the general population, and its antimicrobial resistance to various drugs were observed.","PeriodicalId":35526,"journal":{"name":"Acta Microbiologica Bulgarica","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135736139","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":"Distribution of Macrolide, Lincosamide, and Streptogramin B and Detection of erm Genes in Staphylococcus aureus from Wounds in Uyo, Nigeria","authors":"A.N. Umo, N.C. Ibeakamma, O.J. Akinjogunla, U.E. Etang, N.G. Akpan, S.A. Adie","doi":"10.59393/amb23390307","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59393/amb23390307","url":null,"abstract":"The increasing resistance to macrolide, lincosamide, and streptogramin B (MLSB) among methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a challenge. The study determined the constitutive and inducible MLSB resistance and erm genes in S. aureus from wounds using the erythromycin-clindamycin D-zone test and a multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay, respectively. Of the 260 patients recruited in the study, S. aureus was isolated from the wounds of 102 patients, giving a prevalence rate of 39.2%. Of the 102 S. aureus isolates, 32.4% were methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA), and 67.6% were MRSA. The prevalence of S. aureus in wounds was higher in females (39.8%) than in males (38.4%). The highest prevalence of S. aureus was found in divorce patients (59.1%) and those residing in urban areas (39.7%). There was no statistical difference between the occurrence of MRSA and MSSA in wounds based on the sex (p = 0.97), age (p = 0.08), and marital status (p = 0.41) of the patients. All (100%) MRSA were resistant to Cefoxitin, and chloramphenicol, while ˂ 50% of MRSA were resistant to Tetracycline, Ciprofloxacin, and Gentamycin. Of the 69 MRSA isolates from the wounds, 21.7% and 26.1% were iMLSB and cMLSB phenotypes, respectively. Nine (9) MSSA were iMLSB phenotypes, and eight MSSA were cMLSB phenotypes. Among the 12 representative isolates, three (3) MRSA and one (1) MSSA isolate possessed the ermC gene. This study has revealed that screening tests for iMLSB-resistant S. aureus strains are critical for the therapeutic management of wound infections caused by S. aureus.","PeriodicalId":35526,"journal":{"name":"Acta Microbiologica Bulgarica","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135735930","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}
A. Bouguerra, A. Meziti, H. Guergour, D. Harzallah
{"title":"The Potential of Leuconostoc mesenteroides Strain LK-151 to Inhibit in vivo Salmonella Infection","authors":"A. Bouguerra, A. Meziti, H. Guergour, D. Harzallah","doi":"10.59393/amb23390310","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59393/amb23390310","url":null,"abstract":"The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of the probiotic Leuconostoc mesenteroides strain LK-151 isolated from fermented camel milk against Salmonella infection in BALB/c mice. A total of 50 mice were divided into five groups of n = 10 per group and subjected to different treatments. Infecting mice with Salmonella led to a significant decrease in feed intake and body weight. This occurred simultaneously with the appearance of symptoms on day 3 of the infection with the recording of one death after 6 days. The pathogenic cells were detected at a high rate in the feces, which reached 7.045 Log10 CFU/g on day 7 post-infection. Histological studies revealed significant damage to the ileum and the liver. Whereas, administering mice with the probiotic strain for one week before being infected with S. Typhimurium avoided body weight loss, and feed intake was not affected. The probiotic was able to suppress the growth of the pathogen and offer protection to the ileum. However, localized congestion was noted in the liver of some mice. It was also found that giving the probiotic to the mice during the infection did not improve the tested parameters. It can be concluded that the strain under study has probiotic potential and can protect against Salmonella infection.","PeriodicalId":35526,"journal":{"name":"Acta Microbiologica Bulgarica","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135735929","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":"Occurrence and Role of Bacterial Biofilms in Different Systems","authors":"O.O. Bello, F.T. Martins, T.K. Bello, I.A. Anuoluwa, M.M. Anyakudo, O.A. Amolegbe, A.M. Ilemobayo","doi":"10.59393/amb23390304","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59393/amb23390304","url":null,"abstract":"Bacterial biofilms are complex communities of bacteria that adhere to surfaces, including living tissues, and form a protective matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Biofilms are widespread and play crucial roles in various processes, such as nutrient cycling, bioremediation, and biofouling. They have significant implications for public health. Biofilms provide an ideal environment for bacteria to exchange genetic material, including resistance genes, via horizontal gene transfer mechanisms such as conjugation, transformation, and transduction. Moreover, biofilms can protect bacteria from antibiotics and host immune responses, enabling them to persist and cause chronic infections. The EPS matrix, which can act as a physical barrier, limits the penetration of antibiotics into the biofilm, and the slow-growing or dormant cells within the biofilm are less susceptible to antibiotics than their planktonic counterparts. The significance of bacterial biofilms in the development of antibiotic resistance has prompted research efforts to understand their formation and mechanisms of resistance. Novel strategies to prevent or disrupt biofilm formation are also being explored, including the development of antibiofilm agents and biofilm-disrupting enzymes. Understanding the role of biofilms in the spread of antibiotic resistance is crucial for the development of effective treatment and prevention strategies to combat the chronic infections associated with biofilm-producing bacteria.","PeriodicalId":35526,"journal":{"name":"Acta Microbiologica Bulgarica","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135735931","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}
A.A. Chmagh, A.F. Hussein, M.A. Sami, N.J. Dawood, M.A. Khan
{"title":"Anti-Biofilm Activity of Nigella sativa Extracts against Pathogenic Bacteria","authors":"A.A. Chmagh, A.F. Hussein, M.A. Sami, N.J. Dawood, M.A. Khan","doi":"10.59393/amb23390311","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59393/amb23390311","url":null,"abstract":"Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is still a serious problem for global health; however, new antibiotic research is lagging behind AMR. There are dangers associated with bacterial biofilms in hospitals, restaurants, and water treatment plants. Several medicinal herbs are utilized ethnomedically in India to cure infectious diseases. However, apart from the conventional inhibitory effects on cell development, little is known about the possible anti-biofilm action of medicinal herbs, which may help in the prevention of bacterial infection. Here, we investigated the in vitro anti-biofilm activity of plant extracts of Nigella sativa (black cumin) seeds. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test was performed using the two-fold serial dilution technique. The establishment and growth of biofilms were evaluated using crystal violet (CV) tests. Methanol extracts showed antibacterial action against all bacterial strains, with S. aureus showing the most activity. N. sativa seed extract had good activity against bacterial biofilms. Further research into the isolation of antimicrobial compounds and the mechanism of action of N. sativa seed methanol extract may provide promising leads.","PeriodicalId":35526,"journal":{"name":"Acta Microbiologica Bulgarica","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135736147","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":"Bacterial Diversity in Heavy Metal Poluted Soil Explored via 16S rRNA Gene Molecular-Genetic Analysis","authors":"G. Satchanska, S. Selenska-Pobell, E. Golovinsky","doi":"10.59393/amb23390317","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59393/amb23390317","url":null,"abstract":"Bacterial diversity in a xenobiotic polluted soil sample called KCM B was investigated using the 16S rRNA gene approach. The sample was collected from the vicinity of a Pb-Zn (KCM) smelter and pesticides manufacturing plant AGRIA both situated in short distance to each other near the town of Plovdiv, South Bulgaria. MS-ICP analysis showed the sample was moderately contaminated. Only Pb exceeded the EU Maximum Permission Levels (MPL). One clone library was constructed consisting of 150 clones. Our results demonstrated that in the investigated soil bacterial community was dominated by representatives of phylum Proteobacteria (α (28), β (2), γ (40) and δ (2) or in total 72%. Among them the most abundant were γ -Proteobacteria - 40%. Phyla Actinobacteria, Holophaga/Acidobacteria (AHA) and members of AD1 division were detected in an equal amount of 7% each. Bacteria belonging to phyla Cytophaga/Flavobacterium/Bacteroides (CFB) represented 5% of the bacterial community. 2% of the studied clones were affiliated to novel bacteria. In the clone library were detected many unique bacterial fingerprints respectively 16S rDNA sequences. Most of the identified bacterial groups were closely related to bacteria inhabiting other extreme- or xenobiotics polluted environments as uranium mill tailings, metal rich sediments, mine drainages, hydrocarbon contaminated environments, rocks at 300 m under the Ocean floor, deserts and waste water treatment facilities. Great number of recovered sequences in the sample were affiliated to not-yet-cultured bacteria with unknown physiology, morphology or metabolism. Once successfully cultivated these bacteria might be promising for biotransformation of heavy metals and biotechnological application.","PeriodicalId":35526,"journal":{"name":"Acta Microbiologica Bulgarica","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135735924","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":"Competition Status of Salmonella sp., Shigella sp., and Escherichia coli in Tris Egg Yolk Semen Preservation Medium at Different Experimental Conditions","authors":"M. Abboudi, M. Alomar","doi":"10.59393/amb23390309","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59393/amb23390309","url":null,"abstract":"Competition is a very important fact of microorganisms’ life, with the major goal to gain an advantage in terms of scarce nutrients and limited space. In this study, bacterial competition of Salmonella sp., Shigella sp., and Escherichia coli were assessed in Tris- egg-yolk (TEY) semen preservation medium at two temperature degrees and three periods of incubation (3 h at 37°C, 1 and 7 days at 4°C). The three pathogen species were incubated with an initial bacterial load of 103 CFU/mL. After three hours of incubation at 37°C, there were significant differences (P < 0.05) between the three species; however, Salmonella sp. had the highest CFU/ml compared to the two other pathogen species in bilateral and triple competition. Also after one day of storage at 4°C, a clear dominance of Salmonella sp. was noted, while in contrast, no significant difference (P > 0.05) between E.coli and Shigella sp., was observed in the bilateral and triple competition cases. However, the maximum dominance of Salmonella sp. was observed after 7 days at 4°C, where the bacterial load percentages between all species for the triple competition were 74±5.6/12±5.9/14±6.9 for Salmonella sp., E. coli, and Shigella sp., respectively. In conclusion, regardless of the temperature degrees and the time point of incubation, Salmonella was always able to dominate and compete very effectively compared with the two other bacterial pathogens in the TEY medium. Moreover, 4°C gave clear preference to the survival of salmonella with its clear vitality percentage in this media compared to both E. coli and Shigella sp.","PeriodicalId":35526,"journal":{"name":"Acta Microbiologica Bulgarica","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135735927","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. Gocheva, S. Engibarov, I. Lazarkevich, R. Eneva
{"title":"Phytases - Types, Sources, and Factors Affecting Their Activity","authors":"Y. Gocheva, S. Engibarov, I. Lazarkevich, R. Eneva","doi":"10.59393/amb23390305","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.59393/amb23390305","url":null,"abstract":"Phytases are a large group of enzymes that hydrolyze phytate and its complexes. This most abundant organic phosphate in the world is commonly found in plant-based foods. It can bind to essential minerals, making them less available for absorption. Enzymatic hydrolysis of phytates is the most beneficial method for reducing their content in foods and feeds. Phytase supplementation enables more efficient utilization of phytate phosphorus. The enzyme is produced by prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms, plants, and animals. Several types of phytases, depending on certain structural and kinetic properties are described. Phytase activity is influenced by metal ions, surfactants, and various plant extracts.","PeriodicalId":35526,"journal":{"name":"Acta Microbiologica Bulgarica","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135736141","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}