Journal of Advances in Microbiology

The Complexity of Tuberculosis Therapy and Probiotics Remedy: A New Approach

Olokun Alexander Lanzema — 2026-05-12

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, continues to pose a significant global health burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Despite the availability of standardized chemotherapy, TB treatment remains complicated due to prolonged therapy duration, drug-induced toxicities, and the rising incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains. First-line and second-line anti-tubercular drugs are often associated with adverse effects such as hepatotoxicity, ototoxicity, and gastrointestinal disturbances, which can compromise patient adherence and treatment success. Emerging evidence indicates that anti-TB chemotherapy also disrupts the gut microbiome, leading to dysbiosis and impaired immune responses that may hinder effective pathogen clearance.

Probiotics—beneficial live microorganisms—have gained attention as a potential adjunctive therapy due to their ability to restore intestinal microbial balance, enhance host immunity, and produce antimicrobial compounds such as bacteriocins. These metabolites exhibit inhibitory activity against a broad range of pathogens and may contribute to suppressing M. tuberculosis. In addition, probiotics play a role in immunomodulation by regulating inflammatory responses and strengthening mucosal barrier functions.

This review examines the challenges associated with conventional TB therapy, the impact of anti-tubercular drugs on gut microbiota, and the therapeutic potential of probiotics in TB management. It highlights the emerging role of bacteriocin-producing probiotic strains and microbiota-targeted interventions as innovative strategies to reduce toxicity, improve treatment outcomes, and combat drug resistance. Integrating probiotics into TB treatment regimens may provide a safer and more effective approach to disease control.

Nipah Virus at the Human-Animal Interface: A Persistent Global Health Threat

Iyman Binti Fayaz — 2026-05-12

Nipah virus (NiV) infection is an emerging zoonotic disease transmitted to humans via infected animals (such as bats), or food contaminated with saliva, urine, and excreta of infected animals. According to the WHO R&D Blueprint for Epidemics, Henipavirus nipahense (also known as the Nipah virus) is a priority pathogen for the development of medical countermeasures to respond to epidemics and pandemics. Direct transmission from person to person through close contact with an infected person is also possible. Fruit bats or flying foxes, (Pteropus species) are considered the natural hosts for the virus. The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) ranges from 40% to 75% in prior epidemics in Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore, depending on local capacities for clinical management and early diagnosis. There is no approved medication or vaccination for NiV infection at present. In order to treat severe respiratory and neurological problems caused by NiV infection, early intensive supportive care and symptomatic treatment is advised. The present article is a compilation of various past studies to put emphasis on the current scenario of Nipah virus borne zoonosis and its effect on human lives.

Evaluation of Lethal Dose, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and Antibacterial Properties of Herbal Extracts against Aeromonas hydrophila

Shivam Pandey — 2026-04-21

Aeromonas hydrophila is a major bacterial pathogen that causes significant economic losses in freshwater aquaculture, highlighting the need for alternatives to conventional antibiotics. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of neem (Azadirachta indica), tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), and their combined formulations against A. hydrophila using agar well diffusion and resazurin-based broth microdilution assays with aqueous and ethanolic extracts, as well as an in vivo assessment of pathogen virulence in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). All herbal preparations exhibited inhibitory activity, with the combined 5% neem + 5% tulsi aqueous extract producing the largest inhibition zone (14.3 ± 0.3 mm), while the corresponding ethanolic formulation showed significantly greater activity (20.6 ± 0.3 mm), although remaining less potent than oxytetracycline. Minimum inhibitory concentration analysis revealed substantially lower MIC values for ethanolic extracts (0.0391% for neem, 0.0195% for tulsi, and 0.0391% for the combined formulation) compared with aqueous extracts (0.625% for individual herbs and 0.0391% for the aqueous combination), indicating enhanced efficacy of ethanol-extracted phytoconstituents and synergistic effects in combined treatments. Pathogenicity trials demonstrated a dose-dependent mortality response in common carp, with mortality reaching ~60% at 1.0 × 10⁸ cfu/ml and declining sharply at lower doses. The LD₅₀ was estimated to be between 1.0 × 10⁷ and 1.0 × 10⁸ cfu/ml, confirming high pathogen virulence. Overall, neem–tulsi formulations, particularly ethanolic extracts, show promise as phytotherapeutic agents for sustainable aquaculture disease management.

Fertility Outcomes of Sexed Semen Artificial Insemination under Field Conditions in Dairy Cattle and Buffalo in Smallholder Farming Systems in India

M. H. Khan — 2026-04-22

Sexed semen technology has emerged as an important reproductive tool for improving genetic progress and herd structure in dairy production systems. Field performance of sexed semen artificial insemination was evaluated in cattle (n = 840) and buffalo (n = 319) under smallholder dairy systems in Bareilly district, India. Pregnancy diagnosis at 80–90 days post-insemination revealed an overall conception rate of 46.7% in cattle (392/840) and 44.3% in buffalo (141/319), indicating moderate yet field-relevant fertility outcomes. In cattle, breed exerted a highly significant effect on conception (χ² = 21.07, df = 2, p < 0.0001), with indigenous animals showing superior fertility (52.1%; 294/564) compared to crossbred (37.3%; 59/158) and exotic animals (33.1%; 39/118). Odds ratio analysis confirmed higher likelihood of conception in indigenous cattle relative to crossbred (OR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.28–2.62). Parity-wise analysis demonstrated peak fertility in mid parity animals (50.6%; 160/316), followed by heifers (46.0%; 23/50), early parity (44.7%; 168/376) and high parity animals (41.8%; 41/98). Interaction analysis highlighted the highest conception in indigenous mid parity animals (62.2%), indicating a strong combined effect of genetic adaptability and physiological maturity. Buffalo exhibited comparable conception; however, absence of detailed subgroup data restricted further evaluation. In conclusion, sexed semen represents a practical and effective reproductive strategy under smallholder dairy systems, enabling acceptable fertility outcomes while facilitating genetic improvement and targeted female calf production, with optimal results achieved in indigenous cattle and mid parity animals under field conditions. However, lack of calf sex ratio data at the time of analysis, incomplete recording of breed and parity in buffalo, variability in smallholder management practices and farmer-based estrus detection, absence of quantitative assessment of body condition, nutrition and environmental stress, and restriction to a specific geographical region may limit comprehensive evaluation and broader applicability of the findings.

A Study on the Microbial Diversity and Identification of Microbes under Acrylic Nails

Traquell Haley — 2026-04-24

The subungual environment beneath acrylic nails provides favorable conditions for microbial growth and contamination; consequently, inadequate hand and nail hygiene may pose significant health risks. This study aimed to assess the microorganisms present beneath acrylic nails. The research objectives included analyzing microbial diversity using morphological characteristics, Gram staining, biochemical assays, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing; along with evaluating hygiene practices among individuals with acrylic nails across three age groups (15–25, 26–35, and 36–45 years). Additionally, variations in microbial load among these age groups were examined using a one-way ANOVA in R Studio. A cross-sectional study design was employed over a three-week period. Samples were collected from an identified nail salon using sterile, moistened cotton swabs from nine individuals representing the three age groups. Both pre-existing (old) and newly applied acrylic nail sets were sampled, resulting in a total of 21 samples, with procedures conducted in triplicates. Samples were cultured on Nutrient Agar and subsequently sub-cultured on Tryptic Soy Agar to obtain pure cultures. The microorganisms identified included Staphylococcus spp. (59%), Klebsiella sp. (18%), Acinetobacter sp. (15%), Corynebacterium sp. (3%), Micrococcus sp. (2.02%), Bacillus sp. (2%), and Alcaligenes sp. (1%). Microbial distribution varied across age groups, with Staphylococcus spp. consistently present in all categories. Some organisms exhibited age-related patterns; for example, Acinetobacter spp. were more prevalent in individuals aged 15–25, Alcaligenes spp. were detected only in the 36–45 age group, and Bacillus spp. were identified exclusively in the 26–35 group. In contrast, Klebsiella spp. showed a relatively uniform distribution across all age groups. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in microbial load among the age groups (P = .12), suggesting that age is not a primary determinant of microbial abundance. Instead, factors such as environmental exposure, hygiene practices, and occupation are likely to play a more influential role. A relatively high Shannon diversity index (H′ = 6.15) was calculated, indicating a high level of microbial diversity beneath artificial nails. Essentially, these findings underscore an important public health concern, emphasizing the need for improved hand/nail hygiene education and practices among individuals with acrylic nails to reduce the risk of microbial contamination and potential infections.

Post-Harvest Interventions for Reduction of Anthracnose-induced Losses in Banana (Musa paradisiaca L.)

M. Ramanjineyulu — 2026-04-25

Post-harvest anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum musae is a major constraint to the storability, marketability and profitability of banana. The present investigation assessed the effectiveness of selected post-harvest treatments in controlling anthracnose, extending shelf life and reducing post-harvest losses in banana. Mature green fruits were subjected to ten post-harvest treatments comprising physical, chemical, biological and integrated approaches, along with an untreated control, under a Completely Randomized Design. The treatments differed significantly for all parameters studied. An integrated treatment involving hot water treatment at 52 °C for 5 minutes followed by chitosan coating (1%) was the most effective, recording the lowest anthracnose incidence (18.9%) and disease severity index (11.4%) compared with the control (68.4% and 42.6, respectively). This treatment also significantly extended shelf life (14.5 days) relative to untreated fruits (7.0 days) and reduced post-harvest losses to 12.4% as against 34.5% in the control. Economically, the same treatment resulted in the highest net returns (₹11.80 kg⁻¹) and benefit-cost ratio (1.95). The findings clearly establish that integrated post-harvest interventions provide an effective and economically sustainable strategy for managing anthracnose and minimizing post-harvest losses in banana.

Determination of Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern and Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) Index of Blood-borne Pathogens in People with Bloodstream Infections (BSIs) in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Dhaka

Monika Sultana — 2026-04-25

Bloodstream infections are serious, often life-threatening conditions caused by bacteria in the blood, leading to sepsis, organ failure, and high mortality worldwide, especially in children and developing countries. Their treatment is increasingly complicated by antimicrobial resistance, making blood culture essential for accurate diagnosis and effective therapy. Aim of the study was to detect antimicrobial susceptibility and multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of blood-borne pathogens from suspected patients with bacteremia in Dhaka city, Bangladesh which is a prime contributor to antibiotic resistance. A total of 498 blood samples were collected from male and female participants of different age groups who attended the hospital for treatment purposes with symptoms of BSI. The study was conducted in the laboratory of Thyroid Care and Diagnostic Centre (TCDC) in Dhaka city from December 2024 to June 2025. Only 9.8% (n=49) of positive samples were primarily detected by BacT/Alert microbial detection system; further identification was done by conventional microbiological methods. Of 49 positive samples, we identified five bacterial isolates (73.5% gram-positive and 26.5% gram-negative) and their antibiotic sensitivity testing was done by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The most causative agent for blood infections was Salmonella spp., 42.8% (n=21) and least prevalent was Streptococcus pneumonia,6.1% (n=3). Frequency of male participants were marginally more than females, (51% males vs. 49% females). Moreover, most of the positive cases (34.7%, n=17) were observed in people above 50 years and least infected (12.2%, n=6) between 31-40 years. In case of gram-negative and-positive bacteria, moderate to high (60-80%) sensitivity was observed against aminoglycoside antibiotic- amikacin (AK) along with cephalosporin antibiotics- cephradine (CE) and ceftriaxone (CRO) except for Klebsiella spp. and Staphylococcus spp. which showed low sensitivity (40%) against amikacin. On the contrary, low to moderate resistance of the isolates were revealed against most of the antibiotics tested. Low to high (0.1 to 0.5) MAR index were manifested against six classes of fourteen antibiotics. MAR indexes for five isolates revealed 4.1% (n=2) with MAR index greater than 0.2 and 85.7% (n=42) less than 0.2; the most prevalent was 0.28 in most of the isolates. This study will help the healthcare providers to select an appropriate antibiotic for typical patients with bacterial infections as treatment is often prescribed ‘empirically’ without antibiotic susceptibility testing.

Evaluating the Impact of Bacillus subtilis on Salmonella Biofilm Formation: A Co-Culture Study

T. D. Induwara — 2026-05-04

Background: Biofilms are structured bacterial communities that enhance microbial survival and significantly contribute to persistent, antibiotic-resistant infections in clinical settings.

Aims: This study aimed at investigating the interaction between Salmonella spp. and Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633) during biofilm formation and assessing the potential antagonistic effects of B. subtilis in co-culture systems.

Study Design: Quantitative and qualitative analysis of biofilms formed by Salmonella isolates in mono- and dual-species cultures with B. subtilis In vitro.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Livestock Laboratory, Department of Livestock Production, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.

Methodology: Ten Salmonella isolates obtained from the laboratory repository maintained at -80⁰ C were cultured as mono and dual-species biofilms with B. subtilis in 96 wells micro titer plates. Quantification of the biofilm formation was done by using a microtiter plate assay according to the standard protocol. As a qualitative assay, the fluorescence microscopy was used to visualize cellulose components in the biofilm matrices following the Calcofluor white staining procedure.

Results: Eight out of ten (8/10) Salmonella isolates exhibited a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in biofilm formation when co-cultured with B. subtilis, with reductions ranging from 21.6% to 64.9%. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed disrupted biofilm architecture and reduced cellulose content in dual-species biofilms compared to the mono species biofilm. Two isolates showed no significant reduction in biofilm formation when co cultured.

Fecal Coliform Contamination of Rural Drinking Water Streams in Okitipupa: Implications for Public Health and Sustainable Water Management

Adeyemo I. A. — 2026-05-09

Introduction: Some Communities in Okitipupa LGA depend on streams for drinking water, exposing them to E. coli risks—a fecal indicator pathogens. Investigating its incidence is essential to quantify contamination levels, identify pollution sources and protect public health as studies show 90.8% or more of untreated household water sources exceed WHO safe limits in drinking water in Nigeria thereby heightening outbreak risks in rural or underserved areas.

Aim: This study investigated the incidence of fecal coliforms in drinking water collected from streams in selected rural communities of Okitipupa Local Government Area (LGA), Ondo State, Nigeria.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Okitipupa LGA, Ondo State, Nigeria, Sample collection and laboratory analysis were carried out over a period of three months.

Study Design and Methodology: A cross-sectional study assessed fecal coliform prevalence in five drinking-water streams in Okitipupa, Ondo State. Triplicate 100 mL samples were collected biweekly for two months. Physico-chemical parameters were measured in situ, while microbiological analysis involved culture, Gram staining, biochemical assays, and molecular techniques for bacterial identification.

Results: Physico – chemical parameters varied across the streams: temperature ranged from 30.1± 1.75 to 31.8 ± 0.60^oC; pH from 5.3 ±0.44 to 6.8 ± 0.11; TDS ranged from 0.63±0.03 to 0.02 ± 0.02mg/L; Electrical Conductivity 2.10 ± 0.09 to 0.19 ±0.07 µS/cm; Specific gravity 1.23 ± 0.25 to 1.00 ±0.00; Salinity 1.00 ±0.00 to 0.00±0.00. Bacteriological analysis detected E. coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Shigella dysenteriae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Micrococcus luteus, and Lactobacillus casei. Fecal coliforms occurred in 3/5 streams (60%), with E. coli signaling recent fecal contamination and health risks from untreated water.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for improved water sanitation, community education on safe water practices, and policy interventions to reduce contamination in rural communities of Okitipupa LGA.

Molecular Characterization of Fungal Isolates Associated with Senecio biafrae (Oliv. & Hiern) Collected in Ibadan Metropolis

H. K. Ademuyiwa — 2026-05-13

Background and Aims: Senecio biafrae is an important leafy vegetable valued for its nutritional and medicinal uses in West Africa. However, it is highly prone to fungal spoilage during handling and storage, which reduces quality and may pose health risks through possible mycotoxin contamination. This study aims to profile the fungi associated with Senecio biafrae in retail and determine the potential for toxin contamination in the isolates.

Place and Duration of Study: Samples were collected from markets in Ibadan and analyses were carried out in the Department of Biological Sciences, Lead City University, Ibadan between May 2025 and August 2025.

Methodology: Molecular characterization of fungi associated with Senecio biafrae in Ibadan metropolis (Nigeria) was carried out using apparently fresh samples collected from retailers in four markets. Portions from the samples were cut, surface-sterilized, rinsed and dried on sterile filter paper. These samples were plated directly on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and observed for fungal growth. Pure cultures were obtained by repeated subculturing, while identification was done macroscopically, microscopically and with molecular techniques using the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region of the fungal Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA). Furthermore, aflatoxin content of the isolates was carried out using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method.

Results: Molecular identification and characterization through DNA sequencing validated the morphological identity of the six fungal isolates as Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus brunneoviolaceus, Penicillium oxalicum, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus tamarii, and Mucor irregularis. Aspergillus niger had the highest percentage of occurrence (31.71%), followed by Aspergillus brunneoviolaceus (26.83%), then, Penicillium oxalicum (19.51.%) and the least occurring were Aspergillus fumigatus (7.32%), Aspergillus tamarii (7.32%) and Mucor irregularis (7.32%). The Aflatoxin content in the samples ranged from 6.8 ppb (Oje market) to 0.2ppb (Mapo market).

Conclusion: With the fungal population and diversity it becomes important for regulatory authorities and retailers to ensure the proper handling of food especially during storage and retail.

Structure-Based Molecular Docking and in silico Screening of Phytochemicals as Potential Inhibitors of Epstein–Barr Virus Glycoprotein and EBNA1

Bhuvi Gupta — 2026-05-13

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infects over 90% of the global adult population and is causally implicated in several malignancies, including Burkitt's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Despite its substantial disease burden, no approved antiviral therapy or prophylactic vaccine currently exists. Here, the study reports a structure-based virtual screening study employing molecular docking, pharmacokinetic profiling, and in silico toxicity prediction to identify phytochemical inhibitors targeting two functionally critical EBV proteins: the EBV glycoprotein (PDB ID: 6C5V), which mediates host cell entry, and Epstein–Barr Nuclear Antigen-1 (EBNA1; PDB ID: 6NPP), which is indispensable for episomal genome maintenance during latency. A curated library of eight ethnomedicinally derived phytochemicals, (-)-β-Sitosterol, Camptothecin, (+)-Berbamine, Apigenin, Agathisflavone, Amentoflavone, Bilobetin, Velutin (5,4′-dihydroxy-7,3′-dimethoxyflavone), was screened using AutoDock Vina, with drug-likeness evaluated via SwissADME and acute oral toxicity estimated using ProTox-III.

Among all compounds evaluated, the bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid (+)-Berbamine exhibited the highest predicted binding affinities against both targets (−11.1 kcal/mol against 6C5V; −11.0 kcal/mol against 6NPP), stabilised primarily through extensive hydrophobic contacts with leucine-, phenylalanine-, and isoleucine-lined binding pockets. The biflavonoid amentoflavone ranked second against EBNA1 (−8.8 kcal/mol), forming four hydrogen bonds within the glycoprotein pocket and engaging EBNA1 residues proximal to the DNA-binding interface. Apigenin and chrysin demonstrated the most favourable drug-likeness profiles, satisfying all five computational drug-likeness filters (Lipinski, Ghose, Veber, Egan, and Muegge) with zero violations and no structural alerts, alongside predicted high gastrointestinal absorption and low acute oral toxicity (GHS Class 5). Chrysin was uniquely predicted to permeate the blood–brain barrier, an attribute of potential relevance to EBV-associated neurological manifestations. Camptothecin, while pharmacokinetically tractable, exhibited the lowest predicted LD₅₀ (50 mg/kg; Class 3), warranting caution regarding its therapeutic window.

These findings identify (+)-Berbamine, apigenin, amentoflavone, and chrysin as prioritised lead candidates combining dual-target inhibitory potential with acceptable pharmacokinetic and safety profiles. This study provides a rational, computational basis for directing experimental antiviral validation against EBV and highlights the underexplored therapeutic value of ethnomedicinally relevant phytochemicals in combating EBV-associated malignancies. While promising, these computational predictions are inherently limited by static docking approaches and require validation through in vitro studies using EBV-positive lymphoblastoid and epithelial cell models.

Bacterial Profile of Community-Acquired Urinary Tract Infections among Adults in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

Boyvin Lydie — 2026-05-14

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent a significant global public health issue, second only to respiratory infections, and are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Bacterial pathogens are the primary etiologic agents of UTIs, which can affect both the upper and lower urinary tracts, manifesting in symptoms like fever, dysuria, urgency, flank pain, burning sensations, suprapubic tenderness, and intermittent urine.

Aim: This study aimed to describe the bacterial profile and resistance profile of community-acquired urinary tract infections in adults in the city of Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire).

Place and Duration of Study: Medical laboratories (Yopougon, North-Abidjan and Plateau, South-Abidjan) (Côte d'Ivoire), between September 2020-December 2022.

Methodology: This retrospective study included adult patients with urinary tract infections. Following a macroscopic examination, a microscopic examination of a urine sample was carried out. Thus, one (1) µL of urine suspension was then inoculated onto various agar media and incubated for 24 hours. Bacterial identification was carried out using the API 20 E system or a rack of Le Minor. Subsequently, susceptibility testing for five classes of antibiotics (beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, cyclins, quinolones and phosphonic acids), manly on Gram-negative bacilli, was carried out using ATB G-EU or discs, and zones of inhibition were detected.

Results: A total of 500 samples were recorded across the two laboratories. At the Plateau laboratory, out of a sample size of 273 patients, 12.82 % presented a positive ECBU, with an average age of 60 ± 2.62 years and a sex ratio (M/F) of 0.5. Four types of microorganisms were identified, including 88.15 % Gram-negative bacilli, predominantly Escherichia coli (60 %); 1.10 % Gram-positive cocci; 2.20 % yeasts (Candida albicans); and 1.10 % intracellular bacteria (Chlamydia trachomatis). As for the Yopougon’s laboratory, 24.67 % of positive cases (out of a total of 227), with an average age of 45 ± 2.20 years and a sex ratio (M/F) of 0.3. Only one type of pathogen was isolated. These were Gram-negative bacilli, predominantly E. coli (57.17%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (23.21%) and Enterobacter cloacae (12.5%). Thus, overall 97.6 % of Gram-negative bacilli were found in both laboratories, with a predominance of E. coli (58.8 %) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (25.2 %) and Enterobacter cloacae (12.5%).

Furthermore, the antibiogram carried out on Gram-negative Bacilli revealed a high overall resistance in E. coli with 47.17% for penicillins (amoxicillin); 39.62% for cephalosporins. Regarding fluoroquinolones, resistance to ciprofloxacin was 62.26% and 67.92% for ofloxacin. As for the aminoglycosides (amikacin), which was 96.88% (Yopougon laboratory). With regard to the other predominant isolated germs, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter cloacae also exhibited high resistance to these different antibiotics at over 60%. Among the other isolates (P. aeruginosa, P. mirabilis, S. marcescens, E. aerogenes, Lerinea sp, K. oxytoca), the resistance observed are varies and is limited to only some of the antibiotics studied.

Conclusion: This study showed that 97.6 % of the isolates were Gram-negative bacilli, a predominance of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae species in urinary tract infections both in the northern and southern areas of the city of Abidjan, and with resistance levels rising steadily (from 39.62% to 96.88%). This resistance is particularly high resistance to fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin; ofloxacin) (over 60%) and aminoglycosides (96.88%).

Optimization of Liquid Media Amendments and Growth Kinetics of Plant Growth-promoting Microbial Strains for Consortium Development

M. Bhavana — 2026-05-16

The increasing demand for sustainable agriculture has highlighted the importance of optimizing liquid biofertilizer formulations and understanding microbial growth kinetics to enhance the stability, viability, and effectiveness of plant growth-promoting bacteria. This study addresses the rising need for sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilizers by exploring the use of plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs). The experiment was conducted in 2022-23 in the Institute of Organic Farming, Dharwad. We standardized growth media for microbial isolates by incorporating various additives (polyethylene glycol, glycerol) and the antioxidant ascorbic acid. A total of 16 formulations were developed and evaluated. Formulations 3, 7, 10, and 16 showed significantly higher populations and were selected for further studies. The growth kinetics of the microbial strains PSA 7, PSA 5, PPFM 33, and LAB 75 were analysed to know the time taken to reach the maximum population by each microbial strain in specific media as well as a common medium (Luria broth- LB). It was also observed that all four microbial strains reached their respective highest population at 48, 48, 48 and 40 hrs respectively after incubation in their common broth medium. The population in terms of both CFU/ml and optical density values started to decline after 56^th h for PSA 7, PSA 5, PPFM 33 while it was observed that 48h for LAB 75. Growth kinetics of these microbial strains suggested that higher growth could be achieved on a common (LB) media amended with protectants as compared to either respective selective media or LB without amendments. These findings underscore the potential for developing high-quality liquid biofertilizers, offering a promising pathway for sustainable agriculture and the reduction of harmful chemical fertilizers in crop production.

Microbial Diversity and Abundance in Fitness Centers of Rural Guyana

Nadia Sara Alli — 2026-05-16

Fitness centers facilitate frequent skin-to-surface contact, creating environments favorable for microbial proliferation and transmission. Despite these risks, microbial contamination remains largely unexplored in the Caribbean, particularly in rural regions. The objective of this study was to assess microbial diversity and abundance present on frequently used fitness equipment in rural Guyana. Surface swab samples (n = 180) were collected in triplicate from frequently contacted equipment across two fitness centers over a two week period. Samples were investigated using culture-based methods followed by morphological and biochemical identification. Differences in microbial abundance were analyzed using preliminary statistical analyses, including one-way ANOVA and Welch’s t-test. All sampled surfaces revealed 100% microbial contamination, with 13 bacterial genera and 3 fungal genera identified overall. Among the bacterial genera, Staphylococcus spp. was predominant across both fitness centers, consistent with its association with human flora and environmental persistence. Bacterial abundance was significantly higher in Fitness center 2 than in Fitness center 1, whereas Fitness center 1 showed greater microbial diversity. These findings indicate that fitness equipment serves as reservoirs for opportunistic pathogens, posing potential health risks to users, thereby highlighting the need for public health interventions in fitness facilities within low-resource settings.