Journal of Advances in Microbiology

Evaluation of Phytochemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activities of Terminalia avicennoides, Terminalia macroptera, and Argemone mexicana Used as Traditional Medicine in Burkina Faso

Jotham Yhi-pênê N’DO — 2025-11-03

Aims: The objective of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial activities of Terminalia avicennoides, Terminalia macroptera, and Argemone mexicana, three plants used in traditional medicine in Burkina Faso.

Study Design: This work is experimental research aiming to produce scientific information on the effectiveness of these plants in the treatment of malaria, bacterial and fungal diseases.

Place and Duration of Study: The Pharmacognosy Laboratory at the National Center for Training and Research on Malaria (CNRFP) in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) served as the framework for carrying out research activities from July 25, 2022 to April 24, 2023.

Methodology: Ethanolic and hydroethanolic extracts were prepared from the leaves of T. avicennoides, the roots of T. macroptera, and the aerial parts of A. mexicana. After qualitative screening, the total phenolic, flavonoid, and flavonol contents were determined. Antiplasmodial activity was tested in vitro on the 3D7 strain of Plasmodium falciparum. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against six bacteria and a strain of Candida albicans. The cytotoxicity of the extracts was measured by a hemolysis test.

Results: The presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and quinones has been confirmed in the extracts except the saponins were not found in the ethanolic extract of three plants. The ethanolic extract of A. mexicana showed excellent antiplasmodial activity (IC₅₀ = 2.797 ± 0.54 µg/mL), followed by that of T. avicennoides (IC₅₀ = 3.013 ± 0.22 µg/mL). However, extracts of A. mexicana were inactive against all microbial strains tested. Extracts of T. avicennoides showed the best antibacterial activity, particularly against Staphylococcus epidermidis (17 ± 1.77 mm). All extracts showed very low hemolytic toxicity.

Conclusion: These results validate the traditional use of these plants. Argemone mexicana is a promising source for new antimalarial drugs, while Terminalia avicennoides shows great potential for the development of antibacterial therapies.

Isolation and Evaluation of Antimicrobial-resistant Patterns of Food-borne Salmonella Enteritidis from Chicken Meat Samples

Maria Anto Dani Nishanth — 2025-11-04

Aims: This study was undertaken to isolate and evaluate the antimicrobial resistance pattern of food-borne Salmonella Enteritidis from the chicken meat samples.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Samples collected from various retail chicken outlets of the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu between January 2025- May 2025.

Methodology: 100 chicken meat samples were randomly collected from various sources and processed for isolation of Salmonella Spp. as recommended by the FDA by pre-enrichment in buffered peptone water, followed by enrichment and streaking in Rappaport-Vassiliadis broth and XLD agar, respectively. Then the presumptive isolates were stained and biochemically characterized using standard procedures. The typical isolates were finally confirmed using S. Enteritidis-specific PCR and evaluated for their antibiotic sensitivity profile.

Results: Among the 100 chicken samples processed for isolation, 16 samples showed typical presumptive colony morphology in selective media; However, among those, 7 were confirmed as Salmonella Spp. by biochemical tests. Out of those 7 biochemically characterized Salmonella Spp. 6 were confirmed as Salmonella Enteritidis by serovar-specific PCR. All six characterized isolates were resistant to multiple groups of antibiotics, viz. Nalidixic Acid, Sulfadiazine, Cefpodoxime, Cefoperazone, Gentamicin, Tetracycline, and Amoxicillin in in vitro sensitivity analysis.

Conclusion: This alarming increase in antimicrobial resistance in foodborne pathogens needs extensive research and education to overcome the threat in the near future.

Development and Evaluation of Functional Buttermilk Enriched with Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica), Rock Salt and Black Cumin (Nigella sativa)

Thangallapally Aravind — 2025-11-04

Aims: The study aimed to develop and evaluate functional buttermilk fortified with foxtail millet, rock salt, and black cumin to enhance its nutritional, functional, and sensory qualities.

Study Design: Development of Functional Buttermilk enriched with functional ingredients and its analysis.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Department of Dairy Technology, Dairy Science College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, during the period from December 2024 to September 2025.

Methodology: Cow milk (fat 3.5%, SNF 8.5%) was incorporated with foxtail millet flour at 5%. Then subjected to heat treatment at 90 °C for 5 minutes, followed by cooling to 37 °C. The milk was then inoculated with 2% Lactococci culture and incubated at 37 °C for 4–5 hours to allow the setting of millet enriched curd. The set curd was broken using agitators, and water was added in a 1:1.5 ratio. Subsequently, rock salt (1.0%) and black cumin seed powder (1.0%) were added. The optimized product was then analysed for its techno functional attributes and microbiological quality.

Results: The optimized formulation (5% foxtail millet, 1% rock salt and 1% black cumin seed powder) achieved the highest overall acceptability score (8.45), surpassing the control (8.06). The optimized functional buttermilk contained 1.82% fat, 2.42% protein, 92.8% moisture, 7.2% total solids, 1.36% ash, and 0.49% fiber. It showed 0.40%LA acidity and 61.4% DPPH antioxidant activity, 12.40 cP viscosity, 0.920 water activity, and colour values L* 66.07, a* –0.40, b* 4.30. Coliforms, yeast, and molds were nil. Statistical analysis using R software, and ANOVA with a critical difference at P = 0.05 revealed significant treatment effects.

Conclusion: This formulation exhibited enhanced sensory, physicochemical, and antioxidant properties, with no microbial contamination, demonstrating its potential for commercial application as a health-oriented dairy beverage that combines traditional ingredients with functional benefits.

Urban Wastewater Management: Microbial Ecology, Public Health Implications and Sustainable Reuse

Shreeya Das — 2025-11-01

Wastewater, containing a diverse array of organic, inorganic, and synthetic materials, including pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), poses significant public health risks if inadequately treated. This review explores the microbial ecology of urban wastewater, focusing on the presence of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and parasites, as well as the prevalence of ARGs. The article highlights the potential of wastewater-based epidemiology for monitoring infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, and discusses the various infections and illnesses associated with exposure to untreated or poorly treated wastewater. These include intestinal infections, skin infections, and waterborne diseases like campylobacteriosis, cryptosporidiosis, and hepatitis A. It also examines the role of hospital and pharmaceutical wastewater as reservoirs for ARGs and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, emphasizing the need for effective treatment technologies to mitigate these risks. Advanced wastewater treatment processes, such as microbial fuel cells and vermicomposting, are discussed as potential solutions for pathogen removal and sustainable wastewater management. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of treated wastewater reuse in addressing freshwater scarcity and the need for a comprehensive approach to urban wastewater management that integrates effective treatment technologies, monitoring strategies, and risk assessment to protect public health and promote sustainable water reuse practices.

Integrated Composting and Anaerobic Digestion for Zoo Waste Management: A Review

Riddhi Goswami — 2025-11-04

India is home to more than 150 zoological parks that play a vital role in biodiversity conservation, education, and tourism. However, these facilities generate considerable quantities of biodegradable waste daily, including animal manure, bedding litter, uneaten feed, and garden residues. Traditional disposal methods such as open dumping, incineration, or basic composting lead to foul odors, greenhouse gas emissions, and potential pathogen spread. In the Indian context, where climatic conditions and organic waste composition vary widely, integrated anaerobic digestion (AD) and composting systems have emerged as a sustainable and economically feasible strategy for zoo waste management. Anaerobic digestion produces renewable biogas energy, while composting of the digestate ensures safe stabilization and nutrient recycling. This review consolidates recent developments in India (2018–2025) related to integrated AD–composting technologies, focusing on the composition of zoo waste, process optimization, and environmental and economic outcomes. Case studies from the National Zoological Park (New Delhi), Mysuru Zoo (Karnataka), Nehru Zoological Park (Hyderabad) and Nandankanan Zoo (Bhubaneswar) demonstrate the feasibility of these systems. The review emphasizes that integrated waste-to-energy and composting models can reduce waste volume by up to 80%, achieve near-zero landfill disposal, and contribute to India’s national missions such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Waste to Wealth Programme. Challenges related to technology adoption, operational expertise, and policy implementation are also discussed, along with recommendations for future research and inter-institutional collaboration. Overall, the integration of anaerobic digestion and composting provides a sustainable, circular solution for managing zoo waste in India, aligning environmental stewardship with clean energy generation and nutrient recovery.

A Review of Phenol Degrading Fungi from Industrial Areas

Ankita Akash Verma — 2025-11-04

Phenol is a widespread environmental contaminant, commonly found in effluents from petroleum refineries, chemical manufacturing, pulp and paper industries, and textile plants. Its high toxicity, persistence, and water solubility make it a significant ecological and public health hazard. Traditional methods for phenol remediation are often energy-intensive, costly, and generate secondary pollutants. In recent years, fungi have emerged as promising biological agents for the degradation of phenol due to their ability to produce a wide array of oxidative enzymes and adapt to harsh environments. This review explores the sources and environmental implications of phenol pollution, the mechanisms by which fungi degrade phenol, and the diversity of fungal species capable of bioremediation. It further discusses the isolation of fungal strains from industrial areas, the application of bioreactor technologies, and recent advances in fungal genetics and metabolic engineering. Challenges and opportunities in this field are highlighted to guide future research toward sustainable and efficient phenol bioremediation strategies.