Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research

Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2015

Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr

© 2015 International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Patients with suspected visceral leishmaniasis in Istanbul

Huseyin Cakan¹, Suat Saribas²*, Vecdet Oz¹, Erdal Polat², Mustafa Aslan² and Bekir Kocazeybek²

¹Institute of Forensic Sciences, Istanbul University, Turkey.

²Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology Department, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Turkey.

Accepted 29 October, 2014

Abstract

We performed a four year study to investigate the Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) cases in, Turkey. Fifty-nine patients with suspected VL from Istanbul were included in this work. Bone marrow and blood samples of these patients were tested for possible VL infection using several methods including serological tests, microscopy, PCR. Nineteen (32.2%) patients had positive results for VL after one or more of the tests performed, while only 7 patients (11.8%) had positive results with all the tests including Giemsa stain. Four (6.8%) patients had negative results based on all the serological tests performed except for positive results with Giemsa stain, culture and PCR. The other 4 (6.8%) patients had positive results with Formol-gel, ELISA IgG (>1.1 ISR) and IFAT IgG, (>1/256) but negative results were obtained with direct microscopic examination, culture and PCR. Using PCR Leishmania infantum DNA was detected in 11(18.6%) of the (Leishmania) cultures originated from the bone marrow samples. Plasmodium vivax was found in 2 (3.4%) patients and leptospira was detected in 1 (1.7%) patient. One (1.7%) patient was diagnosed with Pneumonia (Streptococcus pneumoniae) . Forty (67.8%) patients had negative results after direct microscopic examination, culture, serological tests and PCR. The kappa coefficients = 0.80 = 1.00, = 0.51, = 0.55 and = 0.45 were evaluated for PCR and direct microscopic examination, PCR and culture, PCR and ELISA, PCR and IFAT and PCR and Formol-Gel, as perfect agreement, perfect agreement, moderate agreement and moderate agreement fair moderate, respectively. The probability values (p) for comparisons of all the above tests with PCR showed a significant correlation (p < 0.000) In conclusion, we found that no single method alone was sufficient enough to diagnose VL accurately; however, combined with PCR, all these methods can reveal better and sensitive results ultimately leading to a correct diagnosis. We also suggest that PCR has to be applied with other laboratory diagnostic tests in order to increase the sensitivity in diagnosis and decrease the possible defects in diagnosis.

Key words: Visceral leishmaniasis, Leishmania infantum, Turkey.

Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2015

Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr

© 2015 International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Inhibitory effect of aqueous garlic extract (Allium sativum) on some isolated Salmonella serovars

H. Belguith¹*, F. Kthiri², A. Chati², A. Abu Sofah, J. Ben Hamida¹ and A. Ladoulsi²

¹Unité de Protéomie Fontionelle et de Biopréservation Alimentaire, Institut Supérieur des Sciences Biologiques Apliquées de Tunis, 9 Avenue Zouhaïr Essafi, 1007, Tunis, Tunisie.

²Laboratoire de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire, Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Tunisia.

³Biochemistry Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Jouf University, Saudi Arabia.

Accepted 11 November, 2014

Abstract

There has been a consistent increase in the search for alternative and efficient compound for food conservation, aiming a partial or total replacement of antimicrobial chemical additives. Garlic offers a promising alternative for food safety and bioconservation. Filter sterilized, aqueous garlic extract was tested for ability to inhibit the growth of some isolated Salmonella serovars. The aqueous garlic extract (A. G. E., 57.1% (w/v), containing 324 µg/ml allicin) inhibited the growth and killed most of the tested Salmonella serovars. The effect of bacteriostatic concentration of A. G. E. on the growth of the different tested serovars, revealed a pattern of inhibition characterized by: (i) a transitory inhibition phase whose duration was proportional to A. G. E concentration (ii) a resumed growth phase which showed a lower rate of growth than in uninhibited controls and (iii) an entry into stationary phase at a lower culture density. The minimal inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentrations were very close; garlic MIC range 10 - 12.5 mg/ml; MBC range 13 - 15 mg/ml. Garlic extract could be stored at 4°C because no detectable loss of antibacterial activity at this temperature over several days was observed. However, excessive warming, or longer periods at higher temperatures should be avoided. Among enzymatic activities followed with the API-ZYM system, significant changes during the inhibition phase were detected. These biochemical changes represent an adaptative response towards the garlic stress.

Key words: Allium sativum, allicin, garlic, antimicrobial, Salmonella.

Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2015

Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr

© 2015 International Scholars Journals

Review

Advances in research of pathogenic mechanism of pine wilt disease

Zhen Wang, Chun Yan Wang, Zhe Ming Fang, Dong Liang Zhang, Lei Liu, Mi Ra Lee, Zheng Li, Jing Jie Li and Chang Keun Sung^*

Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 305 - 764, South Korea.

Accepted 22 December, 2014

Abstract

Pine wilt disease, caused by the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is the most serious disease of pine tree with great economic losses. So far it is not clear why the pine trees turn wilting, though several hypotheses about the pathogenic mechanism of pine wilt disease have been presented, such as phytotoxins causing death of pine trees; cellulases hydrolyzing celluloses of pine tree; terpenoids causing cavitation and water column breakage of pine tree, etc. Recently, it was found that certain bacteria, symbiotically associated with the pinewood nematode, may play some roles in the pathogenicity of the disease. Since the pine wilt disease is a complex interrelationships among beetle, pine tree, fungi, bacterium and nematode, all the pathogenic factors are not mutually exclusive, which means a variety of factors make pine tree for death, rather than a single factor. Pinewood nematode and bacteria produce phytotoxins and cellulases, which cause the defense of pine tree and stimulate the production of terpenoids to form cavitation, break water columns and finally make pine trees wilting. Pinewood nematode is involved in the production of phytotoxins, cellulases and terpenoids; therefore it is a vital and indispensable factor for pine wilting disease.

Key words: Pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, pathogenic mechanism, terpenoid, cavitation, cellulase, phytotoxin, bacteria.

Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2015

Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr

© 2015 International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

In vitro antifungal activity of allicin alone and in combination with two medications against six dermatophytic fungi

Farzad Aala¹, Umi Kalsom Yusuf¹*, Alireza Khodavandi², and Farida Jamal³

¹Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.

²Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.

³Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.

Accepted 17 December, 2014

Abstract

Dermatophytes are fungi capable of invading keratinized tissues of humans and animals, causing dermatomycosis. Azole antifungal drugs are often used in the treatment of dermatomycosis. Because of increased use of these medications, azoles are known to cause drug resistance; hence this study investigated an alternative anti-dermatophyte which is plant-based, and biodegradable natural product. Allicin is a pure bioactive compound derived from garlic, which is known worldwide for its antifungal activities. This study evaluated the in vitro efficacy of pure allicin alone against six dermatophyte isolates and the MIC50 and MIC90 ranged from 0.098 – 25.0 µg/ml. Results of this study showed that the order of efficacy based on the MICs values was fluconazole > allicin > ketoconazole at 28ºC for both 7 and 10 days incubation. On the other side, most of tested drug combinations demonstrated synergistic or additive interaction for all isolates for both 7 and 10 days incubation at 28ºC. In conclusion allicin alone showed very good potential as an antifungal compound against mycoses-causing dermatophytes, performing better than the synthetic drug fluconazole, and almost the same as ketoconazole, furthermore allicin in combination with ketoconazole or with fluconazole frequently showed synergistic or additive interaction against dermatomycosis.

Key words: Allicin, antifungal drugs, dermatophytes, MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration).

Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2015

Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr

© 2015 International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Investigation of a measles outbreak in a Rural Nigerian community – The Aladura experience

 I. A. Adeoye¹, M. D. Dairo¹, L. V. Adekunle¹, H. O. Adedokun² and J. Makanjuola²

¹Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, College of Medicine, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

²Department of Public Health Nursing, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Accepted 17 December, 2014

Abstract

The global burden of measles has remained a public health challenge. Worldwide, measles is the fifth leading cause of death among under-five children with an estimate of 197,000 deaths in 2007. In Nigeria, measles is an important cause of childhood morbidity and mortality. Measles outbreaks have been increasingly common in the country with 30, 194 and 256 outbreaks reported in 2006, 2007 and 2008 respectively. This paper describes the investigation, findings and mitigation efforts of a measles outbreak in Ogunmakin, a rural community in South-western Nigeria from 7^th January to 15 ^th February 2009. The study design was descriptive and cross-sectional in nature. The investigation was multi-disciplinary in nature performed based on the national guidelines for investigating a measles outbreak. This involved data and blood sample collection from the initial cases, notification of the local government health authority, active search and line listing of cases from other health facilities. A household survey was conducted to find additional cases as well as to define the extent of the outbreak. Qualitative techniques were also employed to explore the issues associated with the uptake of immunization in the community. A total of 29 measles cases were identified, all were less than five years old. There were two deaths giving a case fatality rate of 6.9%. Majority of the cases (96.5%) were not immunized against measles. The epidemic spanned 5 weeks with majority of the cases occurring in the 2^nd week. There was a clustering of cases in one of the five quarters/settlement – Otesile. The measles immunization coverage for the community was estimated as 22.9%. The stated reasons for the poor uptake of immunization were lack of time, not regarding it as important. A total of 432 children aged 9 months to 15 years received measles antigen during the response vaccination campaign. The measles outbreak in Ogunmakin village was due to low routine immunization coverage resulting in an accumulation of susceptible children. Socio-cultural factors and weak health infrastructure contribute significantly to the low uptake of immunization. There is the need mobilized the entire community on the importance of immunization as well as strengthen the provision of routine immunization.

Key words: Measles, public health, immunization, childhood morbidity, childhood mortality, vaccination.

Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2015

Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr

© 2015 International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Study on b-galactosidase enzyme produced by isolated lactobacilli from milk and cheese

Elmira Gheytanchi¹, Fariba Heshmati¹, Bahareh Kordestani Shargh¹, Jamileh Nowroozi¹ and

Farahnaz Movahedzadeh²

¹Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical School, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat High way, P. O. Box 14155-6183, Tehran, Iran.

²University of Illinois, Chicago, USA.

Accepted 22 December, 2014

Abstract

-galactosidases enzyme have been used in the dairy industry for the improvement of lactose intolerance. The aim of this study was to detect b-galactosidase enzyme produced by isolated lactobacilli from milk and cheese. Isolated lactobacilli were cultured on MRS agar. Lactobacilli were identified by Gram stain and standard bacteriological and biochemical methods. Their ability to hydrolyze 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl- -D- galactopyranoside (X-Gal) and O-nitrophenyl- -D-galactopyranoside (ONPG) was determined. A protein band of indicated b-galactosidase enzyme was also detected by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) method. The colonies that produced green color on X-Gal plates were lactobacilli with b-galactosidase enzyme which had ONPG positive results. The highest enzymatic value (1,966 U/ml) was observed in one strain of Lactobacillus delbrueckii. A 116 kDa protein band was detected in some strains (37%) with highest enzyme value and in others (63%), protein band was weak by SDS-PAGE method. By adding Lactobacilli producing b-galactosidase enzyme as probiotic to dairy products, could help lactose intolerant people.

Key words: Lactobacillus,  -galactosidase, X-Gal, ONPG, SDS-PAGE.