African Journal of Parasitology Research

African Journal of Parasitology Research ISSN 2756-3391 Vol. 7 (3), pp. 001-008, March, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Characterization of Virgibacillus strain TKNR13-3 from fermented shrimp paste (ka-pi) and its protease production

Somboon Tanasupawat¹*, Thanapun Taprig², Ancharida Akaracharanya² and Wonnop Visessanguan³

¹Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.

²Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.

³National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand.

Accepted 05 January, 2020

Abstract

A moderately halophilic bacterium, TKNR13-3, isolated from fermented shrimp paste (ka-pi) in Thailand was identified as Virgibacillus halodenitrificans based on its phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (Rrna) gene sequence and deoxyribonucleic-deoxyribonucleic (DNA-DNA) relatedness. The strain TKNR13-3 produced substantial amount of extracellular protease. Its protease production was maximum when grown in JCM No.377 medium without casamino acids but containing 2% (w/v) yeast extract and 5% (w/v) NaCl at 37°C, pH 6.5 for 3 days. The optimum pH, salt concentration and temperature for the protease activity were pH 8, 15% (w/v) NaCl and 60°C, respectively. Thus, the enzyme was salt-tolerant and slightly thermoalkaliphilic. The protease activity was strongly inhibited (77.62%) by chymostatin. Therefore, the protease of strain TKNR13-3 was serine protease type chymotrypsin. Activity stained-substrate gel of the crude protease indicated the presence of several proteases with the estimated molecular mass of 12, 21, 29, 39 and 49 kDa.

Key words: Halophilic bacteria, Virgibacillus halodenitrificans, protease, fermented shrimp paste.

African Journal of Parasitology Research ISSN 2756-3391 Vol. 7 (3), pp. 001-006, March, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

In vitro susceptibility of some antimicrobials against bacteria enteropathogens

Xiaojuan Xin, Bei Jia*, Wenxiang Huang, Chengwei Liu and Chongzhi Li

Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.

Accepted 21 January, 2020

Abstract

To investigate the current resistant levels of enteric bacteria in southwestern China, broth dilution method was used to detect in vitro susceptibility of rifaximin, ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin, azithromycin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (SMZ/TMP) against 101 enteropathogens isolated from cases of bacterial diarrhea of four teaching hospitals. For all the isolates, ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin and SMZ/TMP had MIC₉₀s of 64, 32 and >128 mg/L, respectively, much higher than CLSI resistance cutoffs. Azithromycin also had very high MIC₉₀ value of >128 mg/L. The MIC₉₀ of rifaximin was 64 mg/L, much lower than the intestinal lumen concentration measured after administration of this agent. Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli were highly resistant to fluoroquinolones with resistant frequency of >40%. The in vitro activity of ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin and azithromycin on Shigella spp was of concern with the MIC₉₀s of 64, 16 and 64 mg/L, respectively. The majority of Salmonella spp isolated retained susceptibility to the antimicrobials tested. Comparing with other regions or countries, resistance rates of enteropathogens were much higher in this area of China. Rifaximin is a promising treatment and chemophylaxis for nonsystemic bacteria diarrhea.

Key words: Antimicrobial, infectious diarrhea, enteropathogen, susceptibility.

African Journal of Parasitology Research  ISSN 2756-3391 Vol. 7 (2), pp. 001-013, February, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Investigation of a haemorrhagic febrile illness in Nakaseke District, Central Uganda: A case series report

Elizabeth Sentongo^1*, Patrick Tusiime², David Muwanguzi², Jude Okiria² and Richardson Mafigiri²

¹Department of Microbiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.

²Department of National Disease Control, Ministry of Health P. O. Box 7272, Kampala, Uganda.

Accepted 05 February, 2020

Abstract 

Persons in Nakaseke and neighbouring districts within Central Uganda suffered from a haemorrhagic febrile illness. Four tested positive for the Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) virus, five for the Rift Valley Fever (RVF) virus, however over twenty tested RT-PCR-negative for Ebola, Marburg, CCHF, RVF and Sosuga viruses. In January-February 2018, we investigated cases and deaths with Viral Haemorrhagic Fever (VHF)-like manifestations that tested negative. Patients isolated at Kiwoko, Nakaseke and Mulago-Kiruddu hospitals were evaluated, homes were visited and hospital records were reviewed, noting admissions with haemorrhage since 2017. The nine isolations had fever and came from Nakaseke and Luweero districts. There was haematemesis, epistaxis, haematochesia, melaena and otorrhagia. Clinical findings included lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly and hepatomegaly. Laboratory analysis revealed anaemia, thrombocytopenia, microfilariae in blood, urine and faeces, schistosome ova in urine and faeces and Leishmania in blood. Two deceased had had fever, haematemesis and epistaxis. Home-visiting noted termite mound-riddled terrain, domestic use of pond and swamp water and open excretion. The suspicion of VHF was appropriate, however in Africa there are other possible causes of haemorrhagic fever like the multiparasitism demonstrated which included filariasis, schistosomiasis and leishmaniasis. The communities living environment was considered favourable for the vectors and transmission of the parasites.

Key words: Haemorrhagic fever, multiparasitism, filariasis, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, Uganda.

African Journal of Parasitology Research ISSN 2343-6549 Vol. 7 (2), pp. 001-003, February, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Prevalence and intensity of nodular oesophagostomosis in West African Long Legged goats in Northern Benin

Sahidou Salifou¹, Dadjo Florian Daga² and Sabbas Attindehou¹*

¹Laboratory of Applied Biology Research, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP 2009 Cotonou, Benin.

²Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Abomey, 01 BP 526 Cotonou, Benin.

Accepted 08 December, 2019

Abstract

This study was conducted between January and December, 2011 to assess the prevalence and intensity of nodular lesions caused by Oesophagostomum species into the intestine of Benin goats. Intestines of 384 West African Long Legged (WALL) goats, from Northern Benin, were examined during slaughter, and 241 intestines (62.8%) were found to be positive for nodular lesions. The infection rate was significantly (p < 0.05) higher during the rainy season in comparison with dry season. Animals above one year of ages were mostly affected (82.5%). Extensive lesions were observed in 95 large intestines (24.9%) and calcified nodules were observed in 130 intestines (34%).

Key words: Oesophagostomum species, nodules, goats, prevalence, Northern Benin.

African Journal of Parasitology Research ISSN 2343-6549 Vol. 7 (2), pp. 001-004, February, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Antiparasitic effects of the water extract from Chenopodium ambrosioides L. (Chenopodiaceae) against some gastrointestinal nematodes in West African Long Legged goats

Sahidou SALIFOU¹, Dadjo Florian DAGA², Sabbas ATTINDEHOU¹*, Rodolph DEGUENON¹ and Cyprien Félix BIAOU¹

¹Laboratoire de Recherche en Biologie Appliquée, Université d’Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP 2009 Cotonou, Bénin.

²Département de Production Animale, Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d’Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP 526 Cotonou, Bénin.

Accepted 05 November, 2019

Abstract

An in vivo test was undertaken in order to evaluate the efficacy of an aqueous extract of leaves of Chenopodium ambrosioïdes against nematode parasites in goats. The study used fifteen naturally infected West African Long Legged goats (Capra hircus) from Northern Benin. Three levels (1, 2 or 4 ml/kg body weight/3 days treatment) of concentration of the herbal drug were administrated to three experimental groups and in comparison with two control groups (one without treatment and the other treated with levamisole as a reference drug). Results showed significant (P<0.001) decrease of faecal strongyle eggs in experimental groups. After three days of treatment, the reduction in the rate of egg shedding was over 70% in animals treated with herbal medicine, whereas egg shedding rates remained the same in the non treated group. The rates of reduction in faecal eggs reached almost 100% in few days (5 to 6 days) among treated animals without a significant dose-dependent effect. Moreover, helminthological autopsy performed on the study animals after treatment showed an almost total absence of worms. C. ambrosioïdes aqueous extract exerted a kind of parasite clearing effect in the abomasums and in the small intestine. This indicates the effectiveness of the herbal extract against gastrointestinal parasitic. The lowest dosage of 1 ml/kg body weight for three days treatment was found to be appropriate and prescriptive. No acute toxicity was recorded and the autopsy of internal organs revealed only rare cases of congestion and petechiae on the liver and lungs in animals treated with 4 ml/kg body weight.

Key words: Goats, gastrointestinal nematodes, controlling, herbal medicine, Chenopodium ambrosioïdes.