Aims: The aim of this study was to determine which natural and inexpensive materials induced the highest production of prodigiosin pigment in local Serratia marcescens isolates. Furthermore, this study focused on purifying and identifying a single red pigment among several pigments in the crude extract of S. marcescens by HPLC. Methodology and results: Two isolates of S. marcescens (S1 and S2) were isolated from urine and a urinary catheter. Isolates were identified based on the red color of colonies when growing on nutrient agar medium incubated at 28 °C, which gave an adverse reaction to Gram stain; the diagnosis was completed with several biochemical tests. The highest yield of this pigment was investigated using Luria-Bertani (LB) medium supplemented with available materials (sesame, peanut, and coconut meat seed powders). Results showed that LB containing sesame powder medium induced the highest prodigiosin production in S1 and S2 isolates (179.398 and 107.280 unit/cell, respectively). On the other hand, S1 and S2 isolates on LB supplemented with peanut medium produced 150.492 and 93.970 units/cell of prodigiosin, respectively. However, coconut meat supplement through LB failed to induce bacteria to synthesize the pigment. The pigment was identified in a retention time equal to 2.2 min through crude extraction and prodigiosin (with red color) was purified successfully by the preparative-HPLC technique. Conclusion, significance and impact of study This study successfully showed that natural and inexpensive products were able to induce prodigiosin pigment production from local S. marcescens isolates. Results showed that sesame seed powder was the best carbon source that induced prodigiosin, followed by peanut seed powder. Prodigiosin was identified and purified successfully by the preparative-HPLC technique. Research findings suggest that low-cost materials could be used to reduce the cost of prodigiosin production.

Aims: Calamus castaneus is a non-climbing rattan plant widely distributed in tropical rainforests. The sharp spines of rattan palm harbour endophytic fungi, which may produce extracellular enzymes that contribute to various functions without harming the host plant. This study was aimed to evaluate the ability of fungal endophytes isolated from the C. castaneus spines to produce extracellular enzymes, including protease, pectinase, amylase, lipase and cellulase. Methodology and results: Thirty-four (34) endophytic fungal isolates were tested for their ability to produce extracellular enzymes using the agar plate method. Enzyme activity was measured using the enzyme index (EI) by measuring the halo (clear zone) on the agar medium. The EI value indicates the strength of the enzyme produced by the endophytes. Results demonstrated that all thirty-four fungal endophytes could produce at least one extracellular enzyme. Xylaria cubensis BR90 showed the highest protease activity of 5.73 EI. Muyocopron laterale (SM60) showed the highest pectinase activity of 2.74 EI. For lipase and cellulase activities, Cyphellophora guyanensis (BR71) produced 2.26 EI while Acremonium hennebertii (BR70) produced 1.97 EI, respectively. Conclusion, significance and impact of study Endophytic fungi from spines of C. castaneus were able to produce cellulase, pectinase, lipase, protease and amylase. The extracellular enzymes degraded different substrates, suggesting different types of interaction of the fungal endophytes with the host plant.

Aims: The objective of the study was to isolate bacteriophages and conduct a comprehensive analysis of their potential against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) strains in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Methodology and results: Twelve Xoo strains were isolated from rice fields located in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Among these strains, three strains Xoo L019, L020 and L024, showed the highest disease index of bacterial blight. Four phages specific to Xoo were isolated from soil, water and leaf samples, and their morphologies were determined. In a test against 12 Xoo strains, phage L541, MLA23 or W41 could infect 10 of the 12 Xoo strains, while phage LBH01 could infect 8 of the 12 Xoo strains. The stability of the phages to pH, organic solvents, UV-A and UV-B was also evaluated. Conclusion, significance and impact of study The initial characterization of the phages indicates their potential as biocontrol agents against bacterial blight in rice. The study is one of the very first studies about Xoo phages in rice in Vietnam.

Aims: The aim of this study was to identify an isolate B, an exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing lactic acid bacteria and determine the fermentation time effect on EPS production. Methodology and results: Isolate B, an EPS producer, was isolated from peanut milk containing commercial sugar, which was fermented spontaneously for 24 h. Isolate B was identified biochemically using API 50 CH and molecularly based on 16S rDNA. The effect of fermentation time on EPS production by isolate B with variations of the fermentation time were 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 h. Isolate B was able to produce EPS qualitatively by producing mucoid colonies on solid media containing sucrose. The identification revealed that this isolate was Weissella confusa both biochemically using API 50 CH and molecularly based on 16S rDNA sequence homology-based method. The fermentation time significantly affected EPS production (P<0.05). Isolate B (W. confusa) produced the highest EPS (10.41 g/L) at 36 h with a cell viability of 6.5 × 108 CFU/mL. Furthermore, the FTIR results of EPS showed absorption bands characteristic of carbohydrates, including O-H, C-H, C=O, C-O-C and α-1,6 glycosidic groups. The EPS in this study was most likely a dextran type. Conclusion, significance and impact of study The yield of EPS production was influenced by fermentation time. Results suggest that W. confusa isolated from peanut milk had a good ability for EPS production. Therefore, it can be considered further to apply this strain for the production of EPS. However, further research is required.

Aims: The aim of this study was to cultivate the fungus Aspergillus tubingensis (MO503), which was isolated and identified from Algerian soil using submerged fermentation. The focus was on the production of lipase, achieved through utilizing a minimal medium from agro-food industries. Specifically, the study investigated the potential of three waste sources – olive-pomace, Pistacia lentiscus fruit remains and olive mill wastewater as substrates for enhancing lipase production. Methodology and results: The three aforementioned wastes were chosen to ascertain their value and determine the most cost-effective option. Factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to evaluate the waste with a significant effect on lipase production, as this enables determining differences among the various waste sources. Growth monitoring revealed a maximum lipase activity of 1030 ± 0,039 U at pH 5.4 for olive pomace. A series of biochemical purification techniques displayed a visible band on the polyacrylamide gel obtained through SDS-PAGE. Lipolytic activity was evidenced by zymography in the presence of olive oil. The antibacterial activities of purified lipase exhibited a high sensitivity against Gram-negative bacteria compared to Gram-positive bacteria. Conclusion, significance and impact of study In addition to its activity against Gram-negative bacteria, the lipid degradation facilitated by these lipases in olive oil offers promising applications in the textile and therapeutic industries.

Aims: The increasing incidence of Klebsiella pneumoniae infections in the community and hospitals is a considerable health problem. This is due to the rising resistance of the bacteria to antibiotics, biofilm formation and the presence of a capsule. The aim of this study was to survey the most common capsular types in local isolates for the first time in Iraq on a molecular level. Methodology and results: Seventy isolates were screened for multidrug resistance (MDR) using a standard test. Genomic DNA was extracted from all isolates and PCR was performed using a multiplex PCR assay to detect the capsular type genes for K1, K2, K5, K20, K54 and K57. Forty-eight (68.5%) isolates demonstrated resistance to at least one agent of three or more antimicrobial categories and were therefore considered as MDR isolates. Multiplex PCR showed that 16/48 (33.3%) of MDR isolates belonged to the K2 capsular type and two isolates belonged to the K57 capsular type. The other four capsular types were not detected. Conclusion, significance and impact of study The K2 capsular type was the most common capsular type among MDR K. pneumoniae isolates from urinary tract infections (UTI) in Ramadi, Iraq. Monitoring capsular type is essential in addition to monitoring antibiotic resistance, as highly resistant strains with hypervirulent types can be particularly dangerous.

Aims: The main aim of this study was to screen homoeopathic medicine Acidum Muriaticum in selected potencies for its preventive and curative antimicrobial action to use for the general management of typhoid by providing individualized homoeopathic treatment for symptomatic improvement with minimal complications leading to early recovery Methodology and results: Homoeopathic medicine Acidum Muriaticum in different Hahnemannian centesimal scale potencies (CH) - (6CH, 12CH, 30CH, 200CH, 1M, 50M) was evaluated for antimicrobial activity against Salmonella Typhi (S. Typhi) (MTCC-1264) using the agar well diffusion method. The diameter of the zone of inhibition was measured (in mm) and the potency of Acidum Muriaticum having high minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by using various controls namely, positive control (azithromycin), negative control (nutrient broth + tetracycline), vehicle control (dispensing alcohol, which contains 90% ethanol as per Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of India) and blank control (distilled water) in the study. Homoeopathic medicine Acidum Muriaticum in different liquid potencies (6CH, 12CH, 30CH, 200CH, 1M, 50M) was screened. Results suggest that 6CH, 12CH and 30CH potencies of Acidum Muriaticum could inhibit the growth of S. Typhi. Acidum Muriaticum showed maximum growth inhibitory zone (GIZ) against S. Typhi in agar plates with 6CH, 12CH and 30CH potencies. Acidum Muriaticum in different potencies with different concentrations significantly showed MIC against S. Typhi, namely 6CH (1:2), 12CH (1:2) in 25 µL/mL and 30CH (1:1) in 50 µL/mL concentration, respectively. Conclusion, significance and impact of study The present study concludes that the homoeopathic medicine Acidum Muriaticum in 6CH, 12CH and 30CH potencies could inhibit S. Typhi as compared with azithromycin. Hence, it could be an alternative medicine to azithromycin, the antimicrobial drug against S. Typhi. However, further research is required to confirm the precise mechanism of action.

Aims: This study aimed to detect bacterial pathogens that cause sexually transmitted diseases (STD) using multiplex polymerase chain reaction and reverse hybridization. Methodology and results: Thirty urine samples were collected from male patients aged between 20 and 45 in Dohuk City who were suspected of having an STD. The samples were tested for the presence of five main types of bacteria, namely Ureaplasma urealyticum, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium and Chlamydia trachomatis responsible for causing STDs. Nineteen of the thirty urine samples were positive for at least one of the five species of bacteria, yielding a positive rate of 63.3%. Ureaplasma urealyticum had the highest diagnostic rate of 68.4% among positive samples, while C. trachomatis had the lowest diagnosis rate of 5.2%. Both N. gonorrhoeae and M. hominis had a 15.7% diagnosis rate, while M. genitalium had a 10.5% diagnosis rate. Conclusion, significance and impact of study Research findings suggest that U. urealyticum was the most common cause of STD, accounting for 68.4% of the positive samples. Conversely, the study identifies C. trachomatis as the least prevalent cause, accounting for only 5.2% of the cases. These noteworthy findings shed light on the prevalence of these bacterial pathogens in sexually transmitted diseases, laying the groundwork for more precise and effective diagnostic and treatment options.

Aims: The study was aimed to explore the antimicrobial potential of ethanolic leaf extracts of Eucalyptus globulus, Moringa oliefera, Syzygium cumini and Citrus limon against antibiotic-resistant Clostridium perfringens type D (n=5). Methodology and results: Antibiotic resistance pattern of C. perfringens type D isolates against tetracycline, gentamicin, ceftriaxone, amoxicillin and streptomycin was evaluated by disc diffusion method. Well diffusion and micro broth dilution methods were used to determine the anti-bacterial activity, sub-inhibitory concentrations and antibiotic resistance modulating effects of the plant extracts. Ethanolic extract of E. globules was selected to evaluate its modulatory impact and subjected to GC-MS analysis to separate and identify the phytochemicals. The results showed that the isolates were resistant to gentamicin (0 ± 0.00 mm), streptomycin (0 ± 0.00 mm), tetracycline (13.2 ± 2.28 mm) and ceftriaxone (0 ± 0.00 mm) while sensitive to amoxicillin (23.8 ± 1.30 mm) and tetracycline (13.2 ± 2.28 mm). Eucalyptus globulus exhibited the maximum anti-bacterial activity with a zone of inhibition (ZOI) of 14.6 ± 0.54 mm and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (1500 ± 947.85 µg/mL). Other plant extracts (M. oliefera, S. cumini and C. limon) also showed anti-bacterial activity but couldn’t modulate the resistance. The activity of ceftriaxone associated with E. globulus extract was improved with 20.2 ± 0.20 mm ZOI at 78.125 µg/mL sub-inhibitory concentration. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: The study results indicate the possible use of the ethanolic extract of E. globulus alone or in combination with common antibiotics for the treatment of C. perfringens infections in small ruminants.

Aims: The microbiological qualities of fermented oil bean seeds depend on the indigenous microflora, personal and environmental hygiene of the handlers and the food environments. This study was aimed to evaluate the incidence of histamine-producing, multi-drug-resistant Enterococcus isolates from oil bean seeds during fermentation. Methodology and results: Histamine extraction and analysis were performed on randomly sampled oil bean seeds. Histamine producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated, from where Enterococcus species were further isolated. Strain-specific identification and antibiotic sensitivity tests were carried out on the identified Enterococcus isolates. Histamine was detected in fermented seeds. Enterococcus strains were identified among the histamine-producing fermenters. These include E. faecalis HA5, E. faecium VB976, E. faecium LMEM18, E. gallinarum M190262 and E. gilvus CR1. Enterococcus faecalis HA5, E. faecium VB976, E. faecium LMEM18, E. gallinarum M190262 and E. gallinarum were resistant to Ampiclox, Amoxicillin, Ceftriaxone, Ciprofloxacin and Erythromycin. Enterococcus faecium VB976, E. faecium LMEM18 and E. gallinarum M190262 were resistant to Streptomycin and Gentamycin. Enterococcus faecalis HA5 was intermediately resistant to Streptomycin and Gentamycin but sensitive to Vancomycin, while E. gilvus was intermediately resistant to Ampiclox, Amoxicillin and Gentamycin but sensitive to Ceftriaxone, Vancomycin, Ciprofloxacin, Streptomycin and Erythromycin. Conclusion, significance and impact of study The pathogenic and histamine-producing abilities of Enterococcus pose serious public health hazard. This is complicated by their resistance to a wide range of antibiotics. Therefore, improving the hygienic practices and regulating fermentation conditions is essential to curtailing histamine production and growth of fermenters with pathogenic potentials and ensuring the safety of the product.