scholarly journals Isolation of Surveillance Pathogenic Fungal Microbial Contaminant on Mobile Phone

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (20) ◽  
pp. 3493-3496
Author(s):  
Amanah Amanah ◽  
Dadan Ramadhan Apriyanto ◽  
Hikmah Fitriani
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Niger ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Aspergillus Flavus ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Microbial Contamination ◽  
Microbial Infection ◽  
Candida Sp ◽  
Fungal Isolates ◽  
Natural Flora

AIM: Mobile phone has been used daily by almost everyone. This Research surveyed microbial contamination of mobile phones in the faculty of Medicine Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati and identify the most influential fungal microbial species. METHODS: A group of 15 samples was analysed to identify fungal isolates. The mobile phones were swabbed firmly passing its touch screen using sterile swabs then inoculated into media for fungi. Frequency distribution of isolates was calculated. RESULTS: There were fungal isolates as follows: Aspergillus Orchareus, Aspergillus flavus, Alternaria, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium sp., Cladosporium sp., Candida sp., Aspergillus Fumigatus, and Mucor sp. at the rate of 19, 6, 1, 3, 2, 10, 2, 52, 2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The research indicates that all mobile phones were considerably having microbial infection, mostly from humans’ natural flora and also from the air and soil. This determines that it is necessary to sterilize hands prior to a contact with mobile phones since it could lead into disease transmission.

scholarly journals Susceptibility of Medical Fungal Isolates to Commonly used Antifungal Agents

2021 ◽  
pp. 37-42
Author(s):  
V. K. Robinson ◽  
B. Samuel-Penu ◽  
S. O. Minimah
Keyword(s):  
Antifungal Activity ◽  
Aspergillus Niger ◽  
Aspergillus Flavus ◽  
Antifungal Agents ◽  
Antifungal Susceptibility ◽  
Candida Sp ◽  
Fungal Isolates ◽  
Diffusion Technique ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Rhizopus Sp

The susceptibility of fungal isolates associated with indoor air of medical institutions to commonly used antifungal agents were investigated using the open plate technique on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar plates. The well in agar diffusion technique was used in determining the antifungal susceptibility. The antifungal agents used were fluconazole and ketoconazole and these drugs were prepared into four concentrations. Result showed reduced antifungal activity as the concentration decreased. Results of fluconazole against the fungal isolates showed that Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Candida sp, and Mucor sp were all sensitive at 5 mg/ml, 2.5 mg/ml, and 1.25 mg/ml while Rhizopus sp was only sensitive at the 5mg/ml concentration. Antifungal activity of ketoconazole showed that Aspergillus flavus, Candida sp, Mucor sp and Rhizopus sp were all sensitive at the 5, 2.5, 1.25 and 0.63 mg/ml concentrations while A. niger was susceptible to ketoconazole at 5 and 2.5 mg/ml concentrations. The MIC of Ketoconazole against Candida sp, Aspergillus flavus, Mucor sp and Rhizopus sp was 0.63 mg/ml. while the MIC of Aspergillus niger was at 2.5 mg/ml. There was highly significant difference (P≤0.05) in the response of the fungal isolates to fluconazole and ketoconazole in all concentrations of the drugs. Result also showed that both drugs were more effective against Candida sp and because of the effectiveness of ketoconazole on other isolates, it is recommended for use in treating mycoses caused by these fungi from this site.

scholarly journals Fungal Population and Physicochemical Characteristics of Abattoir-Impacted Soil in Iwofe, Rivers State

2021 ◽  
pp. 36-44
Author(s):  
Williams, Janet Olufunmilayo ◽  
Owhorji, Gloria
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Aspergillus Niger ◽  
Physicochemical Characteristics ◽  
Control Soil ◽  
Fungal Population ◽  
Candida Sp ◽  
Fungal Isolates ◽  
Fungal Load ◽  
Microbiological Techniques ◽  
Rivers State

Aim: To determine the fungal population and physicochemistry of abattoir impacted soil in Iwofe, Rivers State. Study Design: This study focused on Abattoir impacted soil. Statistical analysis of data and interpretation was carried out. Place and Duration of Study: Abattoir impacted soil was collected from three points in an abattoir located in Iwofe, Rivers State while the unpolluted soil which served as control was collected from the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt in January, 2021. Methodology: Standard microbiological techniques were used: the fungal population was determined by inoculating aliquots of an appropriate dilution resulting from a ten-fold serial dilution on prepared Sabouraud dextrose agar plates in duplicates. Plates were later incubated for 3-5 days after which colonies were enumerated and used in obtaining the fungal population in the soil samples while distinct colonies were subcultured for macroscopic and microscopic identification of fungi. The physicochemical parameters and heavy metals were analyzed using standard methods. Results: Fungal load in the control and abattoir impacted soil were 1.09×105 and 3.9×104 CFU/g, respectively. The fungal load of the control soil was significantly higher (P˂0.05) than the abattoir impacted soil. The fungal isolates identified in the abattoir impacted soil were Microsporium sp, Aspergillus niger and Candida sp while Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium sp, Penicillium sp, Mucor sp and Rhizopus sp were identified from the control soil. The pH, temperature, nitrate and phosphate of the abattoir soil were 6.7, 28.33℃, 27.83(mgKg-1) and 1055(mgKg-1), respectively. The concentrations of Cadmium, Iron and Lead in the abattoir Impacted soil and control soil were 0.81, 563.35 and 7.12 mgKg-1, 0.51, 582.0 and 3.18 mgKg-1, respectively. The physico chemistry and heavy metals in the abattoir soil were within acceptable limits. Discussion and Conclusion: The findings from this study showed that heavy metals in abattoir impacted soil had an impact in the fungal population which led to the isolation of only three fungal isolates belonging to Microsporium sp, Candida sp and Aspergillus niger. More so, despite the presence of heavy metals in the abattoir impacted soil, the metals were all within permissible limits. Thus, the abattoir impacted soil was not heavily polluted.

scholarly journals Screening of efficient phosphate solubilizing fungi from mine soil and effect of phosphofungi on seed germination and vigour index of ground nut (arachis hypogaea L.) and green gram (vigna radiata L.)

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 288
Author(s):  
Shanubhoganahalli Thimmappa Lokesh ◽  
Kudure Jayanna Naveen Kumar ◽  
Basaiah Thippeswamy
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Niger ◽  
Seed Germination ◽  
Aspergillus Flavus ◽  
Tricalcium Phosphate ◽  
Mine Soil ◽  
Seedling Vigour ◽  
Fungal Isolates ◽  
Vigour Index ◽  
Phosphate Solubilizing ◽  
Solubilizing Activity

Background: The use of chemical fertilizers to solve the problem of nutrient deficiency in soil has been associated with a number of environmental problems.Objective: The aim of this study was to perform an isolation and screening of native phosphofungi from mine soil. To evaluate the effect of phosphofungi on seed germination and seedling vigour index of Ground nut and Green gram.Materials and Methods: The phosphofungi were screened using Pikovskaya’s agar medium with tricalcium phosphate (Ca3 (PO4)2) as the phosphorus source. The soluble phosphorus, Phosphate solubilizing activity, titrable acidity, pH and fungal biomass were determined. Mineral phosphate solubilizing (MPS) activities of fungal isolates were tested in tricalcium phosphate medium.Results: Five promising phosphate solubilizing fungal species were screened. Aspergillus niger (13±1.0 mm) and Aspergillus flavus (8±0.6mm) showed the more phosphate solubilising index than compared to other fungal isolates. Analyzing the possible phosphorus released, from 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th day of incubation. Antagonistic effect of phosphofungi Aspergillus flavus (65±11 mm) and Aspergillus niger (60±13 mm) showed more effective against Colletotrichum sp. than compared to other fungal isolates. Aspergillus flavus (745±20µg/ml) and Penicillium spinulosum (600±20 µg/ml) showed maximum phosphate solubilizing activity on 3rd and 12th day of incubation. Fusarium redolens showed the more effectiveness on seed germination and seedling vigour than compared to other fungal isolates. Aspergillus flavus showed positive result for the production of Indole 3 acetic acid and remain four fungal strains are negative result.Conclusion: Biofertilizers from native phosphofungi could be used alongside reduced levels of inorganic fertilizers to enhance soil available Phosphorous.

Isolation and identification of bacteria from mobile phones of students and employees of Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Bangladesh

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 570-576
Author(s):  
Zakarie Ahmed Hussein ◽  
Md Khaled Hossain ◽  
Nazmi Ara Rumi ◽  
Md Shajedur Rahman ◽  
Tonmoy Kundu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Biochemical Characterization ◽  
Science And Technology ◽  
Antibiotic Sensitivity ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Salmonella Spp ◽  
Isolation And Identification ◽  
Identification Of Bacteria

Microbes are capable to survive on mobile phone surface and serve as a potential transporter of microorganism amongst handlers. Thus, the study focused on isolation and identification of bacteria from mobile phones of academic and non-academic staffs (including students and cleaners) of Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University Dinajpur, Bangladesh. A total of 32 swab samples of mobile phones were collected. The bacteria isolates were identified on the basis of morphological, cultural and biochemical characterization. The total viable count (TVC) of different swab samples of mobile phones in different categories were ranged from 73×10-6 CFU/ml to 260×10-6 CFU/ml. Analysis revealed that, among the samples 21 (25.6%) isolates were Staphylococcus spp, 17 (20.7%) were Bacillus spp, 16 (19.5%) were Klebsiella spp, 15 (18%) were Pseudomonas spp and 13 (15.85%) were Salmonella spp. Additionally, antibiotic sensitivity test revealed the bacteria isolates were resistant to Penicillin, Amoxicillin, Cefaclor, Ofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin. The findings suggest that all the samples under observation were highly susceptible to a number of microbes belongs to the natural flora of human body. Hence, it is encouraged to avoid mobile phone handling while eating. Last but not the least, personal hygiene is highly recommended, as mobile phone can be a potential source of disease transmission. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. September 2020, 6(3): 570-576

scholarly journals Microbes on the Mobile Phones of Healthcare Workers in Palestine: Identification, Characterization, and Comparison

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Mohammad Qadi ◽  
Rasha Khayyat ◽  
Mohammed A. AlHajhamad ◽  
Yazan I. Naji ◽  
Beesan Maraqa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Microbial Contamination ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Bacterial Isolates ◽  
Gram Positive ◽  
Gram Negative

Background. Healthcare workers (HCWs) may be using their mobile phones (MPs) to carry microbes that cause hospital-acquired and community infections in general. With antibiotic resistance problem emergence, these infections can be challenging to eradicate. Hence, this study aimed to determine the microbial contamination of HCW MPs and identify and classify bacterial isolates in Palestine. Methods. This was a 7-month comparative cross-sectional analysis of 200 HCW MPs from 2 hospitals and 100 MPs from university students (non-HCWs). Data collection was done using a self-administrated questionnaire, and a swab sample from both HCW and non-HCW MPs was obtained and transferred to An-Najah National University (NNU) microbiology lab for bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility. Data were analyzed using Social Sciences Statistical Package (SPSS) version 22.0. Result. Among HCWs, the microbial contamination was 87.5%. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS; 67.3%), methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA; 17.5%), Gram-positive bacilli (4.1%), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA; 1.6%), and Gram-negative species (1.6%) were the most predominant bacterial isolates. More than half of staphylococci isolates were resistant to penicillin and erythromycin. Male gender, using a mobile phone in the bathroom, and entry to the operating theatre were associated with mobile phone contamination and increased resistance against specific antibiotics. Among non-HCWs, the contamination was 86%. The most predominant bacterial isolates were CoNS, MSSA, and Gram-positive bacilli, with a contamination of 66.8%, 28.5%, and 2.6%, respectively. No MRSA or Gram-negative species were detected in this group. Antibiotic resistance percentage of staphylococci was nearly half of that yielded in the HCW group against each antibiotic. Conclusion. Significant numbers of bacteria have been isolated from HCW MPs. Working in a hospital environment frequently raises the probability of presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria on a MP. Therefore, infection control teams should discuss methods to prevent the transmission of drug-resistant pathogens from HCW MPs.

scholarly journals Characteristics of Microorganisms Associated with Crude Oil Impacted Surface Water Body in Bodo/Bonny River, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 64-79
Author(s):  
David N. Ogbonna ◽  
Lucky B. Kpormon ◽  
Matthew E. Origbe
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Niger ◽  
Crude Oil ◽  
Aspergillus Flavus ◽  
Oil Spill ◽  
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons ◽  
Microbiological Analysis ◽  
Aquatic Life ◽  
Candida Sp ◽  
Penicillium Sp ◽  
Fish Samples

The contamination of water is a serious environmental problem as it adversely affects the human health and the biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems. The organisms that inhabit the water space use oxygen for metabolic activities and the blocking of the water surface of the river by total petroleum hydrocarbons tend to reduce the dissolved oxygen available within the system thereby making the survival of aquatic life difficult particularly the non-hydrocarbon utilizing microorganisms. The aim of this study was to determine the microbiological characteristics of water samples from Bodo/Bonny River impacted by crude oil spill. Water and dead fish samples were collected from four stations while the fifth sample was collected from a link fish pond which served as control.  Microbiological analysis of samples collected was analysed accordingly using standard analytical methods.  Bacterial isolates from the sampling stations show that Vibrio cholerae, Shigella sp, Escherichia coli, Vibrio sp, Salmonella sp, Bacillus sp, Klebsiella sp, Actinomycetes, Clostridium, Listeria sp, Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas sp and fungal isolates namely,  Aspergillus niger, Penicillium sp, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus, Mucor sp and Candida sp were identified. Percentage occurrence of both isolates show that E. coli 15%, Vibrio species 13%, Pseudomonas 12%, Klebsiella 12% and Shigella 9% while Aspergillus niger had 37.18%, while Mucor had 25.64%, Penicillium sp 11.38%, Aspergillus flavus 11.38% and Candida sp 10.26%.Microorganisms isolated from the river water that survived the harsh influences associated with oil spill from this study shows that most of the microorganisms could be genetically cloned as hydrocarbon utilizing organisms for cleanup of oil contaminated environments because of their existence and sustenance to mankind.

Correlating Personality and Actual Phone Usage

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 158-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Montag ◽  
Konrad Błaszkiewicz ◽  
Bernd Lachmann ◽  
Ionut Andone ◽  
Rayna Sariyska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Psychological Variables ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Report Data ◽  
Self Report Data ◽  
Voice Calls

In the present study we link self-report-data on personality to behavior recorded on the mobile phone. This new approach from Psychoinformatics collects data from humans in everyday life. It demonstrates the fruitful collaboration between psychology and computer science, combining Big Data with psychological variables. Given the large number of variables, which can be tracked on a smartphone, the present study focuses on the traditional features of mobile phones – namely incoming and outgoing calls and SMS. We observed N = 49 participants with respect to the telephone/SMS usage via our custom developed mobile phone app for 5 weeks. Extraversion was positively associated with nearly all related telephone call variables. In particular, Extraverts directly reach out to their social network via voice calls.

The Effect of Prestige Sensitivity on Price Acceptance in Vietnam’s Mobile Phone Market

2018 ◽  
pp. 97-112
Author(s):  
Huyen Thi Nguyen ◽  
Ngoc Minh Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Sampling Method ◽  
Product Knowledge ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Modelling Method ◽  
Equation Modelling ◽  
Convenience Sampling

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of prestige sensitivity on mobile phone customer’s price acceptance in Vietnam and the mediating role of product knowledge and price mavenism on this relationship. We used the convenience sampling method for data collection via questionnaires with a sample of 605 consumers who purchased mobile phones. The collected data was analysed by applying a structural equation modelling method. The result indicates that prestige sensitivity has both direct and indirect effects on price acceptance via product knowledge and price mavenism. The findings suggest that prestige sensitivity can be used as a market segmentation criterion for mobile phones when making price decisions and providing customers with adequate information could improve price acceptance.

Women, Empowerment, and Mobile Phones in the Developing World

2020 ◽  
pp. 528-544
Author(s):  
Laura Stark
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Social Status ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Mobile Communication ◽  
Recent Literature ◽  
Mobile Telephony ◽  
Women Empowerment ◽  
Gender And Development ◽  
And Control

This chapter surveys and analyzes recent literature on mobile communication to examine its relationship to gender and development, more specifically how women in developing countries use and are impacted by mobile phones. Focusing on issues of power, agency, and social status, the chapter reviews how mobile telephony has been found to be implicated in patriarchal bargaining in different societies, how privacy and control are enabled through it, what benefits have been shown to accrue to women using mobile phones, and what barriers, limitations, and disadvantages of mobile use exist for women and why. The conclusion urges more gender-disaggregated analysis of mobile phone impact and use and offers policy and design recommendations based on the overview and discussion.

scholarly journals Misuse and addiction to mobile phone in a sample of first-grade secondary school students of Palermo

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Pizzo ◽  
C Costantino ◽  
D Giliberti ◽  
I Calò ◽  
C Vella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Representative Sample ◽  
Secondary School Students ◽  
First Grade ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
School Students ◽  
Developed Country ◽  
Teenagers And Young Adults

Abstract Background Nowadays, smartphone overuse affects massively teenagers and young adults. From 2014 to 2018 in Italy, for the 11-17 years age group, there has been an increase from 79.9% to 85.8% of daily mobile phone users. This project aims to investigate usage prevalence and misuse/addiction of mobile phones in a representative sample of first-grade secondary school students of the Province of Palermo, Italy, carrying out educational interventions to promote a proper and conscious use of smartphone. Materials and Methods An anonymous, standardized and previously validated pre-intervention questionnaire consisting of 39 items on general socio-demographic characteristics, attitudes and habits regarding smartphone usage, was administered online to 10-15 years old students of the Palermo's Province. Moreover, two additional sets of 11 and 15 items contributed to calculate a Misuse and an Addiction Score, respectively. After administration, educational interventions aimed at promoting the correct and conscious use of the smartphone, were carried out. Results A total of 1600 students belonging to 16 schools, responded to the questionnaire. 93% of the sample had a personal smartphone and 84% had a personal profile on at least one social network. About 15% of the sample experienced cyber bullying episodes and 30% accessed to adult content online (38% of parents didn't set parental control on the devices). Overall, 78.3% of the sample showed a moderate to severe misuse and 38.3% a moderate to severe addiction to mobile phones. Conclusions The uncontrolled and unconscious use of smartphones among adolescents exposes to different health risks including psycho-social and cognitive-relational problems. Results obtained demonstrate high levels of misuse and addiction to mobile devices in a representative sample of students in a developed Country, suggesting the need to implement educational interventions and the development of guidelines to encourage a responsible use of smartphones. Key messages The present study highlights an uncontrolled and unconscious use of mobile phones among 11-15 years old aged students in Southern Italy. The implementation of educational intervention at school and the development of guidelines regulating smartphone usage among adolescents, should represent a future global health priority.

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