Diversity of fungi obtained from bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Bats are important for the homeostasis of ecosystems and serve as hosts of various microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi with pathogenic potential. This study aimed to isolate fungi from biological samples obtained from bats captured in the city of Sinop (state of Mato Grosso, Brazil), where large areas of deforestation exist due to urbanization and agriculture. On the basis of the flow of people and domestic animals, 48 bats were captured in eleven urban forest fragments. The samples were processed and submitted to microbiological cultures, to isolate and to identify the fungal genera. Thirty-four (70.83%) of the captured bats were positive for fungi; 18 (37.5%) and 16 (33.33%) of these bats were female and male, respectively. Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp., and Candida sp., which may cause opportunistic infections, were isolated. The bat species with the highest number of fungal isolates was Molossus molossus: 21 isolates (43.8%). According to our results, bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop harbor pathogenic fungi, increasing the risk of opportunistic fungal infections in humans and domestic animals.

Microbiological dynamics involved in cereal-porridge production using maize and sorghum

Cereal-porridge(‘ogi’) was produced by spontaneous fermentation using maize and sorghum substrates. The microbiological dynamics involved were monitored over a period of 48h fermentation. Bacteria, yeasts and moulds were isolated. Based on the morphological, cultural and biochemical test results, the aerobic bacterial isolates were identified as Proteus vulgaris, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella sp, Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus sp, Pseudomonas sp, Citrobacter sp, Bacillus sp, Proteus sp, Shigella sp, and Escherichia coli. The Lactic acid bacteria were Lactococcus sp, Enterococcus sp, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus sp. The yeast isolates were 2 strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, one other Saccharomyces sp and a Candida sp. The moulds were Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus sp and Penicillium sp. The lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated were 2 strains of Lactococcus lactis, 2 Enterobacter spp, 5 strains of Lactobacillus fermentum and 1 other Lactobacillus sp. The initial total viable aerobic bacterial count at 0h in maize, sorghum and maize-sorghum blend were 4.6 × 104, 7.3 × 104 and 2.4 × 105cfu/ml respectively. The growths rose to peaks of 6.5 × 107 and 3.9 × 107cfu/ml at 24h in maize and maize-sorghum blend, respectively. A Peak of 4.7 x 107cfu/ml was attained at 36h in sorghum. Coliform bacteria and moulds growths in the three samples attained peaks of growth at 12h and reduced till there was no growth by 48h. Lactic acid bacteria and yeasts increased in numbers till the end of fermentation. The initial pH value at 0h was lowest in maize-sorghum blend sample (5.43) and highest in maize (5.75). Final values at 48h were 3.76, 3.78 and 3.75 in maize, sorghum and maize-sorghum blend samples respectively. There were no significant differences between the microbial growth patterns, changes in pH, total titratable acidity (TTA) and amylase enzymatic activities in maize, sorghum and maize-sorghum blend samples during fermentation.

Comparative study of the antifungal activity of sequential extracts of Fuchsia lycioides against Candida sp.

The genus Fuchsia is generally used in herbal preparations to treat conditions caused by microorganisms. Based on the popular use of this type of plants, the objective of this study was to obtain sequential extracts of increasing polarity from the branches of Fuchsia lycioides by maceration at room temperature and by the Soxhlet method at 60ºC, to later evaluate the antifungal capacity of the extracts against different clinical isolates of the Candida genus. The ethyl acetate extract exhibited strong anti-fungal activity, selectively inhibiting C. albicans strains with MIC and CMF values of 10 and 15 µg/mL, respectively; comparable with the drug itraconazole®. The analysis of the extract by GC-MS showed a high concentration of terpenoids (mainly phytol) and phenylpropanoids (mainly cinnamic acid), possibly responsible for the antifungal activity of the ethyl acetate extract of F. lycioides.

Could Candida Overgrowth Be Involved in the Pathophysiology of Autism?

The purpose of this review is to summarize the current acquiredknowledge of Candida overgrowth in the intestine as a possible etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The influence of Candida sp. on the immune system, brain, and behavior of children with ASD isdescribed. The benefits of interventions such as a carbohydrates-exclusion diet, probiotic supplementation, antifungal agents, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and microbiota transfer therapy (MTT) will be also discussed. Our literature query showed that the results of most studies do not fully support the hypothesis that Candida overgrowth is correlated with gastrointestinal (GI) problems and contributes to autism behavioral symptoms occurrence. On the one hand, it was reported that the modulation of microbiota composition in the gut may decrease Candida overgrowth, help reduce GI problems and autism symptoms. On the other hand, studies on humans suggesting the beneficial effects of a sugar-free diet, probiotic supplementation, FMT and MTT treatment in ASD are limited and inconclusive. Due to the increasing prevalence of ASD, studies on the etiology of this disorder are extremely needed and valuable. However, to elucidate the possible involvement of Candida in the pathophysiology of ASD, more reliable and well-designed research is certainly required.

TÌNH HÌNH NHIỄM TRÙNG TIẾT NIỆU Ở PHỤ NỮ MANG THAI TẠI BỆNH VIỆN PHỤ SẢN - NHI ĐÀ NẴNG

Đặt vấn đề: Nhiễm trùng tiết niệu là một bệnh lý thường gặp ở mọi lứa tuổi nhưng đặc biệt cao ở nữ giới và nhóm tuổi đang hoạt động sinh dục, ở người có thai, phụ nữ mãn kinh. Mục tiêu: Xác định tỷ lệ nhiễm trùng tiết niệu ở phụ nữ mang thai đến khám tại bệnh viện Phụ Sản – Nhi Đà Nẵng và tìm hiểu một số yếu tố liên quan đến nhiễm trùng tiết niệu ở thai phụ. Phương pháp: Nghiên cứu mô tả cắt ngang trên 149 phụ nữ mang thai đến khám tại bệnh viện Phụ sản - Nhi Đà Nẵng từ 01- 06/2020. Các thai phụ được phỏng vấn, thăm khám và làm xét nghiệm nước tiểu nhằm xác định tỉ lệ nhiễm trùng tiết niệu, khảo sát tác nhân gây bệnh và các yếu tố liên quan. Kết quả: Tỷ lệ NTTN ở thai phụ là 13,4% trong đó đều là nhiễm trùng niệu không triệu chứng. Tác nhân gây NTTN là Staphylococcus 60,0%; tiếp theo là S. aureus 25,0%; E. coli 5,0%; K. pneumoniae 5,0% và Candida sp 5,0%. Kết quả nghiên cứu cho thấy NTTN không có mối liên quan với tuổi, nghề nghiệp, trình độ học vấn, thai kỳ, số lần mang thai, số lần vệ sinh sinh dục trong ngày. Kết luận: Tỷ lệ NTTN không triệu chứng ở phụ nữ mang thai đến khám tại bệnh viện Phụ sản - Nhi Đà Nẵng là 13,4% và chưa tìm thấy các yếu tố liên quan đến nhiễm trùng niệu ở thai phụ.

Aspectos da microbiota vaginal e a relação com a candidíase em mulheres gestantes: uma revisão de literatura

A microbiota vaginal possui papel importante no equilíbrio, na manutenção e prevenção da saúde vaginal das mulheres, possuindo vasta quantidade de microrganismos. Candida spp. é uma das espécies de fungos que mais causa infecções nos seres humanos. Durante a gravidez, onde os níveis hormonais estão elevados e ocorre variação do pH vaginal, esses microrganismos podem colonizar a vagina e consequentemente propiciar uma infecção. O presente trabalho visa avaliar os aspectos da microbiota vaginal e sua correlação com a candidíase vulvovaginal na gravidez, e suas formas de diagnóstico. O presente estudo caracteriza-se por ser uma revisão integrativa de literatura, onde foram utilizadas as plataformas científicas PubMed, Google Acadêmico, Medline e Scielo Artigos como fonte de dados. Os dados gerados na pesquisa demonstraram a importância da compreensão sobre a microbiota vaginal. Além de evidenciar a importância de estudos a respeito da candidíase vulvovaginal em gestantes, e como outras espécies de Candida sp. estão afetando e elevando os índices de pacientes com corrimento vaginal, além da Candida albicans, a qual é a espécie mais estudada desse gênero. Também observar a relevância do diagnóstico dessa enfermidade. Concluímos assim que o conhecimento dos aspectos clínicos da sintomalogia, principalmente, durante a gravidez é uma importante ferramenta para o diagnóstico precoce durante o período pré-natal. A transmissão vertical se mostra presente nas infecções em recém-nascido. A espécie mais evidente desse gênero é a C. albicans contudo, as espécies de Candida não albicans estão cada vez mais presentes nas infecções causadas pelo gênero Candida spp.

Antibacterial and antioxidant activity of different extracts obtained from Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)

Ashwagandha (W. somnifera) is widely known as the queen of Indian Ayurveda. The objective of this study was to determine the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of the different parts of the Ashwagandha. The antioxidant activity of different extracts from different parts of Ashwagandha was determined using DPPH free radical scavenging method. Ashwaghanda root inhabiting bacteria was isolated using pour-plate technique. The agar well method and filter paper method were followed to assess the antibacterial activity of the extracts. Ethanol-water extracts (1:1 v/v) gave higher yield of extractable matter than methanol extracts. The antioxidant activity of fresh root extract was significantly higher than other parts of the plant (stem and leaves) as well as the plant material bought from open market. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of Ethanol-water extract against MRSA, Candida Sp. and Salmonella Sp. were >256 mg/L. The commensal bacteria (Bacilli Sp.) inhabiting Ashwagandha roots displayed mild antibacterial activity against pathogenic P. aeruginosa. Keywords: Ashwaghanda, commensal bacteria, Antibacterial activity, Antioxidant activity, Crude extracts

Review on production of citric acid by fermentation technology

Citric acid is the most important organic acid produced in tonnage and is extensively used in food and pharmaceutical industries. It is produced mainly by submerged fermentation using Aspergillus niger or Candida sp. from different sources of carbohydrates, such as molasses and starch-based media. In view of surges in demand and growing markets, there is always a need for the discovery and development of better production techniques and solutions to improve production yields and the efficiency of product recovery. To support the enormous scale of production, it is necessary and important for the production process to be environmentally friendly by utilizing readily available and inexpensive agro-industrial waste products, while maintaining high production yields. This review article for fermentation of citric acid and Microbial production of citric acid, Substrates and strategies of citric acid production for Surface fermentation, Submerged fermentation, Solid-state fermentation and also the effects of various Factors affecting of citric acid fermentation conditions are Carbon source, Nitrogen limitation, Phosphorus source, Lower Alcohols, pH of culture medium, Trace elements, Aeration and Other factors. citric acid recovery options and the numerous applications of citric acid, based on the literature review information of citric acid production by fermentation technology.

Synthesis, characterization and biological applications of biosilica based composites

Agricultural wastes like sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, wheat husk, rice hull are the cheapest sources of biosilica (BS). In this study, sugarcane bagasse was used to extract biosilica by chemical treatment and combined with silk fibroin (SF), Polyurethane Foam (PUF) and TiO2 to prepare a novel biocomposites BS/SF/PUF and BS/SF/PUF/TiO2. The prepared biocomposites were analyzed using FT-IR and SEM analysis. The presence of various functional groups and the formation of biocomposites were confirmed by the FT-IR studies. The SEM analysis displayed rough surface morphology of the biocomposites. The antioxidant properties were studied using the DPPH assay. The biocomposites exhibited excellent antioxidant properties. The antimicrobial activities of the biocomposites were studied against three bacterial (Bacillus sp., Klebsiella sp. and Proteus sp.) and three fungal strains (Rhizopus sp., Aspergillus niger and Candida sp.). The results revealed that the prepared biocomposites were active against the selected bacterial and fungal species

Fungal Population and Physicochemical Characteristics of Abattoir-Impacted Soil in Iwofe, 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.