Microbiology Research Journal International

Comparative Efficacy of Microbial Biopriming on Germination Kinetics and Seedling Vigor in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Monika K. G. — 2025-11-26

A study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of biopriming on seed quality parameters in rice (Oryza sativa L.) variety Uma (MO 16) at the Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara. The experiment employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications, encompassing five treatments: Pseudomonas fluorescens (10 g kg⁻¹), coconut water (75%), a combined treatment of P. fluorescens + Trichoderma viride (4 g kg⁻¹) + coconut water (75%), hydropriming (16 hours), and unprimed control. Seed quality traits including germination percentage, root and shoot length, seedling dry weight, and vigor indices I and II were assessed. Significant differences were observed among treatments, indicating the influence of priming on germinative performance and early seedling development. Seeds bioprimed with P. fluorescens, T. viride, and coconut water exhibited the highest germination (94%), root length (17.63 cm), and vigor index I (2189), reflecting synergistic effects of microbial inoculants and bioactive compounds in coconut water. Coconut water priming alone resulted in maximum seedling dry weight (0.175 g) and vigor index II (1612), highlighting its role as a natural growth stimulator. The enhanced seed performance under combined biopriming is attributed to microbial nutrient mobilization and the stimulatory effect of phytohormones and vitamins present in coconut water. This eco-friendly, cost-effective strategy demonstrates potential for improving seed vigour, uniform emergence, and early seedling establishment in rice, providing a sustainable approach for cereal seed management.

Food Processing Application Potential of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Bacillus subtilis Isolated from Fermented Food: Screening for Virulence Factors

Joy Ehiwuogu-Onyibe — 2025-11-20

The identity and safety of two strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and two strains of Bacillus subtilis, isolated from fermenting sweet potato broth and fermenting African yam beans seeds respectively, were evaluated using 16S rRNA gene sequences. The strains applicability for food fermentation were also practically determined. The sequence analysis confirmed the two strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum B1 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum B4) with > 99 % similarities with related Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. The two studied strains of Bacillus subtilis (Bacillus subtilis FSB1 and Bacillus subtilis FSB2) had > 99 % relatedness in alignment with close Bacillus subtilis strains. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence was performed and phylogenetic trees were subsequently constructed to confirm taxonomic placement. The studied Bacillus subtilis FSB1 and Bacillus subtilis FSB2 strains fermented inoculated African yam bean seeds into food seasoning within 48 h of fermentation. Also, both the single Lactiplantibacillus plantarum B1 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum B4 strains, and the combined starters produced fermented products with the relevant yoghurt flavour within 24 h of milk fermentation. Virulence profiling and vanA antibiotic resistance genes evaluation results suggested the absence of the studied gelE, hyl, sprE, asa1, cylA, esp virulence genes and vancomycin A resistance gene. This study demonstrated the safety and potential for application of the Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Bacillus subtilis strains in food processing.

Functional Characterization and In vitro Efficacy of Chickpea Rhizobacteria against Collar Rot and Dry Root Rot

Syed Vahida Rehman — 2025-11-20

Background: Chickpea productivity is severely constrained by soil-borne fungal pathogens Sclerotium rolfsii and Rhizoctonia bataticola, which cause collar rot and dry root rot. This study explores the chickpea rhizosphere for beneficial bacteria, that suppress these pathogens and promote plant growth.

Aim: To isolate and functionally characterize rhizobacterial isolates antagonistic to collar rot and dry root rot pathogens.

Methodology: Microbial isolates were isolated from chickpea rhizosphere by standard serial dilution and plating. Antagonistic activity was screened in vitro via dual culture assays, recording percent mycelial growth inhibition. Morphological, biochemical and plant growth promoting (PGP) traits were characterized. Biochemical and PGP traits data was assessed using hierarchical cluster analysis and Principal Component Analysis (PCA).

Results: A total of 223 rhizobacterial isolates were obtained. Ten isolates were highly effective against S. rolfsii, with RCA-05 (72.9±0.09), RSA-02 (72.5±0.12), BSA-17 (72.9±0.07) and BSA-14 (72.5±0.10) exhibiting highest inhibition. Against R. bataticola, 11 isolates exceeded 40% inhibition of mycelial growth, among which BSA-33 (47.9±0.03) and RCA-05 (47.1±0.12) were being the most effective. Multivariate analysis identified BWA-01, RSA-5, and RCA-08 were associated strongly with multiple beneficial traits.

Conclusion: The study identified promising PGP actinomycetes and bacteria that simultaneously promote plant growth and suppress soil-borne pathogens, offering a sustainable bioinoculant solution for chickpea cultivation.

Clinical and Physiological Characterization of Canine Distemper Virus Infection in Dogs from the Junagadh Region of Gujarat, India

Jagruti N. Parmar — 2025-11-21

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is an infectious disease of canines in the overall world, mainly in developing countries where proper immunization is not enclosed. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical signs and physiological parameters alterations in canine distemper virus (CDV) affected dogs from the Junagadh region of Gujarat, India. A total of 74 dogs showing clinical signs that indicate CDV were examined from January to June 2025; among these, 28 dogs were confirmed positive through rapid antigen testing, and 35 dogs were positive with PCR. Various clinical signs of CDV-positive dogs were classified into nervous, respiratory, gastrointestinal, ocular, and cutaneous forms. Among these 5 forms of systemic affection, the nervous form was the most prevalent, affecting 91.43% of total positive dogs, followed by respiratory (71.43%), gastrointestinal (45.71%), and ocular/cutaneous forms (42.86%). Mixed-system involvement was recorded in most of the dogs, with seizures, mucopurulent nasal discharge, vomiting, and hardening of the foot pad among the most frequent manifestations. Highly significant increases were noted in rectal temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and capillary refill time (CRT) in CDV-positive dogs when statistically compared with ten healthy dogs, indicating systemic affection and cardiorespiratory stress. The findings designated that CDV is pantropic in nature and suggest the diagnostic value of clinical assessment in field conditions where laboratory facilities are not available. Early detection of multisystemic signs, along with a rapid test kit of CDV, is helpful for early differential diagnosis, prognosis of disease, and therapeutic management of affected dogs.

Physicochemical and Bacteriological Quality of Groundwater at the Point of Collection and under Household Storage Conditions in the Mendong Neighborhood of Yaoundé, Cameroon

Néne Zakiyatou — 2025-11-22

A study was conducted in several households in the Mendong neighborhood of Yaoundé (Cameroon) from January to March 2025 to assess the level of microbiological contamination of groundwater in storage or in use in relation to physicochemical variables. Water samples were collected in sterile 500ml glass bottles for bacterial isolation and in double-sealed polyethylene bottles of 250ml and 1000ml for physicochemical parameters as recommended by standard methods. The bacteria considered were MAHB (Mesophilic Aerobic Heterotrophic bacteria) and some pathogenic bacteria. These bacteria were isolated using PCA and Salmonella-Shigella agar respectively. Pathogenic bacteria were identified using the classical gallery, followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing. Moreover, in addition to the MAHB, the waters sampled in the households and in the water supply sources harbor pathogenic bacteria such as Serratia marcescens, Citrobacter freundii, and Salmonella paratyphi. The densities of these bacteria undergo overall variations depending on the time of water collection, the household, and the water source considered. In addition, the physicochemical parameters considered were taken in situ and in the laboratory using standard techniques. It appears overall that the analyzed waters are acidic and mineralized with a conductivity that varies from 17 µS/cm to 250 µS/cm for an average of 97.59 ± 17.49 µS/cm. The water temperature ranges from 25.1°C to 28.2°C. The mineralization of the water would be due to the presence of Cl^-, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺ ions present in the analyzed waters. Similarly, the variation in temperature could be explained by the period of water collection. The physicochemical parameters do not significantly influence the variation in the abundance dynamics of germs over the usage time of the waters. It is therefore recommended that populations use cleaner and better (watertight and non-porous) containers and continue to treat the water regularly before use.

Point Prevalence Survey Using the Global PPS Tool and Antimicrobial Use at Albert Royer National Children’s Hospital, Dakar, Senegal

Amadou DIOP — 2025-11-22

Aims: The Global Point Prevalence Survey (Global-PPS) provides a standardized tool to measure and monitor antimicrobial prescribing and resistance worldwide.

Study Design: A descriptive, cross-sectional point prevalence survey.

Place and Duration of Study: Albert Royer National Children’s Hospital Center in Dakar, Senegal, between two consecutive days (16-17 November 2021).

Methodology: This study was conducted among hospitalized patients who were receiving oral or parenteral antimicrobial therapy. Data collection followed Global-PPS inclusion criteria and guidelines. Information was recorded using standardized survey forms, entered into Microsoft Excel, and analyzed using Epi Info version 7.

Results: Seven clinical departments were included in the survey, with 82 inpatients out of 108 functional beds, representing a bed occupancy rate of 75.9%. Among these, 54 patients (65.9%) were receiving antimicrobials, including 6 (11.1%) treated for healthcare-associated infections. The mean age of patients was 62.1 months, and the most represented age group was 3-60 months (31.4%). Respiratory infections, particularly pneumonia (25.9%), were the most common diagnoses, followed by sepsis (18.5%), central nervous system infections (13%), and severe malaria (7.4%).

Samples for microbiological testing were collected from 40.7% (22/54) of patients, with 9 (40.9%) yielding positive results. Isolated bacteria included Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter spp., and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Plasmodium falciparum was identified in four patients. Antibiotics were the most frequently used antimicrobials (90.6%), followed by antiparasitic agents (7.4%) and antituberculosis drugs (3.7%). Combination therapy was predominant (46.3%), followed by monotherapy (40.7%). Third-generation cephalosporins were the most prescribed antibiotics (87.0%), mainly cefotaxime (46.3%) and ceftriaxone (40.7%), followed by penicillins (13%), quinolones (9.2%), aminoglycosides (48.1%), imipenem (18.5%), and vancomycin (29.6%).

Conclusion: Antibiotics, particularly third-generation cephalosporins, remain the most commonly prescribed antimicrobials in pediatric practice. Strengthening adherence to national antibiotic guidelines and enhancing diagnostic stewardship are essential to reduce antimicrobial resistance pressure and promote rational antimicrobial use.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Plant Extracts against Microorganisms Isolated from Deteriorating Building Walls

Giami, Lynda Kadi — 2025-11-24

Dilapidated buildings harbor microbes that contribute to deterioration and health risks. From walls in the University of Africa Toru-Orua, three bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli) and two fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium chrysogenum) were isolated and identified using morphological, biochemical, and microscopic methods. The antimicrobial activity of neem (Azadirachta indica), garlic (Allium sativum), and scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) extracts was evaluated by agar well diffusion. All extracts showed concentration-dependent inhibition, with fresh preparations more effective. Garlic exhibited the strongest activity (23.5 mm against B. subtilis, 20.4 mm against E. coli, and 17.4 mm against fungi), neem showed moderate inhibition (up to 19.2 mm), while scent leaf was least active (≤12.6 mm). P. aeruginosa resisted lower doses but was inhibited up to 18.1 mm at higher concentrations. These findings indicate that garlic and neem possess strong antimicrobial potential and may serve as eco-friendly alternatives for controlling biodeterioration in built environments.

Prevalence and Phenotypic Characterization of Extended-Spectrum β- Lactamase (ESBL)-Producing Uropathogenic Enterobacteriaceae Isolated at the Fann University Hospital

Aïssatou Ahmet NIANG — 2025-11-27

Introduction: Urinary tract infections caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae) are a public health problem in the world. This study aims to determine the prevalence and resistance profiles of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolated at the Fann University Hospital Center.

Methods: This is a prospective study of urine samples analyzed at the bacteriology laboratory of the Fann University Hospital Center. Bacterial identification and antibiograms were performed according to CA-SFM recommendations.

During the study, 2,852 urine samples were collected from patients who came for consultation or were hospitalized in the study facility.

Results: Of all the enterobacteria isolated from 20% of urine samples, 32% were ESBL-producing. ESBL-producing E. coli were mainly isolated from outpatients (71%) and elderly subjects (≥ 60 years: 44%). The main co-resistances concerned gentamicin (66%), cotrimoxazole (88%), and fluoroquinolones (75%). Good sensitivity to imipenem (80%) and chloramphenicol (80%) was observed.

Conclusion: These results confirm the high community prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli in Dakar and the threat of multidrug resistance. The continued sensitivity to carbapenems should encourage ongoing surveillance and prudent use of antibiotics in Senegal.

Microbiomes as Natural Allies: Towards Sustainable Farming Practices

Durva Bisht — 2025-11-22

The sustainability of global agriculture is increasingly threatened by climate change, soil degradation, declining biodiversity, and the overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. In this context, plant- and soil-associated microbiomes have emerged as vital allies for achieving resilient and eco-friendly farming systems. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the diversity, composition, and functional roles of plant microbiomes, with a focus on nutrient acquisition, plant growth promotion, stress tolerance, and disease suppression. Case studies highlight the potential of microbiome applications across major crops such as corn, wheat, sugarcane, and legumes. Furthermore, advances in microbiome engineering—including synthetic microbial communities, metagenomics, multi-omics approaches, and CRISPR-based synthetic biology—are explored as transformative tools for harnessing beneficial microbes. Despite significant progress, challenges such as inconsistent field performance, interactions with native microbial communities, storage and formulation of inoculants, and regulatory acceptance remain barriers to large-scale application. Looking ahead, the integration of microbiome-based strategies with sustainable farming practices, artificial intelligence, and climate-smart agriculture presents promising opportunities to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of Zero Hunger, Climate Action, and Life on Land. This review emphasizes the need for responsible innovation, field validation, and supportive policies to realize the full potential of microbiomes in driving agricultural sustainability.