Microbiology Research Journal International

Antimicrobial Resistance in MRSA: A One Health Perspective on Animal, Plant, and Microbial Interactions

Faridah Mobolanle Banwo — 2026-02-25

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is no longer simply a hospital problem; it has spread to communities, animals, and the environment, posing a significant public health risk. Its capacity to resist common antibiotics stems from the acquisition of resistance genes, particularly mecA and mecC, which enable it to survive and persist in diverse ecological settings. Wildlife and livestock play important roles in this cycle, serving as hidden reservoirs for MRSA and facilitating its transmission among animals, food systems, and humans. At the same time, the extensive use of antibiotics in agriculture has intensified the problem, increasing the persistence and spread of resistant strains across soil, water, and plant-associated environments and making MRSA more difficult to control in food production and beyond. With antibiotic resistance on the rise, researchers are increasingly exploring alternative approaches for MRSA management, including plant-based antimicrobials. Proper understanding on how MRSA evolves, spreads, and protects itself through mechanisms such as biofilm formation, genetic adaptability, and environmental persistence, is essential for developing more effective control strategies. This review adopts a One Health perspective, highlighting key themes such as livestock reservoirs, environmental and plant interactions, and major resistance mechanisms. The findings therefore shows the need for a coordinated response that promotes prudent antibiotic use, integrated surveillance across human, animal, and environmental sectors, strengthened biosecurity in agriculture, and policy-driven interventions that support antimicrobial stewardship and investment in alternative therapies to reduce the spread of MRSA.

Isolation and Identification of Virulent Klebsiella spp from Cattle in Three Districts of Chhattishgarh, India

Vishvajit Dilliwar — 2026-03-12

Klebsiella is a genus of Gram-negative, non-motile, capsulated bacteria commonly found in soil, water, and various hosts. **Klebsiella pneumoniae** is the major pathogenic species causing infections in humans and animals and is notable for its increasing multidrug resistance and economic impact in dairy animals. The study investigates the isolation and identification of virulent Klebsiella species from cattle in three districts of Chhattisgarh, India. A total of 50 biological samples, including milk, wound swabs, and uterine swabs, were collected from cattle exhibiting clinical symptoms of infections like mastitis, pyometra, and wounds. Isolation and identification of Klebsiella spp. were carried out using cultural, biochemical, and molecular techniques, including growth on selective media, biochemical testing, and PCR amplification targeting the gyrA gene. Results revealed an overall prevalence of 26% across the districts, with the highest incidence in Durg (40%) and a notable prevalence in mastitic milk samples (62.5%). The findings highlight the growing significance of Klebsiella in cattle infections, contributing to mastitis, uterine, and wound infections, which can result in considerable economic losses in the dairy industry. The study emphasizes the need for further research on the zoonotic potential of Klebsiella spp. and its impact on both animal health and dairy production.

Post-vaccine Circulation of Group A Rotavirus among Children under Five in Northern Cameroon: A Cross-sectional Study

Ibrahima Djoulde — 2026-02-25

Background: Rotavirus is the main viral agent involved in childhood gastroenteritis. It is a public health problem, characterized primarily by diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, spread via the fecal-oral route from contaminated water, food, and objects. The present study aims to determine the prevalence and seasonality of group A rotavirus (RVA) infection in children under 5 years of age admitted to hospitals in the city of Garoua for diarrhea.

Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in Garoua between March 2023 and February 2024. It included 110 boys and 90 girls aged 0 to 5 years, admitted for acute diarrhea to the pediatric emergency departments of health facilities in the city of Garoua. Stool samples were collected for the detection of rotavirus A (RVA) VP6 protein using the sandwich ELISA

Results: The ELISA test detected the RVA antigen in 17% (34/200) of the samples, including 26 boys and 8 girls. Children under 24 months of age were the most affected age group (44.1%), and (67.1%) were malnourished. Among the 34 infected children, RVA was responsible for 73.5% of hospitalizations. 88.2% (30/34) of positive cases were vaccinated (Rotarix) children, and 11.8% (4/34) were unvaccinated. Severe acute malnutrition was found to be a significant risk factor, affecting 41.1% of infected children. Although our results showed year-round occurrence of RVA infection, the dry season appears to be more conducive to infection than the rainy season.

Conclusion: This study describes the evidence of RVA infection in diarrheal children under five years of age in the city of Garoua, despite the introduction of the Rotarix® vaccine into the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). The use of the ELISA method alone, without complementary genotyping, effectively limits the accurate evaluation of vaccine efficacy. While ELISA effectively detects antibodies, it cannot distinguish the vaccine-induced immune response from infections caused by variants, making it difficult to assess specific protection against circulating strains. This indicates a serious health burden, exacerbated by severe acute malnutrition at a younger age.

Bioprospecting Bacillus spp. from Waste Garbage-contaminated Soil for Sustainable PHA Production

Sainath H. Kamble — 2026-02-25

Background: The use of synthetic plastics and their products on a big scale causes waste disposal problems, leading to environmental pollution. Synthetic plastics derived from petroleum products like polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene are all non-degradable and recalcitrant in the environment. The most studied and observed Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) stored in intracellular granules.

Aim: To produce Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from bacteria isolated from waste -garbage contaminated soil and confirm the production of PHAs by various techniques.

Methodology: The production of PHA from the bacteria isolated from waste-garbage contaminated soil, especially collected in the Solapur district. Further isolates were characterized using morphological, cultural, biochemical, and molecular methods, including 16S rRNA gene sequencing, with phylogenetic analysis. The isolated and selected strain was studied for the extraction of PHAs and extended to evaluate the effect of various environmental parameters.

Results: The isolates (PHB 1-5 ) were confirmed as PHA producers via Sudan Black B staining, and identified as members of the Bacillus cereus group, specifically Bacillus paramycoides (PHB-1, PHB-2) and Bacillus cereus (PHB-3). The confirmed and selected candidate of the PHB 5 strain is achieving a maximum PHA yield. Optimization shows that the PHB 5 thrives in alkaline conditions and prefers low salinity. FTIR analysis confirmed the biopolymer structure, showing characteristic peaks at 1723 cm⁻¹ (C=O ester carbonyl) and 1280–1106 cm⁻¹ (C–O–C stretching).

Conclusion: These microorganisms demonstrate significant potential for efficient, high-volume production of biodegradable bioplastics.

Clinical and Microbial Insights into the Therapeutic Potential of 1-Kestose in Managing Crohn’s Disease

Tadashi Fujii — 2026-03-04

Background and Aims: Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by gastrointestinal inflammation, with gut microbiota dysbiosis playing a key role in its onset and progression. This study aimed to evaluate whether 1-kestose supplementation modulates gut microbiota composition and mucin degradation–related biomarkers in patients with clinically inactive to mild CD, and to explore plausible ecological mechanisms in vitro.

Study Design: Single-arm pilot intervention study with exploratory laboratory experiments.

Place and Duration of Study: Samples were collected at Tokai University Hospital (Japan), and microbiome/qPCR analyses and in vitro assays were performed at Fujita Health University (Japan). The supplementation period was four months.

Methodology: Nineteen patients with clinically inactive to mild CD (CDAI ≤ 220) received 1-kestose (3 g) twice daily for 4 months. Fecal microbiota composition was assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and qPCR quantified nanA homologs (nan levels) as a functional marker related to mucin-degrading potential. Clinical biomarkers (CDAI, fecal calprotectin, CRP, albumin) were monitored. To investigate potential mechanisms, in vitro cultures of Ruminococcus gnavus and Bifidobacterium longum were performed under sugar-supplemented conditions, including 1-kestose, and growth responses were evaluated; short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were descriptively assessed in pooled culture supernatants.

Results: Clinical biomarkers remained stable throughout supplementation. 1-kestose intake was associated with an increased relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and a decreased abundance of Blautia, along with reduced fecal nan levels. In vitro, B. longum showed enhanced early growth with 1-kestose compared with other sugars, whereas R. gnavus exhibited impaired growth under acidic conditions. Exploratory SCFA measurements suggested higher acetate in sugar-supplemented B. longum cultures.

Conclusion: In this single-arm pilot cohort of patients with clinically inactive to mild CD, 1-kestose supplementation was associated with shifts toward potentially beneficial taxa and a reduction in nan levels, a functional marker linked to mucin-degrading potential. These findings, supported by exploratory in vitro observations, suggest that 1-kestose may modulate gut ecological conditions; however, clinical efficacy and causality require confirmation in randomized, placebo-controlled trials with detailed dietary and medication monitoring.

Spermiological, Bacteriological Profiles and Antibiotic Resistance Phenotypes of Isolates from Semen Cultures at the China-Guinea Friendship Hospital of Kipé in Conakry

Abdoulaye Makanéra — 2026-03-05

Background and Aims: Male infertility is a significant global health issue, accounting for nearly 50% of couple infertility. Bacterial contamination of semen, from infections, poor hygiene, sexual transmission, or medical procedures, can impair male reproductive health. This study aimed to determine the spermiological profiles and antibiotic resistance phenotypes of bacteria isolated from semen cultures of patients at the Sino-Guinean Friendship Hospital of Kipé (HASIGUI), Conakry.

Study Design: A retrospective descriptive study.

Place and Duration of Study: Biomedical Laboratory of HASIGUI, over a period of nine years and three months, from July 16, 2012 to October 7, 2021.

Methodology: A total of 157 semen samples were subjected to culture, of which 95 were positive, representing a positivity rate of 60.50%. Bacterial identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were performed using the VITEK® 2 Compact automated system.

Results: The mean age of patients was 34.93 ± 10.30 years, with ages ranging from 16 to 68 years. The most represented age group was 26–35 years (36.8%). The main sperm abnormalities observed included oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, oligoasthenozoospermia, asthenoteratozoospermia, oligoteratozoospermia, azoospermia, oligozoospermia, and asthenozoospermia. A total of 30 bacterial species were identified, with Staphylococcus aureus (16.8%), Staphylococcus haemolyticus (12%), and Staphylococcus xylosus (12%) being the most prevalent. All isolates were resistant to benzylpenicillin. High resistance rates were also observed for penicillin (89.47%), oxacillin (82.26%), ampicillin (76.19%), tetracycline (75%), ofloxacin (73%), and erythromycin (70%), with generally elevated MIC values.

Conclusion: The findings reveal a wide diversity of sperm abnormalities and multidrug-resistant bacterial species, predominantly staphylococci. These results highlight the need for antibiotic therapy guided by antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Development of Spray-dried Probiotic Powder from Fruit Peel Waste: Physicochemical, Functional and Microbiological Evaluation

Mukhtar Ahmed — 2026-03-07

Fruit peel waste is an underutilized resource that contains bioactive compounds and dietary fiber for use in functional foods. The objective of this research was to produce a spray-dried probiotic powder with fruit peel waste as carrier matrix and then evaluate its physicochemical, functional and microbiological properties. The peels of banana, citrus and apple were homogenized into fine slurry mixed with Lactobacillus plantarum, spray-dried under optimized conditions (inlet temperature 140 -160°C, feed flow rate 5 mL/min) with maltodextrin as carrier. The obtained powders showed low moisture (≤4.2%) and low water activity (0.30). The encapsulation efficiency was more than 92%, and the particle sizes were between 15 and 35 μm. The total phenolic content, as well as antioxidant activity after drying, were retained at a high level, indicating a good protection of the peel matrix. Viability of probiotics showed >8.5 log CFU/g after spray drying, >7 log CFU/g following 60 days at 4 °C for storage stability and that fruit peel waste could be effectively valorized as a functional probiotic powder using spray drying with potential implementation to enable the sustainable, low-cost development of shelf-stable nutraceuticals and functional food materials.

Isolation, Characterization and Screening of Bacillus spp. from Rhizosphere Soils of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.)

Anita Bandi — 2026-03-07

The present study entitled “Isolation, characterization and screening of Bacillus spp. from rhizosphere soil of black gram (Vigna mungo L.)” was conducted to identify efficient plant growth-promoting Bacillus strains that can be developed as potential bioinoculants for sustainable black gram cultivation. A total of 25 rhizosphere soil samples were collected from black gram fields in Raichur and Kalaburagi during 2024-25. Twenty-five Bacillus isolates were purified and subjected to morphological and biochemical characterization. The isolates grown on Nutrient Agar were found to be Gram-positive, motile, endospore-forming rods. Biochemical tests revealed that all isolates were positive for methyl red and catalase tests, 14 were positive for starch hydrolysis, and 11 for urease test, whereas all were negative for indole test. Plant growth-promoting traits of the isolates showed that IAA production ranged from 5.06 to 8.44 µg/ml, with isolate BR-15 recording the highest level. Phosphate solubilization zones ranged from 13.11 to 17.30 mm, where BR-15 exhibited maximum solubilization. In ammonia production, one isolate was strongly positive (+++), four were moderate (++), and three were negative. Eight isolates displayed antifungal activity against Fusarium sp., with isolate BR-15 showing the highest antifungal activity (62.50%). Overall, BR-15 demonstrated superior PGP and biocontrol attributes, indicating its strong potential as an efficient bioinoculant for enhancing black gram productivity.

Phylogenetic Characterization and Quinolone Resistance Gene Profiling of Escherichia coli Strains Causing Urinary Tract Infections in Women in Cotonou, Benin

Assogba Agbébodé Frédéric — 2026-03-12

Study Design and Aims: Quinolones and fluoroquinolones are among the most widely used classes of antibiotics in therapy. The emergence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) mechanisms complicates treatment, and although cases have been reported in several countries around the world, there is a lack of data in Benin. It is essential to periodically establish the prevalence of resistance in order to better guide treatment strategies and prevent the spread of resistance. This study aimed to characterize the E. coli strains isolated from the urine of women in Cotonou, focusing on their phylogenetic background and resistance to antimicrobial treatments.

Place and Duration of Study: This work was carried out from February to December 2020 at the Laboratory of Integrative Biology for Therapeutic Innovation (BioInov), Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin.

Methodology: Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed against 10 antibiotics from four major classes: beta-lactams (Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid, Aztreonam, Ceftriaxone, Imipenem, Cefixime), fluoroquinolones (Ciprofloxacin), aminoglycosides (Amikacin, Netilmicin), and nitrofurans. Simplex PCR was used to detect plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes (Qnr) and to determine phylogenetic groups using specific markers (ChuA, YjaA, and TSPE4.C2).

Results: Among the Twenty (20) uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) isolates were included in this study, 45% carried at least one Qnr gene. QnrB was detected in 66.66% and QnrS in 77.77% of these positive strains. The antibiotic resistance profile of isolates carrying the Qnr genes showed high resistance to ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, cefixime, and aztreonam (77.77%). Phylogenetic classification revealed that group D was the most prevalent (55%), followed by group A (35%) and group B1 (10%). Notably, group B2, which is often associated with extra-intestinal pathogenic E. coli, was completely absent.

Conclusion: In summary, the detection of resistance and Qnr genes in Benin highlights the need to strengthen surveillance and adjust therapeutic strategies to limit the impact of multidrug-resistant UPEC. Despite the small sample size, which limits the generalizability of the results, this study provides valuable preliminary data for the local molecular epidemiology of quinolone resistance.

Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Bacteria Isolated from Seafoods Sold Around Rumuolumeni Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

G. A. Uzah — 2026-03-17

There is an increasing concern on the rising trend of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among bacterial isolates from seafood. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics in aquaculture, livestock farming, and human medicine have accelerated the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Seafood constitutes an important source of animal protein and economic livelihood for residents of Rumuolumeni metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria. However, increasing environmental pollution, unhygienic handling, and indiscriminate antimicrobial use pose risks of microbial contamination and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study investigated the bacteriological quality and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of bacteria isolated from selected seafoods sold within Rumuolumeni metropolis. A total of four types of seafood samples, fish, prawns, crabs, and periwinkles, were randomly purchased from local vendors and analysed using standard microbiological techniques. Total heterotrophic bacterial count (THBC), total coliform count (TCC), fecal coliform count (FCC), and Salmonella–Shigella presence were determined. The findings revealed high bacterial contamination across samples, with THBC ranging from 7.51 ± 0.80 to 8.28 ± 0.96 Log₁₀ CFU/g, exceeding recommended microbiological safety limits. TCC values were highest in prawns (8.23 ± 0.96 Log₁₀ CFU/g), prawns had the highest SSC (4.67 ± 0.08 and 5.075 ± 0.01 Log₁₀ CFU/g), while oyster had the lowest SSC (3.69 ± 0.13 and 4.55 ± 0.05 log₁₀ CFU/g), respectively. FCC recorded no detectable growth. Nineteen bacterial isolates were identified, dominated by Escherichia coli (32%), followed by Shigella spp. (16%), Salmonella spp. (16%), Pseudomonas spp. (16%), Proteus spp. (10%), and Enterobacter and Klebsiella spp. (5% each). All isolates exhibited multidrug resistance, with Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Index (MARI) values ranging from 0.3 to 0.8, indicating exposure to high-risk antibiotic-contaminated environments. High resistance was observed against ceftriaxone (100%), tetracycline (94.7%), and streptomycin (78.9%), while ciprofloxacin (100%) and ofloxacin (94.7%) showed the highest susceptibility. These findings highlight significant public health risks associated with the consumption of seafood from Rumuolumeni due to microbial contamination and multidrug-resistant pathogens. The study underscores the need for improved environmental sanitation, hygienic seafood handling, routine microbial surveillance, and strengthened antimicrobial stewardship to safeguard consumers’ health.