Abstract: Statement of Problem: Acid producing bacteria including Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli cause tooth demineralization and lead to tooth decay. Also, oral colonization of the species of Candida has been reported in many studies that are resistant to antifungal agents. Objectives: In this study, antibacterial and antifungal effects of nano-CuO were studied against some oral bacteria and yeast fungi. Materials and Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) for oral bacterial and fungal test strains were determined in 96-well microtiter plate technique. The agar diffusion test (ADT) was employed to assess the antifungal properties of nystatin. Results: The MIC 50 value of CuO NPs was determined at the range of 1–10 µg/ml for S. mutans, < 1 µg/ml for L. acidophilus, and 10 µg/ml for L. casei. Higher concentrations of CuO NPs (100-1000 µg/ml) were effective on the bacterial cell growth, resulting in 100% reduction in the optical density in TSB medium. The cells of Candida albicans, C. krusei and C. glabrata were treated with CuO NPs and the results showed a decrease in fungal growth at a concentration of 1-1000 µg/ml in TSB medium. The MIC 50 value of CuO NPs was determined 1000 µg/ml for three species of Candida. The diameter of growth inhibition zones of 1100 µg/ml nystatin was obtained 15-21 mm for clinical isolates of three species of Candida. Conclusions: With respect to the potential bactericidal activity of CuO NPs on various cariogenic bacteria examined in this study, these NPs could be introduce as a candidate control agent for preventing dental caries or dental infections. In our study, on the other hand, Nano copper oxide had a weak effect on the candida species. Key words: Nanoparticle,Oral Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, Yeast, Dental Caries

Abstract: Purpose. To compare the biocompatibility and antimicrobial effectiveness of the new Fast-Set MTA (FS-MTA) with ProRoot MTA (RS-MTA). Methods. The agar overlay method with neutral red dye was used. L929 mouse fibroblast cells were cultured. The liquid and oil extracts and solid test material were placed on the agar overlay, four samples for each material. Phenol was used as the positive control and cottonseed oil and MEM extracts were used as negative controls. Cytotoxicity was examined by measuring the zones of decolorization and evaluating cell lysis under an inverted microscope using the established criteria after 24 and 48 hours. The antimicrobial test was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk-diffusion method against S. mutans, E. faecalis, F. nucleatum, P. gingivalis, and P. intermedia. The size of the zone of inhibition was measured in millimeters. Results. There was no zone of decolorization seen under or around the test materials for FS-MTA and RS-MTA at 24 and 48 hours. The antimicrobial test demonstrated no inhibitory effect of FS-MTA or RS-MTA on any bacterial species after 24 and 48 hours. Conclusions. There was no cytotoxicity or bacterial inhibition observed by the new Fast-Set MTA when compared to the ProRoot MTA after setting.

Abstract: The aerial parts of Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don were subjected to hydrodistillation to obtain essential oils which had been analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and tested for antimicrobial activity against 12 bacteria, two yeasts and four fungi by agar diffusion method. The essential oil yielded 0.44% (v/w) and 67 compounds accounting for 99.24% of the oil were identified with a high content of oxygenated sesquiterpenes (61.42%). The most oxygenated sesquiterpene compounds were α-Cedrene (13.61%), α-Curcumene (11.41%), Geranyl acetate (10.05%), Limonene (6.07%), Nerol (5.04%), Neryl acetate (4.91%) and α-Pinene (3.78%). The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was assayed by using the disk diffusion method on Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Micrococcus luteus ATCC 4698, Klebsiella pneumonia ATCC 4352, Enterococcus cereus ATCC 2035, Bacillus cereus ATCC 10876, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 9372, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 49452, Proteus mirabilis ATCC 35659, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 15313 and yeasts Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATCC 9763 and fungi, Fusarium solani var. coeruleum, Aspergillus niger, Alternaria alternata, Ascochyta rabiei. H. italicum inhibited the growth of all the tested microorganisms except three bacteria, E. coli ATCC 25922, K. pneumonia ATCC 4352 and L. monocytogenes ATCC 15313. The most sensitive bacterium was E. cereus ATCC 2035 with minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations of 0.79 μg ml-1. A minimum fungistatic and fungicide concentration of 6.325 μg ml-1 and 12.65 μg ml-1 respectively was obtained with C. albicans ATCC 10231 and S. cerevisiae ATCC 9763. However the four fungi were more resistant with fungistatic minimum concentration ranging from 6.325 μg ml-1 to 50.6 μg ml-1 and a fungicide minimum concentration of 50.6 μg ml-1. This antimicrobial activity could be attributed to the essential oil chemical composition. Thus this study represents a first step in the study of the chemical composition of H. italicum (Roth) G. Don collected from north Algeria and its antimicrobial properties.

Abstract: Background: Development of drug resistance in bacteria is a common and alarming problem worldwide and there is continuous and urgent need of antibacterial agents Endophytes offer a plethora of secondary metabolites with various biological activities These secondary metabolites may help the host plant in defense from pathogens and insects, growth stimulators also helps the host plant in stress tolerance Calotropis procera is a well-known medicinal plant, used to cure various health ailments traditionally So, the endophytic fungi isolated from different tissues (leaf, stem and root) of C procera were evaluated for their antibacterial potential Methods: The antibacterial activity of crude ethyl acetate extracts of 20 different endophytic fungi was evaluated by using agar well diffusion assay against total nine bacterial reference strains Minimum inhibitory concentration was determined by using microbroth dilution method Time kill assay study was performed against the Salmonella typhi bacterial strain by using Aspergillus nomius extract Results: Out of the total 20 different endophytic fungal strains 7 endophytic fungal extracts showed activity against all tested bacterial strains The endophytic fungi which belong to Aspergillus and Fusarium genus exhibited good antibacterial activity Maximum zone of inhibition (1733 mm) was shown by extracts of Aspergillus nomius, Fusarium solani, Aspergillus oryzae and Curvularia hawaiiensis against S typhi, S flexneri, S typhi and S marcescens respectively Extracts of Aspergillus nidulans, Curvularia hawaiiensis, Chaetomium arcuatum and Chaetomium atrobrunneum also exhibited significant antibacterial activity against the tested bacterial strains The MIC values were ranged between 156 μg/well to 250 μg/well The endophytic fungal extracts were more efficient against the growth of Gram-positive bacteria as compared to Gram-negative Time kill assay study against the S typhi showed bacteriostatic effect of Aspergillus nomius strain extract at different concentrations Conclusion: Several endophytic fungi inhabit the different tissues of C procera have capability of producing bioactive secondary metabolites with significant antibacterial activity Further isolation and identification of these secondary metabolites may provide a new lead for development of novel drug molecules

Abstract: Introduction Garcinia mangostana commonly called as Mangosteen fruit has been used as an antibacterial agent since age old times. The mangosteen pericarp has proven to have antibacterial effect, but the effect of the same on cariogenic organisms has not been explored. The present study was an attempt to gain a better understanding of the antibacterial effect of mangosteen pericarp on the cariogenic bacteria, to unravel the therapeutic potential for the same. Aim The aim of the study was to assess the antibacterial efficacy of the crude chloroform extract of mangosteen pericarp against cariogenic bacteria. Materials and methods The study was done under laboratory settings using an in vitro design. The microorganisms namely Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus oralis and Lactobacillus acidophilus were procured from American Type Cell Culture (ATCC) and Microbial Type Culture Collection (MTCC) were revived and lawn cultured. The antibacterial effect of mangosteen pericarp was tested using agar well diffusion method on Trypticase Soy Agar-Blood Agar (TSA-BA) and de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) agar media. The standard antiplaque agent chlorhexidine was used as the positive control. This cross-sectional, experimental study was done in Central Research laboratory, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College for period of eight weeks. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) values were determined by microbroth dilution method. Statistical analysis was done by calculating the mean of the zones of inhibition on tested microorganisms. Mann-Whitney test was done to compare the zones of inhibition of mangosteen and chlorhexidine. Results The antibacterial bioassay showed the highest activity for Lactobacillus acidophilus (13.6 mm) and Streptococcus sanguis (13.6 mm), whereas, it showed a medium and low activity for Streptococcus oralis (11.3 mm), Streptococcus mutans (10.6 mm) and Streptococcus salivarius (3 mm) respectively. The MBC and MIC values were lowest for Lactobacillus acidophilus (MIC 25 mg/ml, MBC 50 mg/ml) and Streptococcus oralis (MIC 50 mg/ml, MBC 100 mg/ml). Conclusion Mangosteen pericarp extract had a higher zone of inhibition against the tested microorganisms which suggests its potent antibacterial action against cariogenic organisms. However, further analytical studies are needed to isolate the key molecules of mangosteen pericarp, to explore its anticariogenic therapeutic potential on gram negative oral microorganisms.

Abstract: This study investigates the in vitro antimicrobial activity of coconut oil and its fatty acid( lauric acid) on selected clinical isolates. Clinical isolates were obtained from the General Hospital Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria. Media preparation and biochemical examination of the organisms were done according to standard methods. Organisms used were StaphylococcusaureusStreptococcus species, Lactobacillus species and Escherichia coli. Coconut oil was extracted through fermentation method were as lauric acids was esterified from coconut oil through freezing and were subjected to sterility test. Bauer-Kirby disc diffusion assay was used for the sensitivity assessment. Zones of inhibition were measured in diametre. Coconut oil showed resistant on the isolates at the various dilution concentrations. Lauric acid demonstrated significantly appreciable antim icrobial effect on the test organisms with the highest zone of inhibition on Staphylococcus aureus (10.50)mm, Streptococcus speci es (10.00) mm, Lactobacillus species (10.00) mm and the lowest inhibition on Escherichia coli (4.00)mm even at the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC).Escherichia coli which showed relatively low zone of inhibition even at the highest dilution concentration. The acid generally demonstrated appreciable sensitivity on the isolates with low effect on E. coli compare to other strains. This study recommends the use of coconut oil as therapeutic agent as well as in fighting antibiotic resistant since it contains lauric acid which is bactericidal. Further studies should be done on the oil and its derivative both in vitro and in vivo unveils its mechanisms of actions

Abstract: Introduction Microbial resistance to existing antimicrobial agents in periodontal therapy is a growing problem. Therefore, there is a need for development of new antimicrobial agents. Aim To biosynthesize and characterize Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) using endophytic fungi and to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy against P. gingivalis. Materials and methods Cut leaf segments of Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) were used to isolate the fungi. Fresh cultures of fungi were inoculated in Erlenmeyer flask of 100 ml Malt Glucose Yeast Peptone (MGYP) broth and incubated at 29°C for 72 hours for the biomass to grow. Biomass was filtered and cell free fungal filtrate was used further. Biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized by visual observation, Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Selected Area Electron Diffraction Analysis (SAED) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Antibacterial efficacy was evaluated by agar diffusion method measuring the zone of inhibition. The study groups included different concentrations of AgNPs: A (20 μl), B (40 μl), C (60 μl), D (80 μl) and E (100 μl) of AgNPs, F (0.2% CHX), G (2% CHX), H (Ampicillin) and I (sterile distilled water). The data collected for inhibition zones were statistically analysed using One-way Anova followed by Tukey post-hoc multiple comparison tests. Results The fungi were identified as Fusarium semitectum. Characterization studies showed the colour change from colourless to reddish brown; U-V spectrum showed peak 420 nm, TEM revealed the particles spherical in shape and 10-20 nm in size. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of functional groups. AgNPs 80 μl and 100 μl showed mean zone of inhibition 17.33 and 18 mm against P. gingivalis. CHX (0.2%) 17.85 and CHX (2%) 19.97 mm, Ampicillin 20.5 mm and no zone for sterile distilled water. Conclusion Biosynthesized AgNPs showed efficient antibacterial efficacy against P. gingivalis hence, creates a new horizon in periodontal therapy.

Abstract: Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh) has been considered as a medicinal shrub and used as a medicinal plant in the remote areas of Bangladesh A paniculata leaf and stem extracts were prepared using the polar (ie, water, and 70% ethanol) and nonpolar (ie, hexane) solvents The phytochemical contents, total phenol contents (TPC), antioxidant activity, and antibacterial activity of all the extracts of A paniculata leaf and stem were investigated Both the gram-positive (ie, Bacillus subtillis) and gram-negative (ie, E coli, and Salmonella typhi) strains of bacteria were used for the antibacterial activity assay of the sample extracts The ethanolic stem extracts contained the maximum amount of TPC when compared to that of the leaf extracts However, the aqueous stem extracts had the highest free radical scavenging activity in vitro The extracts prepared from A paniculata stem showed better antibacterial activity against all the strains of bacteria (ie, E coli, S typhi, and B subtillis) when compared to that of the leaf extracts More specifically, the aqueous stem extract showed superior antibacterial effect against E coli, and B subtillis, and the zones of inhibition were 21 mm, and 29 mm in diameter, respectively On the other hand, the ethanolic stem extract showed the maximum antibacterial activity against S typhi and the zone of inhibition was 815 mm The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value and IC50 value for all the A paniculata extracts were ~005 μg/μL, and ~1 μg/μL, respectively

Abstract: Objective: To estimate the in vitro total phenolics, flavonoids contents, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of various solvent extracts from the medicinal plant Physalis minima Linn . Methods: The crude bioactive were extracted from the dried powder of Physalis minima using methanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform and hexane solvents. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were estimated using Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride colorimetric methods respectively. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2 ’ -azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays were used to determine the in vitro antioxidant capacity. The antimicrobial assay was done through agar well diffusion; minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined using broth microdilution methods against the Gram-negative bacteria ( Klebsiella pneumoniae , Escherichia coli , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Proteus vulgaris ) and Gram-positive bacteria ( Staphylococcus aureus ). Results: TPC expressed as gallic acid equivalents (GAE) ranged from 60.27±1.73-151.25±2.50 mg GAE/g dry weight, and TFC expressed as quercetin equivalents (QE) ranged from 56.66±0.80-158.84±2.30 mg QE/g dry weight. Methanol extract showed the highest antioxidant activity followed by ethyl acetate, chloroform, hexane extract and the IC 50 values of methanol extract for scavenging DPPH and ABTS free radicals were 280.23±5.75-173.40±0.38µg/ml, respectively. All the extracts have shown potent antimicrobial activity for the zone of inhibition ranged from 9-35 mm; MICs and MBCs values ranged from 0.125-4.0 and 0.25-8.0 mg/ml, respectively towards tested pathogenic species. Conclusion: The comprehensive analysis of the present results demonstrated that Physalis minima possess high potential antioxidant properties which could be used as a viable source of natural antioxidants in treating infections caused by above-mentioned pathogens.

Abstract: Background: Enterococcus. faecalis (E. faecalis) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) are the most common bacteria found in infected tooth root canal. Most of these bacteria often cause failure in endodontic treatments. Pluchea indica Less leaf is a species of plants that has several chemical properties. It consists of flavonoids, tannins, polyphenols, and essensial oils which have been reported as antibacterial agents. Because of its benefits, the extract of Pluchea indica Less leaves may be potentially developed as one of root canal sterilization dressing. Purpose: This study aimed to determine antibacterial activity of Pluchea indica Less leaves extract against E. faecalis and F. nucleatum bacteria. Method: Dilution method was conducted first to show Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the extract against E. faecalis and F. nucleatum. The antibacterial activity test on Pluchea indica Less leaves extract was performed on E. faecalis and F. nucleatum bacteria using agar diffusion method. The Pluchea indica Less leaves extract used for antibacterial activity test was at a concentrations of 100%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, and 6.25%. Thirty-five petridiscs were used and divided into five groups based on the extract concentration. Result: The results showed strong and moderate antibacterial effects of the Pluchea indica Less leaves extract on E. faecalis at the concentrations of 100% and 50%, while on F. nucleatum only at the concentration of 100% with moderate effect. Conclusion: Pluchea indica Less leaves extract has antibacterial activity against E. faecalis and F. nucleatum bacteria with strong-moderate effect.

Abstract: Objective: To isolate and characterize novel actinomycetes and to evaluate their antibacterial activity against drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria Methods: In the present study, 19 soil samples were collected from different localities of Ad-Dawadmi, Saudi Arabia. Actinomycetes were isolated from these samples using serial dilution and plating method on Actinomycetes isolation agar supplemented with nalidixic acid and actidione to inhibit bacteria and fungi. Crude extracts of potential actinomycetes were produced by submerged fermentation. The antimicrobial activity of crude extracts of actinomycetes was tested against different bacteria using the agar well diffusion method. Characterization of the isolates was done by morphological, physiological and biochemical methods. Results: A total of 9 (47%) isolates of actinomycetes were isolated from 19 different soil samples tested. Among them, 4 (44%) isolates confirmed as Streptomyces sp. showed potential antimicrobial activity against one or more test organisms. Crude extracts were made from these 4 actinomycetes isolates(DOM1, DOM3, DP3, DP4)and tested for their antibacterial activities against 4 different clinical bacterial strains ( Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcu s) . Crude extract from DP3 isolate showed highest antibacterial activity against all the four test organisms (28 mm, 21 mm, 20 mm and 18 mm) respectively and DP4 showed lowest antibacterial activity against all the four test organisms (14 mm, 12 mm, 0 mm, 6 mm) respectively. The highest zone of inhibition was shown by DP3 against Staphylococcus aureus (28 mm) and Escherichia coli was resistant for DP4. Most of the Inhibition zones produced by crude extracts showed significant differences when compared with control, tested against test organisms (P<0.05). Inhibition zones produced by DP3 and DOM1 against Staphylococcus aureus were 28 mm and 23 mm, respectively which were strong active when compared with control Ciprofloxacin (18 mm). Conclusion: Further studies for purification of bioactive metabolites and molecular characterization analysis of isolated Streptomyces sp. are in progress which would be helpful in discovering novel compounds of commercial value.

Abstract: Aim: This study was carried out to investigate the anticancer and antibacterial activity of date seeds and its phytochemical composition. Materials and Methods: Qualitative phytochemical screening was performed using date seed powder using biochemical assays. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was performed to identify the phytochemical contents in the extract. MTT assay was carried out to study the cytotoxicity of the seed extracts against HCT-15 (human coloretal cancer) cells. Antibacterial activity was studied using agar well diffusion method, against Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli. Results: GC-MS analysis of acetone and chloroform extract of date seeds suggests that acetone extract contains majorly of aliphatic molecules and chloroform extract contains aromatic molecules. Cytotoxicity study showed that acetone extract is highly cytotoxic with inhibitor concentration 50 (IC50) value at 20 μg/ml and chloroform extract is moderately cytotoxic with IC50 value at 100 μg/ml concentration against HCT-15 cells. Antibacterial study showed that chloroform extract had no antagonistic activity against bacteria, whereas acetone extract demonstrated significant antibacterial activity with a zone of inhibition of 17 mm and 20 mm against B. cereus and E. coli, respectively at 1 mg/ml concentration. Conclusion: Results of this study conclude that acetone extract of date seeds (Phoenix dactylifera L) contains significant potential for pharmaceutical applications, in the field of antibacterial and anticancer drug discovery.

Abstract: BACKGROUND : This study assessed the bacteriological qualities of surface waters in Afikpo, between April and September 2016. METHODS : Surface water samples were collected from three streams for bacteriological analysis. Bacteria species were isolated using standard microbiological and biochemical techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility study was carried out using Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. RESULTS : The result of the mean heterotrophic bacteria count from the streams showed that Okpu stream had 209.5CFU/100 mL, Ohino Ngodo 162.5 CFU/100mL, and Ngwogo stream 162.0 CFU/100mL respectively. Out of the twenty-six (26) isolates obtained, E. coli and Staphylococcus species had the highest percentage occurrence (23.1%) respectively. Klebsiella, Shigella and Enterobacter sp had (11.5%) each, Pseudomonas spp (7.7%), while Salmonella and Streptococcus sp had the least percentage occurrence of (3.8%). The antibiotic susceptibility studies showed that large proportions of isolates were resistant to sulphamethaxoid (SUL), cephalothin (CEP), tetracycline (TET), penicillin G (PEN), oxytetracycline (OXY), cefotaxime (CEF), nalidixic acid (NAL) and cefuroxime sodium (CXM). The most effective antibiotic was azithromycin followed by imipenem. CONCLUSION : The presence of these multi-drug resistant strains in water samples could facilitate transmission of antibiotic resistance. This emphasizes the need for proper treatment of water in the study area. KEYWORDS : Antibiotic resistance, Bacteria, Afikpo, Surface waters

Abstract: Antibiotic use not only selects for resistance in pathogenic bacteria, but also in commensal flora of exposed individuals. Little is known epidemiologically about antibiotic resistance in relation to people with HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigated the carriage of antibiotic resistant bacteria among HIV infected children at a tertiary hospital in Ghana. One hundred and eighteen HIV positive children were recruited at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana and nasopharyngeal specimens were collected from them. The specimens were cultured for bacteria, and the isolates were identified by standard microbiological methods. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were carried out on selected bacterial organisms by the Kirby Bauer method. Bacteria isolated from the study subjects included Moraxella catarrhalis (39.8%), coagulase negative staphylococci (33.1%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (30.5%), diptheroids (29.7%), viridian streptococci (27.1%), Staphylococcus aureus (22.0%), Citrobacter spp. (4.2%) and Neisseria meningitidis (0.9%). Prevalence of antibiotic resistance of S. pneumoniae ranged from 5.6% (ceftriaxone) to 58.3% (cotrimoxazole), M. catarrhalis ranged from 2.1% (gentamicin) to 80.6% (ampicillin), and S. aureus ranged from 7.7% (cefoxitin) to 100% (penicillin). The prevalence of multiple drug resistance was 16.7% for S. pneumoniae, 57.4% for M. catarrhalis and 84.6% for S. aureus. HIV infected children in the study area commonly carry multi-drug resistant isolates of several pathogenic bacteria such as S. aureus and S. pneumoniae. Infections arising in these patients that are caused by S. aureus and S. pneumoniae could be treated with ceftriaxone and cefoxitin respectively.

Abstract: Contamination of environment and food from the prevalent spores and mycotoxins of Aspergillus niger has led to several diseases in humans and other animals. The present study investigated the control activity of plant essential oils against three strains of A. niger. In the elaborate assays done through microdilution plate assay and agar disk diffusion assay in the lab condition and in vivo assay on the stored wheat grains, the essential oil of Thymus vulgaris depicted overall superior efficacy. In microdilution plate assay, the oil of Anethum graveolens showed best fungistatic activity, while best fungicidal activity was depicted by Syzygium aromaticum oil. The oil of T. vulgaris showed moderate control efficacy against A. niger strains with its antifungal activity resulting mainly due to killing of microorganism rather than growth inhibition. In agar disk diffusion assay, T. vulgaris oil with a zone of inhibition (ZOI) of 23.3-61.1% was the most effective fungicide. The in vivo assay to evaluate the protection efficacy of oils for stored wheat grains against A. niger (AN1) revealed T. vulgaris (90.5-100%) to be the best control agent, followed by the oil of S. aromaticum (61.9-100%). The GC-MS analysis of T. vulgaris oil indicated the presence of thymol (39.11%), γ-terpinene (19.73%), o-cymene (17.21%), and β-pinene (5.38%) as major oil components. Phytotoxic effects of the oils on wheat seeds showed no significant phytotoxic effect of oils in terms of seed germination or seedling growth. The results of the study demonstrated control potentiality of essential oils for the protection of stored wheat against A. niger with prospect for development of eco-friendly antifungal products.

Abstract: Introduction Solanum nigrum and Phyllanthus niruri are common herbs which are indigeneous to India. Solanum nigrum commonly called 'manathakkali Keerai' in Tamil, forms an indispensable part of South Indian diet. Phyllanthus niruri (keezhanelli in Tamil) is a widely used medicinal plant, the leaves of which have been used extensively in Ayurveda and native medicine to cure various liver ailments. The herbs Solanumnigrum and Phyllanthus niruri have been found to be effective against numerous enteropathogens in various in vitro studies. Aim To assess and compare the antibacterial efficacy of the crude alcoholic extract of the leaves of Solanum nigrum and Phyllanthus niruri against five cariogenic organisms. Materials and methods Standard strains of the micro-organisms were obtained from ATCC (American Type Culture Collection) and MTCC (Microbial Type Culture Collection) which comprised of Streptococcus mutans MTCC no. 890, Streptococcus oralis MTCC no 2696, Lactobacillus acidophillus MTCC no. 10307, Streptococcus sanguis ATCC no. 10556 and Streptococcus salivarius ATCC no. 13419. The organisms obtained were revived and lawn cultured on Trypticase Soy Agar-Blood Agar (TSA-BA) and de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) agar media. The antibacterial effect of the dried and powdered leaves of Solanum nigrum and Phyllanthus niruri was tested using agar well diffusion method. The zones of inhibition obtained after incubation were measured and tabulated. The antibacterial activity for the two herbs was compared using the Mann-Whitney test. Results The antibacterial zones of inhibition obtained for the herb Solanum nigrum was in the range of 12.3-14.6 mm and ranged from 9.7-11.6 mm for the herb Phyllanthus niruri. When the zones of inhibition were compared for the herbs, Solanum nigrum showed significantly greater zones of inhibition compared to Phyllanthus niruri for the organisms Streptococcussanguis, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus oralis and Streptococcus mutans (p-value Conclusion The alcoholic extract of leaves of Solanum nigrum and Phyllanthus niruri showed significant antibacterial activity against cariogenic organisms, with Solanum nigrum being more anti-cariogenic than Phyllanthus niruri.

Abstract: Antimicrobial susceptibility testing can be done using solid or liquid-based medium. Solid-based assays are easy and inexpensive; they are limited by not being as quantitative as liquid-based assays. Agar depth can influence the accuracy of plate-based assays and it is assumed the basis of this effect is antimicrobial agent diffusion. We tested this assumption by using ETEST® to quantitate the relationship between agar depth and minimum inhibitory concentration and zone of inhibition.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: ogi is a popular fermented cereal gruel consumed mainly in the western part of Nigeria. Traditionally, uncooked ogi is normally administered to diarrhoea patients to reduce the frequency of stooling. This study was therefore undertaken to identify, quantify and determine the antimicrobial properties of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from Ogi. METHODS: the ogi samples (Yellow, white, sorghum) were obtained from different market in Ibadan, Nigeria and Ogi control (cooked, uncooked and Omidun) were prepared with the viable counts of bacteria monitored over 5 days period. LAB were isolated from the varieties and identified by partial sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. The antimicrobial activities of the cell free supernatant (CFS) and the viable cells of the isolated LAB against Escherichia coli EC004, Salmonella sp. SS11, Shigella sp. SS10 were investigated by agar diffusion assay, agar overlay method, and coculture growth studies. RESULTS: omidun had the highest LAB count while cooked ogi has the lowest LAB count. Weissella paramesenteroides , L. brevis, L. rossiae, L. fermentum, L. plantarum, Acetobacter pasteurianus, Paenibacillus sp. and Bacillus sp. were isolated from Ogi in this study. Large zone of inhibition (11?x?20) was observed with CFS against Salmonella sp. SS11 and Shigella sp. SS10 and also the overlay method. Coculture studies of Weissella paramesenteroides, Lactobacillus fermentum, and L. plantarum with Salmonella sp. SS11 showed a 5-8 log reduction of the pathogens’ growth after 24 hours as compared with the control. CONCLUSION: ogi and its contents have antimicrobial properties against pathogenic organisms.

Abstract: The Cuminum Cyminum (cumin) oil was extracted from cumin seeds by distillation process. The extracted cumin oil was used to assess its effectiveness as antibacterial that through testing on six types of bacteria; two of them were bacteria gram-negative (E. coli and S. typhi) and the remainders were bacteria gram-positive (Proteus Vulgaris, Klebsiella Pneumonae, Enterococcus Feacalis and Staphylococcus Aureus). Four concentrations (12.5%, 25%, 50% and 100%) of cumin oil were used for screening fulfillment by using the cup-plate agar diffusion method and gentamicin (10µg) as the positive control. According to different concentration the inhibition area, minimum inhibition zones diameters (MIZD) in mm and the relative percentage inhibition of the test with respect to positive control were calculated. The results showed that all tested concentrations of cumin oil showed antibacterial activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria.

Abstract: The emergence of new infectious diseases, the resurgence of several infections that appeared to have been controlled, and the increase in bacterial resistance have created the necessity for studies directed towards the development of new antimicrobials; considering the failure to acquire new molecules with antimicrobial properties from marine sponges. The objective of this study was to evaluate screening of antimicrobial activity of seven sponges extract from Pasir Putih, East Java against some Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram negative (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae) as well as drug-resistant bacteria (S. aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosae) using the agar diffusion method and phytochemical screening of the extract. The findings show that the extract, Xestospongia testudinaria has a stronger antibacterial activity against bacterial pathogens S. aureus, E.coli, K. pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi and bacteria resistant P. aeruginosa MDR and S. aureus MRSA compared to other sponge extract. In conclusion, the showed X. testudinaria ethanol extract was more active than other sponge extracts.

Abstract: Background: Over the past several years our laboratories have investigated different aspects of the challenging issue of the alterations in bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics induced by physical stresses. Objective: To explore the bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics in samples of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium ( S. typhimurium ), Staphylococcus aureus , and Klebsiella pneumoniae after exposure to gamma radiation emitted from the soil samples taken from the high background radiation areas of Ramsar, northern Iran. Methods: Standard Kirby-Bauer test, which evaluates the size of the zone of inhibition as an indicator of the susceptibility of different bacteria to antibiotics, was used in this study. Results: The maximum alteration of the diameter of inhibition zone was found for K. pneumoniae when tested for ciprofloxacin. In this case, the mean diameter of no growth zone in non-irradiated control samples of K. pneumoniae was 20.3 (SD 0.6) mm; it was 14.7 (SD 0.6) mm in irradiated samples. On the other hand, the minimum changes in the diameter of inhibition zone were found for S. typhimurium and S. aureus when these bacteria were tested for nitrofurantoin and cephalexin, respectively. Conclusion: Gamma rays were capable of making significant alterations in bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics. It can be hypothesized that high levels of natural background radiation can induce adaptive phenomena that help microorganisms better cope with lethal effects of antibiotics.

Abstract: Objective To investigate antimicrobial activities of methanolic extract of leaves of Cleistocalyx operculatus L. (C. operculatus) grown in Vietnam. Methods The methanolic extract of C. operculatus leaves was phytochemically screened and tested for its antimicrobial activity against six Gram-positive bacteria (three of which were antibiotic multiresistant Staphylococcus spp.), two Gram-negative bacteria, and one fungal species using an agar diffusion method. Anticaries activity was tested using pH drop and biofilm assays formed in 96-well plastic plates. Results Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids and terpenes, in which flavonoid content was 6.8 mg/g dry material. Antibacterial activity of the C. operculatus extract was shown only against Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Streptococcus mutans GS-5 (S. mutans), and three multiresistant bacteria being Staphylococcus epidermidis 847, Staphylococcus haemolyticus 535 and Staphylococcus aureus North German epidemic strain. Interestingly, methanolic extract of C. operculatus leaves exhibited the anticaries activity against S. mutans in terms of inhibition of acid production and biofilm formation. Activity of two key enzymes responsible for acidogenicity of S. mutans, F-ATPase and phosphotransferase system were inhibited by the extract with IC50 of 51.0 and 98.0 μg/mL, respectively. Cytotoxicity of the extract against keratinocytes was found only for higher concentrations [IC50 = (119.98 ± 4.63) μg/mL]. Conclusions The methanolic extract of C. operculatus leaves has the potential for development of antimicrobial preparations, especially anticaries products.

Abstract: Bacteria in food can result from the sale of foods that do not pay attention to hygiene and safety. Pathogenic bacteria in food can cause illness gastroenteris/digestion. One of the ways to prevent the escape of pathogens is antibacterial compounds . Lemon (Citrus aurantifolia) contained many chemical compounds that can inhibit the growth of bacteria such as flavonoids and saponin. This study aims to isolate bacteria from food such as fish and chicken as a test of the effectiveness of lemon on the growth of bacteria. The study was conducted on April 2016 in MIPA (Science) Laboratory of UIN Raden Fatah Palembang and the Center for Health Laboratory Palembang. The research method is experimental laboratory used as a pour plate in order to make the diffusion were analyzed qualitatively. Using test bacteria Escherichia coli from food that is tested by agar diffusion method for determining the concentration of lemon juice on the growth of bacteria. The results showed that lemon juice can inhibit the growth of E. coli bacteria that is at a concentration of 25% average of 3,2 colonies of bacteria/gram; 50% mean bacterial concentration of 2,4 colonies/gram; 7% of the average bacterial concentration of 4,2% and 100% means bacterial concentration of 0,8 colonies/gram. Lemonsqueezemost effectively inhibits bacteria at concentrations of 100%.

Abstract: Datura stramonium more commonly known as Jimson weed or thorn apple is a wide growing flowering plant which has been employed by the local community to treat several ailments in Ethiopia. The purpose of the present work was to assess the antibacterial activity of ethanol, methanol, acetone, chloroform and water extracts of Datura stramonium leaf extracts using broth dilution and agar well diffusion methods against human pathogenic bacteria. Chloroform extracts showed the highest zone of inhibition against most of the tested bacterial strains at the concentration of 50 mg/ml. Water extracts are not able to show any zone of inhibition against all tested bacterial strains as compared to other four solvents used for extraction. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by standard methods. The MIC and MBC results range from 6.25 to 12.5 mg/ml. The present work shows that D. stramonium has maximum antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923; 18.2±2.1 mm) in the chloroform extract, while the minimum antibacterial activity was recorded against Escherichia coli clinical isolate (8.2±1.8 mm) (acetone extract). Chloroform extracts showed the highest zone of inhibition against most of the pathogenic bacterial strains tested as compared to the other solvents used for the extraction. In this study, D. stramonium leaf extracts showed considerable antibacterial activity that sustains the local residential area which uses this plant to treat bacterial and fungal infections, hence leading to the conclusion that, this plant would serve as sources of antimicrobial agents to obtain the best treatment alternatives for the infective disease. Further investigation of this potential antibacterial agent is required, especially using chloroform as an extraction solvent to precisely demonstrate the antimicrobial effects of the plant. Key words: Antibacterial activity, Datura stramonium, minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), zone of inhibition.

Abstract: The spread of bacterial infectious diseases is a major public threat. Herbs and spices have offered an excellent, important and useful source of antimicrobial agents against many pathological infections. In the current study, the antimicrobial potency of fresh, naturally and commercial dried Allium sativum and Zingiber officinale extracts had been investigated against seven local clinical bacterial isolates such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Serratia marcesnces by the agar disc diffusion method. All tested pathogens except P. aeruginosa and E. coli were most susceptible to ethanolic and methanolic extracts of A. sativum. Similarly, chloroform and diethyl ether extracts of Z. officinale showed a greater zone of inhibition of tested pathogens except for P. aeruginosa and E. coli. We found that all extracts of A. sativum and Z. officinale have a strong antibacterial effect compared to recommended standard antibiotics through activity index. All results were evaluated statistically and a significant difference was recorded at P< 0.05. Antioxidant activity of extracts showed that 10 out of 13 extracts have high scavenging potential. Thin layer chromatography profiling of all extracts of A. sativum and Z. officinale proposed the presence of various phytochemicals such as tannins, phenols, alkaloids, steroids and saponins. Retention factor of diverse phytochemicals provides a valuable clue regarding their polarity and the selection of solvents for separation of phytochemicals. Significant inhibition of S. aureus was also observed through TLC-Bioautography. FT-IR Spectrometry was also performed to characterize both natural and commercial extracts of A. sativum and Z. officinale to evaluate bioactive compounds. These findings provide new insights to use A. sativum and Z. officinale as potential plant sources for controlling pathogenic bacteria and potentially considered as cost-effective in the management of diseases and to the threat of drug resistance phenomenon.

Abstract: BackgroundDue to the increasing resistance of pathogenic bacteria to common antibiotics, researchers are seeking alternative antimicrobial agents with plant origins.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the activity of essential oil, extracted from the leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis, the major Eucalyptus species cultivated in Khuzestan, South of Iran, against the growth of drug-resistant bacteria.MethodsEssential oil was extracted from the leaves using the hydrodistillation method in a Clevenger apparatus. The constituents of the essential oil were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of essential oil was assayed using the disk diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were also determined using the macrodilution method.ResultsIsolation and identification of the main components of essential oil identified 1,8-cineole (55.2%) as the main component. The essential oil could control resistant pathogenic bacteria. The greatest effect of essential oil was reported against Klebsiella pneumoniae with an inhibition zone diameter of 35 mm and MIC and MBC of 500 and 1500 ppm, respectively. On the other hand, the lowest effect was reported against Salmonella infantis and Salmonella enteritidis with an inhibition zone diameter of 11 mm and MIC and MBC of 6,000 and 8,000 ppm, respectively.ConclusionsThe essential oil of E. camaldulensis (Myrtaceae family) grown in Iran exhibited significant activities against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, E. camaldulensis is an effective antibacterial and bactericidal agent in the treatment of infectious diseases