Study of the antimicrobial activities of Solanum indicum ssp. distichum (Schumach. and Thonning 1827) fruits (“gnangnan” berries) from a tropical humid zone (Côte d’Ivoire)

The antibacterial activity of both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Solanum indicum ssp. distichum (Schumach. and Thonning, 1872) fruits was investigated. These extracts were evaluated for antibacterialactivity against two Gram positive (Listeria innocua LRGIA 01 and Staphylococcus aureus CNRZ3) and two Gram negative (Escherichia coli industrial strain and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15742) strains. Thisevaluation was performed by following their growth by a spectrophotometric method in Brain Heart Infusion broth. L. innocua LRGIA01growth was completely inhibited by 0.04 g.mL-1 of aqueous extract of Solanumindicum berries, while a dose-dependent inhibition by 0.04 g.mL-1 and 0.1 g.mL-1 ethanolic extracts was observed. Conversely, the inhibitory activity of ethanolic extract on P. aeruginosa ATCC 15742 growth, was higher than that of aqueous extract. E. coli industrial strain and S. aureus CNRZ 3 growth were inhibited by 0.1 mg.mL-1 ethanolic extract but not by 0.04 mg.mL-1 ethanolic or aqueous extracts. These results suggest that different classes of compounds are likely responsible for the antibacterial activities. The high inhibitory activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts on L. innocua LRGIA01 and P. aeruginosa ATCC 15742 strains, respectively calls for further studies to identify the antibacterial compounds present in Solanum indicum berriesand their mechanisms of action

Effect of time of drying of robusta (Cofea canephora coffee cheries after harvest on ochratoxin - a production

No Abstract.Bio-Research Vol. 3(2) 2005: 106-11

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Fecal Contamination and Inadequate Treatment of Packaged Water

<div><p>Background</p><p>Packaged water products provide an increasingly important source of water for consumption. However, recent studies raise concerns over their safety.</p><p>Objectives</p><p>To assess the microbial safety of packaged water, examine differences between regions, country incomes, packaged water types, and compare packaged water with other water sources.</p><p>Methods</p><p>We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. Articles published in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Turkish, with no date restrictions were identified from online databases and two previous reviews. Studies published before April 2014 that assessed packaged water for the presence of <i>Escherichia coli</i>, thermotolerant or total coliforms were included provided they tested at least ten samples or brands.</p><p>Results</p><p>A total of 170 studies were included in the review. The majority of studies did not detect fecal indicator bacteria in packaged water (78/141). Compared to packaged water from upper-middle and high-income countries, packaged water from low and lower-middle-income countries was 4.6 (95% CI: 2.6–8.1) and 13.6 (95% CI: 6.9–26.7) times more likely to contain fecal indicator bacteria and total coliforms, respectively. Compared to all other packaged water types, water from small bottles was less likely to be contaminated with fecal indicator bacteria (OR = 0.32, 95%CI: 0.17–0.58) and total coliforms (OR = 0.10, 95%CI: 0.05, 0.22). Packaged water was less likely to contain fecal indicator bacteria (OR = 0.35, 95%CI: 0.20, 0.62) compared to other water sources used for consumption.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>Policymakers and regulators should recognize the potential benefits of packaged water in providing safer water for consumption at and away from home, especially for those who are otherwise unlikely to gain access to a reliable, safe water supply in the near future. To improve the quality of packaged water products they should be integrated into regulatory and monitoring frameworks.</p></div