Microbiological assessment of selected laboratories at a local university in Malaysia

Microbiological contaminations in the laboratories create not only diagnostic issues but also pose a major health risk to lab users. This study was conducted to determine the airborne microbial contamination in seven selected laboratories (KA, KP, PB, NA, BP, CR and MB) at a local public university in Malaysia and to assess the level of contamination on the contact surfaces of the studied laboratories. Two types of sampling methods were used in this study; passive air sampling and contact surface swab sampling. The total microbial counts were determined using Tryptone Soya agar (bacterial count) and Potato Dextrose agar (fungal count). Results showed that NA laboratory had the highest level of total microbial contamination (20.33 ± 3.35 CFU/cm3). Most laboratories had significantly higher (p < 0.05) air fungal contamination level compared to bacterial contaminations except for PB and NA laboratories. Significant differences were observed for airborne bacterial contamination readings between sampling time (during working hours vs after hours) for all laboratories except for BP and CR. Overall, bacterial contamination was the highest for incubator door handles’ samples from MB laboratory with an average reading of 93.00 ± 1.43 CFU/cm2 whereas the highest fungal contamination level was obtained from door knobs and work benches, both from CR laboratory with an average reading of 73.33 ± 6.67 CFU/cm2 and 73.33 ± 0.58 CFU/cm2 respectively. Findings from this study could assist in monitoring the efficacy of the existing laboratory management systems namely on the good laboratory practices including aseptic techniques, care for laboratory hygiene and cross-contamination control practices by the laboratory users to ensure that the microbiological contaminations in the laboratories are minimized

Presence of Salmonella spp. on beef carcasses and meat contact surfaces at local abattoirs in Selangor, Malaysia

Salmonella spp. is a pathogenic microbial contaminant in beef of worldwide importance. It has the ability to colonize the gastrointestinal tract of animals without producing any clinical sign. It may lead to infections in human when the contaminated meat was consumed. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the contamination of Salmonella spp. on beef carcasses and meat contact surfaces at selected abattoirs in Selangor, Malaysia. A total of 152 swabs from beef carcasses (n = 104) and meat contact surfaces (n = 48) were collected from the selected abattoirs in October 2015 to June 2016. The collected samples were examined for total viable count and prevalence of Salmonella spp. Salmonella-positive samples were confirmed by routine biochemical tests and Gram staining. The results showed that all samples contained an average viable count of 4.56 ± 1.23 Log CFU/cm2. The overall prevalence of Salmonella spp. was 21.05% which beef carcasses and meat contact surfaces contributed 11.18% and 9.87%, respectively to the overall prevalence. The prevalence of Salmonella spp. on meat contact surfaces was higher than that on beef carcasses could be attributed to poor hygienic practices at the abattoirs. However, despite a lower prevalence of Salmonella spp. on the beef carcasses, beef could still be a potential vehicle for foodborne infections. This study suggests implementation of preventive measures and good hygienic practices at abattoirs in order to avoid cross-contamination on beef prepared for retail markets

Commercial herbal slimming products: evaluation of heavy metals and microorganism contamination at different batch production

Herbal-based slimming products which are consumed orally may be contaminated with heavy metals as well as microorganisms. This study aimed to evaluate the safety level of these slimming products by determining heavy metals and microbial contamination in different batch production. Six different brands of herbal-based slimming products (A, B, C, G, H and I) with three different batch productions (1, 2 and 3) were investigated (n =18). Five heavy metals Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper and Zinc were determined using an Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The presence of microorganisms was determined by total aerobic count and the bacteria were identified. The samples’ moisture content was determined by calculating the percentage of water loss after drying process. All batches of samples A and B had high content of zinc, over the permissible level of 5ppm while, 6 samples contained Chromium above the permissible level (1.5 ppm). All 3 batches of sample A presented with the highest total daily intake of heavy metals. Bacteria were present in all the samples tested with the highest numbers in samples G, H and A followed by B, I and C. The highest number of fungi was found in product A while product I was free from fungal contamination. Aspergillus spp. was the predominant fungus present in the samples. There was a weak correlation between moisture content and bacteria (r = 0.087) and fungal (r = 0.253) presence in the samples. As some herbal slimming products contain heavy metals as well as microorganisms, consumers need to be more vigilant and discerning when selecting products to be consumed

Bacterial contamination on beef carcass at selected abattoirs located in Selangor, Malaysia

The ruminant industry is one of the most burgeoning sectors in Malaysia. With increasing beef productions in Malaysia, the issue of bacterial contamination on beef carcass deserves extra attention as to ensure public food safety. The main objective of this study was to determine the level of bacterial contamination of beef carcasses by determining the presence of selected microorganisms (total plate count, Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp.). Swab samples were taken from the two abattoirs located in Selangor, Malaysia from October 2015 to February 2016. The results obtained showed that the samples (n = 40) of the two abattoirs has recorded an average reading of 4.00 ± 0.934 log CFU/cm2 for total plate count. Enterobacteriaceae was detected from 82.5% of total samples with an average reading of 2.728 ± 0.936 log CFU/cm2. While for E. coli was isolated from 55% of total samples with an average reading of 1.87 log CFU/cm2. A total of 4 samples (10%) were tested positive for the presence of Salmonella spp. The result reflect on the level of contamination of locally produced beef in Malaysian abattoirs. Thus, this study will allow better interventions from related authorities in order to improve the safety and the quality of locally produced beef

Isolation of lactic acid bacteria from cocoa bean fermentation as potential antibacterial agent against ESKAPE pathogens

This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of microorganisms isolated before and during cocoa fermentation against ESKAPE pathogens. Microorganisms from cocoa fermentation process were isolated on the selective media and were tested against ESKAPE pathogens. Total titratable acidity, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of cell-free supernatant from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were determined. The presence of bacteriocin and antibacterial activity were determined. LAB was identified through molecular and biochemical tests. Ninety-five and 134 isolates were obtained from the fermentation of Sungai Balung 25 (BR25) clone and mixed clones, respectively. Screening of antibacterial activity showed that 26 isolates of LAB from the cocoa fermentation process had antibacterial activity against ESKAPE pathogens (zone of inhibition ≥11 mm). Cell-free supernatant from some LAB demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against some ESKAPE pathogens through MIC and MBC and evaluation. Furthermore, one isolate (mix48M01) exhibited antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp., methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus raffinousus. An increase in the diameter of inhibition zone was observed as the lactic acid production increased. Gram-positive bacteria isolates were more resistant to LAB than Gram-negative bacteria. Bacteriocin with good antibacterial activity was also detected from the LAB examined. Molecular analysis showed that 13 LAB shared >99% sequence similarity to Lactobacillus fermentum CECT 562 while one isolate shared sequence similarity <98%, indicating that it might be a novel Lactobacillus species. Isolated LAB from this study exhibited high antibacterial activity against ESKAPE pathogens and could be investigated further as potential probiotics and antibacterial agents in the future

Determination of mineral content in the ficus deltoidea leaves

Ficus deltoidea leaves were widely used as a tea beverages in Malaysia with no information of its mineral content. Hence the mineral content of two species of Ficus deltoidea leaves were investigated. The dried leaves of F. deltoidea var. angustifolia and F. deltoidea var. deltoidea were acid digested and mineral elements of Na, Mg, K, Ca, Mn, Cr, Fe and Zn were determined using ICP–MS. Magnesium, potassium, sodium, manganese, iron and zinc were found to be present in the leaves of F. deltoidea var. angustifolia and F. deltoidea var. deltoidea. Concentration of magnesium (1934 mg/L), manganese (58.37 mg/L), iron (6.89 mg/L) and zinc (1.77 mg/L) in F. deltoidea var. deltoidea species were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in F. deltoidea var. angustifolia species with concentration of 317 mg/L, 29.62 mg/L, 4.55 mg/L and 1.26 mg/L for magnesium, manganese, iron and zinc respectively. Meanwhile, concentration of sodium in F. deltoidea var. deltoidea species (3.13 mg/L) was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) lower than the concentration in F. deltoidea var. angustifolia species (9.11 mg/L). The finding showed that the leaves of F. deltoidea var. deltoidea has higher nutritional value than the leaves of F. deltoidea var. angustifolia. Leaves of Ficus deltoidea especially the F. deltoidea var. deltoidea species contain high amount of magnesium, manganese and potassium. Therefore, tea made of this leaves can be served as a good source of minerals for human consumption

Comparison of Selected Metals Content in Cambodian Striped Snakehead Fish ( Channa striata

The content of 12 elements in Cambodian dried striped snakehead fish was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The present study compares the level of the trace toxic metals and nutritional trace elements in the fish processed using solar drying system (SDS) and open sun drying (OSD). The skin of SDS fish has lower level of As, Pb, and Cd compared to the OSD sample. As such, the flesh of the fish accumulated higher amount of toxic metals during OSD compared to SDS. However, arsenic was detected in both samples within the safe limit. The nutritional elements (Fe, Mn, Mg, Se, Mo, Cu, Ni, and Cr) were higher in the skin sample SDS fish compared to OSD fish. These beneficial metals were not accumulated in the flesh sample SDS fish demonstrating lower level compared to drying under conventional system. The reddish coloration of the SDS fish was due to the presence of high Cu content in both the skin and flesh samples which possibly account for no mold formation 5 days after packaging. As conclusion, drying of Cambodian C. striata using solar-assisted system has proven higher content of the nutritious elements compared to using the conventional system despite only slight difference in the toxic metals level between the two systems

Pencirian dan aktiviti antibakteria endofit Streptomyces sp. dari Hutan Simpan Penyelidikan UKM Bangi

Endofit yang bersimbiosis dengan tumbuhan merupakan mikroorganisma yang terdapat dalam satu sistem jaringan tumbuhan seperti pada akar, daun, batang atau ranting. Ianya dapat menghasilkan metabolit sekunder yang berpotensi untuk digunakan dalam bidang kesihatan sebagai sumber penghasilan antibiotik. Kajian ini bertujuan memencilkan endofit Streptomyces sp. daripada pelbagai tumbuhan ubatan endemik. Kesemua pencilan telah dikenalpasti melalui pemerhatian secara makroskopik dan mikroskopik. Sebanyak 28 pencilan (32%) yang bercirikan Streptomyces sp. telah berjaya dipencilkan menggunakan media pemencil ISP2. Kesemua pencilan adalah bergram positif, mempunyai filamen bercabang serta berbau tanah yang merupakan ciri penting Streptomyces sp. Daripada pemerhatian secara makroskopik, didapati kebanyakan koloni yang terbentuk mempunyai permukaan yang tidak rata serta bersifat kering berkapur. Warna miselium udara pencilan adalah berbeza iaitu kelabu, putih kuning, putih serta hijau kelabu. Selain itu, warna miselium substrat ialah putih kuning, coklat, jingga tua, hijau zaitun dan kelabu muda. Amat menarik kerana terdapat beberapa pencilan yang berbeza cirinya telah dipencilkan daripada pokok yang sama. Selain dari itu, terdapat beberapa pencilan yang mempunyai aktiviti antibakteria yang memberikan perencatan 100% terhadap bakteria ujian. Symbiotic endophytic microorganisms to the plant can be found in a network system of plant roots, leaves, stems or twigs. Its produced secondary metabolites which are potential sources in the health field as antibiotics producer. The aim of this study is to isolate endophytic Streptomyces sp. from various medicinal plants in an endemic area. All isolates were identified through macroscopic and microscope observation. A total of 28 isolates (32%) with Streptomyces sp. characterization were successfully isolated using a specific media, ISP2. All strains are gram positive with branched filament and earthy essential odors which are characteristic of Streptomyces sp. From macroscopic observation, colonies formed mostly uneven and dry calcareous. Aerial mycelium of isolates showed different colors which were gray, white, yellowish, and grayish green. Nevertheless, the substrate mycelium showed white yellowish, brown, dark orange, olive green and light gray in color. It is interesting that some distinct characteristics of isolates were isolated from the same plant. Apart from that, numbers of isolate have the antibacterial activity with 100% inhibition against test bacteria

Antimicrobial property of photocatalytic nanoparticles-coated personal protective equipment (PPE) on bacteria and fungi

Photocatalytic nanoparticles are new applications that can be used as coatings on surfaces through a photocatalytic process that reacts in the presence of chemical catalysts and light. The resulting reactive oxygen species (ROS) would damage pathogenic components and result in antimicrobial effects. This study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of photocatalytic nanoparticles on personal protective equipment (PPE), namely surgical gowns and masks. Antimicrobial testing of photocatalytic nanoparticles against PPE inoculated with pathogens was carried out. The growth log reduction of isolates tested on the photocatalytic nanoparticles-coated PPE showed 100% with growth reduction exceeding 4 log against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 as well as Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 but less than 50% reduction against Candida albicans ATCC 10231. For 20 h incubation periods, both bacteria showed growth reduction of at least 4 log with 99.99% of reduction. The 5 and 20 times washing effects showed an overall reduction of 99.99%-100% against both bacteria but less than 99.99% against C. albicans. Photocatalytic nanocoating produces an antimicrobial effect that helps to kill the tested pathogens and reduce the attachment of bacteria but not fungi, on the surface of PPE. This nanoparticle is capable of continuous self-disinfection to reduce the number of pathogens. The number of washing cycle also does not affect its function to reduce the growth of pathogens

Therapeutic Potential of <i>Hibiscus sabdariffa</i> Linn. in Attenuating Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent a broad spectrum of diseases afflicting the heart and blood vessels and remain a major cause of death and disability worldwide. CVD progression is strongly associated with risk factors, including hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis. These risk factors lead to oxidative damage that results in various cardiovascular complications including endothelial dysfunctions, alterations in vascular integrity, the formation of atherosclerosis, as well as incorrigible cardiac remodeling. The use of conventional pharmacological therapy is one of the current preventive measures to control the development of CVDs. However, as undesirable side effects from drug use have become a recent issue, alternative treatment from natural products is being sought in medicinal plants and is gaining interest. Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn.) has been reported to contain various bioactive compounds that exert anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-hyperglycemia, anti-hypertension, antioxidative, anti-inflammation, and anti-fibrosis effects. These properties of roselle, especially from its calyx, have relevance to its therapeutic and cardiovascular protection effects in humans. This review summarizes the findings of recent preclinical and clinical studies on roselle as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent in attenuating cardiovascular risk factors and associated mechanisms