Volume 14 | Issue 7 |

 Abstract

Fungi are an important component of the human microbiota and naturally inhabit various body sites, including the skin, oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and genital tract. The presence of fungi on body surfaces without causing disease is known as fungal colonization. Although colonization is generally harmless, changes in host immunity, environmental conditions, or microbial balance can transform colonizing fungi into opportunistic pathogens. Understanding fungal colonization is essential for preventing fungal infections and maintaining human health. This manuscript reviews the distribution of fungi on the human body, factors influencing colonization, common fungal species, methods of detection, and their clinical significance.

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 Keywords

Fungal colonization, Human microbiota, Candida, Skin fungi, Opportunistic infections.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

Water used for agricultural irrigation contains a variety of microorganisms that significantly influence soil fertility and crop productivity. The present study was conducted to isolate, identify and evaluate microorganisms present in bore hole water and pond water used for irrigation in agricultural fields. A total of 20 water samples (10 bore holes and 10 pond water samples) were collected from different agricultural areas. Standard microbiological methods were employed for the isolation and identification of bacteria and fungi. The microbial load was determined using serial dilution and plate count techniques, various beneficial microorganisms such as Bacillus spp, Pseudomonas spp, Azotobacter spp, Rhizobium spp, Trichoderma spp and Aspergillus spp were identified. The isolates were further screened for plant growth promoting activities such as nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization and production of plant growth hormones. The results indicated that pond water harbored a higher microbial diversity compared to bore hole water. These microorganisms exhibited significant beneficial effects on crop growth and soil fertility.

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 Keywords

Irrigationwater, Bore hole water, Pond water, Beneficial microorganisms, Crop growth, Phosphate solubilization,Nitrogen fixation.

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 Abstract

Human skin normally harbours a variety of microorganisms collectively known as normal flora. These microorganisms may become pathogenic under favourable conditions, making personal hygiene essential for preventing infections. The present study evaluated the anti-microbial activity of four commonly used synthetic soaps -- Medimix, Dettol, Lifebuoy, and Santoor -- against the normal flora of the human body using the agar diffusion method. Soap solutions were tested on nutrient agar plates inoculated with skin microflora, and zones of inhibition were observed after incubation. Among the tested soaps, Dettol showed the highest antimicrobial activity followed by Lifebuoy, Medimix, and Santoor. The results indicate that antibacterial soaps differ in their effectiveness against human skin flora.

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 Keywords

Antimicrobial activity, Synthetic soaps, Normal flora, Agar diffusion method, Skin microorganisms, Personal hygiene

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

Potato spoilage is a major concern in food storage and post-harvest management because microorganisms rapidly colonize damaged or stored tubers under favourable environmental conditions. The present study was conducted to isolate and observe microorganisms associated with spoiled potato samples using Nutrient Agar (NA) for bacterial growth and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) for fungal growth. Spoiled potato tissues were collected aseptically and inoculated onto culture media followed by incubation under laboratory conditions. Distinct bacterial colonies were observed on Nutrient Agar, while extensive fungal growth with different colony morphologies developed on Potato Dextrose Agar. The fungal colonies exhibited white cottony growth along with greenish sporulating regions, indicating the presence of storage fungi commonly associated with food spoilage. The study demonstrates that spoiled potatoes harbour a diverse microbial population capable of causing deterioration, discoloration, odour production, and tissue softening. The findings emphasize the importance of hygienic handling and proper storage conditions to minimize microbial contamination and post-harvest losses.

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 Keywords

Potato spoilage, Bacteria contamination, Fungal contamination,Aspergillus, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Pectobacterium , food poisoning.

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Milk is recognized as a nutritionally rich food that supports the growth of a wide spectrum of microorganisms because of its high moisture content and abundance of essential nutrients. The present investigation was conducted to isolate and identify bacterial contaminants present in raw buffalo and cow milk collected from local sources. Five milk samples comprising three buffalo milk samples and two cow milk samples were analyzed using standard microbiological techniques. Serial dilution followed by inoculation on Nutrient Agar medium was performed to obtain isolated colonies. Morphological characterization of colonies and Gram staining procedures were employed for bacterial identification. The study revealed the occurrence of both beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms in the analyzed milk samples. The bacterial species identified included Lactobacillus spp., Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas spp. Buffalo milk samples demonstrated slightly higher microbial diversity compared to cow milk samples. The isolation of coliform bacteria and S. aureus highlights potential public health concerns associated with the consumption of untreated milk. The findings of this study emphasize the necessity of maintaining hygienic milking practices, refrigeration, and pasteurization to ensure microbiological safety and improve the quality of dairy products intended for human consumption.

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 Keywords

Milk Microbiology, Bacterial contamination, Buffalo milk, Cow milk, Gram staining, Food safety, Dairy hygiene

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 Abstract

Currency in the form of paper printed notes is the mostly used article by people everyday through out the world. Currency is used as a medium for exchange services and goods, settlement of debts and for deferred payments in economic activities. Currency represents a universal medium for the transmission of pathogenic organisms.This prospective study, which was carried out for period of one and half months in different places around the Siddipet District. The present investigation was carried out on a Two hundred Indian currency notes of all denominations obtained from different occupational groups in Siddipet in Siddipet District, Telangana, India. Around 86% of currencies were contaminated with pathogenic organisms. Isolates from collected Indian currency yielded 5 different types of bacterial species. Assessment revealed active participation of the following organisms as Escherichia coli, Bacillus spp, Klebsiellaspp, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas spp. Indian rupees 100, Rs. 50 had more contamination, other denominations like Rs. 10, Rs. 20 had moderate contamination and less contamination with Rs. 500.The study suggested that Indian currency notes are highly contaminated with pathogenic bacteria and this contamination may play a significant role in transmission o infectious diseases. Hence a tremendous care must be taken while handling the money during the preparation and handling of food to avoid cross contamination.

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 Keywords

Currency, Escherichia coli, Pathogenic Microorganisms, Denomination.

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 Abstract

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) continue to be a major public health concern due to their impact on patient recovery, healthcare costs, and mortality. Environmental surfaces, medical devices, and patient-contact materials act as reservoirs for microbial contamination and may contribute to the transmission of infectious agents within healthcare settings. The present study was conducted to evaluate microbial contamination associated with selected hospital surfaces and patient-care equipment in a private healthcare facility, Sushrutha Hospital, Siddipet, Telangana, India.

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 Keywords

Hospital-acquired infections, microbial contamination, environmental surveillance, infection control, hospital hygiene, healthcare-associated infections.

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 Abstract

Apple wine is an alcoholic beverage produced by the fermentation of apple juice using yeast. It is rich in nutrients, antioxidants,and organic acids that contribute to its flavour and health benefits.The present study focuses on the preparation and fermentation of apple wine under controlled laboratory conditions.Fresh apples were washed, crushed, and filtered to obtain juice, followed by the addition of sugar and yeast for fermentation. The fermentation process was carried out for several days at room temperature. Physicochemical parameters such as pH ,alcohol content, color, aroma, and taste were analyzed. The results indicatedsuccessful fermentation with pleasant sensory characteristics and acceptable alcohol production. Apple wine can be considered a nutritious and economically valuable fermented beverage with potential commercial importance.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Apple wine, Fermentation, Yeast, Alcohol production, Beverage

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Packaged drinking water, Total Viable Count, Microbial quality, Serial dilution, Spread plate method, Water quality assessment.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Antimicrobial activity, Tulsi, Aloe vera, Neem, Agar well diffusion

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition