-
Research Article
Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Fungi Isolated from Organophosphate Contaminated Dairy Farm Soils in Kilifi County, Kenya
Atego Norbert Adum*
,
Carren Bosire,
Gibson Gicharu,
Makan Peter
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
96-105
Received:
15 June 2026
Accepted:
25 June 2026
Published:
17 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijmb.20261103.11
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Organophosphorus (OP) compounds are widely used in livestock farming to control external parasites. However, their extensive application has led to significant environmental contamination, including soil, water, and air pollution, as well as adverse effects on non-target organisms and disruption of ecosystem processes. These challenges necessitate the development of sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly approaches for OP detoxification. Compared to conventional remediation methods such as chemical treatment, incineration, and landfill disposal, which are often costly and environmentally harmful, microbial-based bioremediation offers a promising alternative. This study aimed to isolate and characterize fungi from OP-contaminated soils collected in Kilifi County and assess their potential for molecular identification and future bioremediation applications. Fungal isolates were obtained using an enrichment culture technique and purified through repeated sub-culturing. Morphological characterization was performed to confirm isolate purity. Genomic DNA was extracted from pure cultures, and its quality and concentration were evaluated using a Nano Drop spectrophotometer, while agarose gel electrophoresis was used to assess DNA integrity. Molecular identification was conducted by amplifying the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region using ITS1-F and ITS4 primers. The amplified PCR products were purified and sequenced using the Sanger dideoxy sequencing method. Sequence analysis using BLASTn against the NCBI database revealed that most isolates showed 100% similarity with known fungal species. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using the Maximum Likelihood method in MEGA X software. The findings confirm the successful isolation and molecular identification of OP-tolerant fungi from contaminated soils, highlighting their potential application in the bioremediation of organophosphate-polluted environments. These results provide a foundation for further studies on the development of efficient fungal-based systems for chlorpyrifos and related OP degradation.
Abstract: Organophosphorus (OP) compounds are widely used in livestock farming to control external parasites. However, their extensive application has led to significant environmental contamination, including soil, water, and air pollution, as well as adverse effects on non-target organisms and disruption of ecosystem processes. These challenges necessitate ...
Show More
-
Review Article
Molecular and Phylogenetic Analysis of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus H5N1 Detected in Mali During the 2021 and 2022 Outbreaks
Adama Diakite*,
Mohamed Adama Diakite,
Fatoumata Dembele,
Kassoum Samake,
Christiane Dembele,
Martin Dakouo,
Cheick Abou Kounta Sidibe,
Boubacar Madio Dit Aladiogo Maiga,
Mamadou Niang,
Lassina Ouattara,
Angelique Angot,
Enrico Savegnago,
Alice Fusaro,
Amadou Kone,
Isabella Monne,
Antoine Dara
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
106-114
Received:
15 June 2026
Accepted:
6 July 2026
Published:
24 July 2026
Abstract: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 continues to pose a significant threat to animal health, poultry production, and public health worldwide. Mali experienced two outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in 2021 and 2022, raising concerns about viral evolution and potential public health risks in West Africa. Suspected samples (Tissue and swab) collected from sick and dead birds during these outbreaks were analyzed at the Central Veterinary Laboratory of Bamako using quantitative real-time PCR. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on thirteen H5N1-positive samples using the Illumina MiSeq platform with a paired-end sequencing approach. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using the maximum-likelihood method implemented in IQ-TREE v1.6.6. Phylogenetic analysis of the hemagglutinin (HA) gene revealed that all detected viruses belonged to clade 2.3.4.4b and clustered closely with strains previously reported in West Africa. In-depth analysis of the whole genome phylogenetic topology revealed the emergence of an H9N2/H5N1 reassortant strain during the 2022 outbreak. Molecular characterization of all eight genomic segments identified several mutations associated with host specificity, including markers linked to adaptation in gallinaceous poultry and mutations potentially associated with increased zoonotic potential. These findings demonstrate the continued genetic evolution of H5N1 viruses circulating in Mali and emphasize the importance of sustained genomic surveillance. Strengthening hygiene practices and biosecurity measures in poultry farms, live bird markets, and slaughterhouses is essential to reduce the risks posed to both animal and public health.
Abstract: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 continues to pose a significant threat to animal health, poultry production, and public health worldwide. Mali experienced two outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in 2021 and 2022, raising concerns about viral evolution and potential public health risks in West Africa. Suspected s...
Show More
-
Research Article
Contamination of Corn (Zea mays) and Millet (Pennicetum Glaucum) Porridge Sold on the Streets of Abidjan by Zearalenone
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
115-122
Received:
6 July 2026
Accepted:
20 July 2026
Published:
8 September 2026
Abstract: Zearalenone is a carcinogenic contaminant frequently found in cereal-based foods. This study aimed to determine the level of zearalenone contamination in maize and millet porridges sold in the municipality of Yopougon, Abidjan. It was a cross-sectional study. Five grams of ground material from each of the ten samples were extracted with 50 ml of ultrapure water and 50 ml of dichloromethane. After filtration and decantation, zearalenone was detected and quantified by HPLC-FLD. It was detected in four (4) of the five (5) millet porridge samples, with a minimum concentration of 1.65 µg/kg, a maximum concentration of 61.38 µg/kg, and a mean concentration of 18.24 µg/kg. Regarding maize porridge, zearalenone was detected in all five (5) samples, with a minimum concentration of 1.87 µg/kg, a maximum concentration of 7.30 µg/kg, and an average concentration of 4.86 µg/kg. According to reference values, the zearalenone content of the maize porridge is acceptable. However, for millet porridge, three (3) samples met the standards for infants and four (4) samples met the standards for adults. This study highlights the presence of zearalenone in porridge sold in the Yopougon district. Since porridge is a food widely consumed by children and adults, the risk associated with zearalenone is almost constant for the Ivorian population. It is therefore important to reduce the risk of contamination of maize and millet slurries by zearalenone through good production, storage and processing practices, involving actors in the millet and maize value chain.
Abstract: Zearalenone is a carcinogenic contaminant frequently found in cereal-based foods. This study aimed to determine the level of zearalenone contamination in maize and millet porridges sold in the municipality of Yopougon, Abidjan. It was a cross-sectional study. Five grams of ground material from each of the ten samples were extracted with 50 ml of ul...
Show More
-
Research Article
Sociodemographic Characteristics of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Colonisation Among HIV/AIDS Clients of a Public Hospital in South-South Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
123-133
Received:
6 August 2026
Accepted:
18 August 2026
Published:
8 September 2026
Abstract: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a growing threat among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) due to immunological vulnerability, frequent healthcare exposure, and compromised skin integrity. Despite a high HIV burden in Edo State, Nigeria, no data characterising MRSA colonisation in PLWH exist in the State. This study characterised MRSA colonisation among HIV/AIDS Clients of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH). This is a cross-sectional hospital-based study, with 176 PLWH on ART for ≥6 months systematically enrolled. Three rayon swabs per participant were collected from the nasal vestibule, axillary fold, and groin. MRSA was confirmed by cefoxitin disc diffusion per Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute guidelines. Frequencies, proportions, chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and Kruskal-Wallis H were applied. Significance was set at p<0.05. Of 176 participants, 131 (74.43%) were MRSA-positive, yielding 230 isolates from 528 specimens (43.6% specimen-level positivity). Females predominates, constituted 75.0% (n=132) with overall mean age of 41.78±12.9 years. Majority were married (71.0%), had secondary education (51.1%), and were unskilled workers (65.3%). The groin yielded highest MRSA-positive swabs (94/176, 53.4%), followed by nasal (71/176, 40.3%) and axillary (65/176, 36.9%). MRSA carriage was significantly associated with age group (χ2=9.900, p=0.042), occupation (χ2=7.173, p=0.047), WHO clinical stage (χ2=3.663, p=0.040), and CD4 count category (χ2=3.824, p=0.047). The median CD4+ count was 425 cells/µL; participants with CD4 <200 had the highest MRSA positivity (86.5%). MRSA colonisation was high among PLWH at ISTH. The groin-predominant distribution challenges conventional nasal-centric screening paradigms. CD4-stratified MRSA rates and WHO stage associations indicate that immunosuppression contributes to MRSA carriage, supporting targeted screening of the most immunocompromised PLWH.
Abstract: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a growing threat among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) due to immunological vulnerability, frequent healthcare exposure, and compromised skin integrity. Despite a high HIV burden in Edo State, Nigeria, no data characterising MRSA colonisation in PLWH exist in the State. This study characte...
Show More
