Biosurfactant from endophytic Bacillus cereus: Optimization, characterization and cytotoxicity study

Aims@#The increased importance of biosurfactant in the recent past is mainly due to their applications in various industries ranging from petroleum to pharmaceuticals. Their biodegradability and environmental compatibility with low toxicity makes it even more interesting. Microbial production of biosurfactant is found to be a viable option as they are diverse, eco-friendly, facilitate large scale production, able to perform under extreme conditions etc. One class of microbes that is endophytes are known to show great potential in producing different varieties of medically and industrially significant biological compounds. The present study focuses on the screening and production of biosurfactant from endophytic bacteria. @*Methodology and results@#Of all the isolates tested, one endophyte identified as Bacillus cereus HM998898 was found to produce maximum biosurfactant. Statistical method Plackett burman was used to optimize the media for the maximum production and the ideal composition was found to be KNO3 (1 g/L), Gingley oil (2 mL), K2HPO4 (2.5 g/L), KH2PO4 (0.75 g/L), MgSO4·5H2O (0.5 g/L), FeSO4.7H2O (0.005 g/L) and NaCl (0.025 g/L). The extracted biosurfactant was characterized and was identified to be glycolipid. This was further tested for biocompatibility against Fibroblast (3T3) cells and was evaluated for their anti tumor activity against Hep2 cells. @*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#The biosurfactant produced was found to induce toxicity to cancer cells at appreciable levels while they remained non-toxic to normal cells supporting the possible applications of biosurfactant in medical field.

Epidemiology of rabies in Oman: a retrospective study [1991-2013]

Animal bites and rabies are under-reported in many developing countries and there is poor understanding of the disease burden. The aim of this study was to map the epidemiology of animal bites and rabies in Oman over the period 1991-2013. In a cross-sectional, descriptive, surveillance-based study, all data about animal bites and rabies from the national communicable disease surveillance system were analysed. A total of 22 788 cases of animal bites were reported. Most bites were to males [70%] and the 10-19 year age group [26%]. Cats were the most common animal and upper extremities were the most common bite site. There were 8 rabies cases reported during the study period, mostly due to bites from wild animals, with 100% mortality. Of 758 suspected animals tested, 56.1% were positive for rabies; foxes had the highest positivity rate [70.1%]. The high incidence of animal bites in Oman emphasizes the importance of a rabies prevention and control programme

Low adherence of Kuwaiti adults to fruit and vegetable dietary guidelines

The study aimed to assess the adherence of Kuwaiti adults to dietary guidelines for daily fruit and vegetable intake. Data were compiled from national cross-sectional studies from 2006 to 2008 including 9350 adults. Demographic data, frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption and anthropometric and lifestyle indicators were collected. Approximately 11% of people reported consuming 5 or more fruits and vegetables daily with a mean consumption of 3.04 times per day. Consumption increased with age and body mass index but decreased with smoking and non-exercising. Minimal change in compliance with 5-per-day fruit and vegetable consumption was observed between 2006 and 2008. However, the average daily consumption of total vegetables and green salads decreased and of total fruits, fruit juices and cooked and fried potatoes increased. The low frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption among Kuwaiti adults indicates the need to adopt more healthy eating patterns to control chronic diseases

Bloodstream bacterial pathogens and their antibiotic resistance pattern in Dhahira Region, Oman

To describe the epidemiological, clinical, microbiological characteristics and antimicrobial resistance pattern of Bloodstream infections in Dhahira region, Oman. Clinical data was collected from all patients with positive blood cultures for two years period. Standard laboratory methods were used for blood culture. Antibiotic sensitivity was tested using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Of the 360 bacterial pathogens isolated from 348 patients, 57.8% were gram-positive and 42.2% were gram-negative. The common isolates were: Streptococcus species 76 [21.1%], coagulase-negative Staphylococci 75 [20.8%], Escherichia coli 43 [11.9%], Staphylococcus aureus 41 [11.4%]. Overall, mortality was 21.3% [74/348]. Staphylococcus species [Staphylococcus aureus and CoNS] were more commonly resistant to Trimethoprim/Sulphamethoxazole [35.3%] and Penicillin [25.9%]. Streptococcus species were resistant to Trimethoprim/Sulphamethoxazole [39.1%] and Erythromycin [19.6%]. Bloodstream infections are important causes of morbidity and mortality in our patients, especially among chronically ill elderly adult males. Prescription of proven resistant antibiotics to suspected bacteremic patients needs attention in Dhahira region

Surveillance of adverse events following immunization: 10 years' experience in Oman

A descriptive record-based review of adverse events following immunization [AEFI] was carried out in Oman using the national database for the period 1996-2005. A total of 790 adverse event reports were received with an annual rate during the review period of 33.7 per 100000 population or 10.8 per 100000 doses administered. There were no reported deaths. The most frequently reported AEFI were BCG adenitis [69.7 per 100000 doses] and local reactions [3.6 per 100000 doses respectively]. The statistically significant higher rates among males, in children aged > 2 years and in some sparsely populated regions of Oman need further research. AEFI rates in Oman were similar or below the international averages

Epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of enteric pathogens in Dhahira Region, Oman

We reviewed the monthly laboratory surveillance reports and hospital laboratory database in Dhahira region, Oman. All patients for whom a stool sample examination request was made from 1[st] January 2002 to 31[st] December 2006 [5 years] were included in the study. Antimicrobial resistance pattern was studied for 2 years period. The cultures were done using standard laboratory procedures and antibiotic sensitivity by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Of the 85,210 stool samples examined, 18% showed positive result for one or more parasitic infection. The most common were E. hystolytica [7.1%], Giardia [7.9%] and E. coli [1.9%]. A total of 7,830 cultures were done, among them 11.4% showed positive result for bacterial pathogen. The most common were Salmonella [5.8%] and Shigella species [4.4%]. The antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of 265 bacterial pathogens were analyzed. Of the Shigella strains, 71.8% were resistant to trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole [SXT] and 39.4% to ampicillin and 32.4% to tetracycline. Salmonella and E. coli strains were frequently resistant to ampicillin [12.5% and 47.7%, respectively]. This study provides important information on the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance pattern of enteric pathogens in Dhahira region population. SXT, ampicillin, and tetracycline are the drugs commonly associated with resistance

Iron deficiency anaemia among pregnant Arab women in Kuwait

A cross-sectional study was conducted by the Nutrition Unit, Ministry of Public Health, on 1582 pregnant Arab women in the age group of 14-45 years for the assessment of their haemoglobin status. The overall prevalence of anaemia [Hb, Cone.