ABSTRACT
@#Aims: Researchers found a wide range of therapeutic properties in Spirulina sp. including as anti-cholesterol or anti-hyperlipidemic agent. In this study, the lipid levels of domestic F. catuswere induced in order to scrutinize the anti-hyperlipidemic effects of local S. platensisLUQS1 strain, specifically at concentrations of 0.5g/day and 1.0 g/day.Methodology and results:Elevation of serum lipid levels viz. total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides (TG) as well as the status of kidney [creatinine (Cr) and blood ureanitrogen (BUN)] were observed in four groups of F. catusfor 45 days. The highest levels for TC, LDL and TG (P<0.05) were recorded in high cholesterol diet group (CD) at day 45 with 291.67±2.87 mg·dL-1, 111.60±9.73 mg·dL-1and 146.33±10.44 mg·dL-1, respectively. HDL levels in Spirulina-treated groups (CA and CAA) were better than normolipidemic group (control, SD group), of which the maximum levels were displayed at day 30 specifically 72.87±6.08 mg·dL-1by cats-fed with high cholesterol diet treated with 0.5 g/day S. platensis LUQS1 (CA group). There were insignificant differences (P>0.05) in the BUN levels; however, the Cr levels in CAA group (day 30 and 45) were slightly out of normal range but did not classify under chronic condition. Conclusion, significance and impact of the study: Alternative treatments on hyperlipidemic cats were rarely reported by researchers and medicinal practitioners. Thus, the findings of this present study provided a genuine knowledge concerning the lipid-lowering effect of S.platensisLUQS1 on the hyperlipidem
ABSTRACT
Aims: This study was conducted to isolate Bacillus cereus from raw and cooked chicken meat from selected retail shops and wet markets in Kota Bharu and to determine the antimicrobial resistance patterns of B. cereus. Methodology and results: A total of sixty samples (30 from raw and 30 from cooked chicken meat) were tested for presence of B. cereus. Isolation and identification of B. cereus was done by using routine bacterial culture and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Bacillus cereus was detected in 16.67% (10/60) of the samples tested. All isolates were negative for the enterotoxigenic gene, nhe genes, however, six of the isolates were found to be positive for hbla genes. B. cereus isolates showed 100% resistance towards beta lactam antibiotics. Conclusion, significance and impact study: Although only 60 samples are analysed in the current study, the fact that toxigenic strains of B. cereus were isolated in cooked chicken meat intended for human consumption implies the potential public health risk it might pose. Further study with increased sample size, screening other toxigenic strains of B. cereus and molecular typing is recommended to have a more detailed understanding of the occurrence of the bacteria in chicken meat in Kota Bharu. It is necessary to educate the public on the risks of food contamination by bacteria that may cause food borne illnesses. Some precautions such as routine checking of the freshness of food before consumption, hygienic preparation and proper cooking of food can be implemented to reduce the risks of food borne illnesses related B. cereus and other potentially dangerous bacteria.