Predicting Human Risk with Multidrug Resistant Enterobacter hormaechei MS2 having MCR 9 Gene Isolated from the Feces of Healthy Broiler Through Whole-Genome Sequence-Based Analysis

The zoonotic spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the associated infections are becoming a major threat to the human population worldwide. Strategies to identify the potential pathogen dissemination by seemingly healthy livestock are at a nascent stage and it is of significant importance to monitor environmental evolution of AMR. In this study, a multidrug resistant strain (MDR) of Enterobacter hormaechei MS2 isolated from the feces of healthy broiler chicken has been characterized by whole-genome sequencing-based method. Here, the isolate was primarily subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing followed genome sequencing and analysis. From the antimicrobial susceptibility testing result, the strain was found to be resistant to multiple classes of drugs including the colistin which is an important  last resort drug used to treat infectious diseases. The resistome prediction of genomic data further revealed the presence of 7 perfect and 26 strict hits including those for MCR-9 and FosA2. The pathogenicity prediction has also demonstrated the strain to have the potential to be a human pathogen with 0.72 probability. The phylogenetic analysis has also supported the zoonotic potential of the strain due to its clustering with isolates from both human and livestock-associated host groups. The results of the study suggest the need for a strong surveillance system to identify the opportunistic zoonotic pathogens to prevent a silent AMR menace mediated by them. Carriage of multi-drug resistant strains in the livestock gut microbiome is also a serious concern as it has high AMR transmissibility through contact and supply chain activities.

Probiotic Paenibacillus polymyxa HGA4C and Bacillus licheniformis HGA8B combination improved growth performance, enzymatic profile, gene expression and disease resistance in Oreochromisniloticus

Bacterial consortium containing two bacterial strains such as Paenibacillus polymyxa HGA4C and Bacillus licheniformis HGA8B incorporated in the diet of Oreochromis niloticus at a concentration of 1 × 10⁶ CFU g^-1 (PB1) and 1 × 10⁸ CFU g^-1 (PB2) revealed the probiotic potentials of the bacterial combination. The probiotic feed enhanced the growth performance, digestive enzymes, and antioxidant enzymes in the liver and intestine. Probiotic mediated growth enhancement was further substantiated by the up-regulation of genes such as GHR-1, GHR-2, IGF-1, and IGF-2 and the up-regulation of immune-related genes viz. TLR-2, IL-10, and TNF-α were also significantly modulated by probiotics supplementation. The intestinal MUC 2 gene expression revealed the mucosal remodification and the disease resistance of the fish challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila (MTCC-1739) was improved by the probiotic supplementation. Based on these results the new probiotic supplementation feed can be possibly marketed to help aquaculture farmers to alleviate many of the problems associated with fish farming.

Rapid detection of mobile resistance genes tetA and tetB from metaplasmids isolated from healthy broiler feces

Containing antimicrobial resistance is the thought of the moment as it affects the human life from every aspect. Because, the inappropriate use of antibiotics in livestock animals for the growth promotion and prophylactic purpose has already generated significant challenges. The livestock farms which harbor and disseminate drug resistant microorganisms have already been identified as potential source of resistance genes acquired by the sensitive strains. Hence there is high demand for the affordable and effective surveillance method for the detection of antimicrobial resistance genes from livestock. In this study, direct detection of antibiotic resistance from metaplasmid DNA isolated from the poultry feces was conducted. For the initial standardization, plasmid DNA purified from the previously characterized Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were used. The tetA and tetB genes amplified from the purified plasmid DNA were further confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis and sequencing. Further to this, metaplasmid DNA was purified from 29 different poultry fecal samples and these were further screened for the presence of resistance genes. Among the 29 metaplasmid samples, 8 were positive for tetA gene and 9 were positive for tetB gene. The results of the study indicate the potential of PCR based methods for the rapid screening of poultry samples for the antibiotic stewardship in the livestock sector.

Protective effect of (+)-catechin against lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response in RAW 264.7 cells through downregulation of NF-κB and p38 MAPK

Catechin, a flavonol belonging to the flavonoid group of polyphenols is present in many plant foods. The present study was done to evaluate the effect of catechin on various inflammatory mediators using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The effect of catechin on total cyclooxygenase (COX) activity, 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), myeloperoxidase, nitrite and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) level, secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were assessed in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The expression of COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α, nuclear factor-ĸB (NF-κB) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) genes were also investigated. The effect was further analyzed using human PBMCs by assessing the level of TNF-α and IL-10. The study demonstrated that the inflammatory mediators such as COX, 5-LOX, nitrite, iNOS, and TNF-α were significantly inhibited by catechin in a concentration-dependent manner whereas IL-10 production was up-regulated in RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, catechin down-regulated the mRNA level expression of COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α, NF-κB and p38 MAPK. The current study ratifies the beneficial effect of catechin as a dietary component in plant foods to provide protection against inflammatory diseases.

Environmental Adaptations of an Extremely Plant Beneficial Bacillus subtilis Dcl1 Identified Through the Genomic and Metabolomic Analysis

Bacterial endophytes ubiquitously colonize the internal tissues of plants and promote the plant growth through diverse mechanisms. The current study describes the mechanistic basis of plant-specific adaptations present in an extremely beneficial endophytic bacterium. Here, the endophytic Bacillus subtilis Dcl1 isolated from the dried rhizome of Curcuma longa was found to have the drought tolerance, IAA and ACC deaminase production and phosphate solubilization properties. The whole genome sequencing and annotation further showed the genome of B. subtilis Dcl1 to have the size of 4,321,654 bp. This also showed the presence of genes for IAA, H₂S, acetoin, butanediol, flagella and siderophore production along with phosphate solubilization and biofilm formation for the B. subtilis Dcl1. In addition, the genes responsible for the synthesis of surfactin, iturin, fengycin, bacillibactin, bacillaene, bacilysin, chitinase, chitosanase, protease and glycoside hydrolase could also be annotated from the genome of B. subtilis Dcl1. Identification of genes for the glycine betaine, glutamate and trehalose further indicated the drought stress tolerance features of B. subtilis Dcl1. The presence of the genetic basis to produce the catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidases, gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase, glutathione and glycolate oxidase also indicated the plant oxidative stress protective effect of B. subtilis Dcl1. Identification of these properties and the demonstration of its plant probiotic effect in Vigna unguiculata confirmed the applicability of B. subtilis Dcl1 as a biofertilizer, biocontrol and bioremediator agent to enhance the agricultural productivity.

Quinalphos Tolerant Endophytic Bacillus sp. Fcl1 and its Toxicity-Alleviating Effect in Vigna unguiculata

In order to meet the agricultural requirement for the expanding population, pesticides have been used regularly even with their severe threat. The uncontrolled use of these pesticides can cause irreparable damage to both soil and plant-associated microbiome. Therefore, an environment friendly alternative to enhance plant productivity and yield is highly important. Here comes the importance of endophytic microorganisms with multi-plant beneficial mechanisms to protect plants from the biotic and abiotic stress factors. However, their performance can be negatively affected under pesticide exposure. Hence the present study was conducted to analyse the tolerating ability of a Bacillus sp. Fcl1 which was originally isolated from the rhizome of Curcuma longa towards the pesticide quinalphos and also its ability to reduce the quinalphos-induced toxicity in Vigna unguiculata. The results revealed that the viability of endophytic Bacillus sp. Fcl1 depended on the concentration of quinalphos used for the study. Further, Fcl1 supplementation was found to alleviate the quinalphos-induced toxicity in Vigna unguiculata seedlings. The study is environmentally significant due to the pesticide tolerating and alleviating effect of Bacillus sp. Fcl1 in quinalphos-induced plant toxicity. This could suggest the application of microbes of endophytic origin as an efficient bioinoculant for field application even in the presence of pesticide residues.

Healthy broilers disseminate antibiotic resistance in response to tetracycline input in feed concentrates

Wide varieties of antibiotics are used in poultry farms to improve the growth and also to control the infection in broiler chicken. To identify the seriousness of the same in the poultry sector, current study has been designed to analyze the presence of tetracycline in poultry feed and also the tetracycline resistance among the bacteria released through the excreta of poultry. In the study, 27 bacteria belonging to the Escherichiacoli and Klebsiellapneumoniae. were isolated from the faecal samples collected from five different farms. Antibiotic susceptibility analysis showed 77% of E. coli and 100% of the K. pneumoniae. to be resistant to tetracycline. Further, molecular screening for tetA and tetB genes showed 85.18% of isolates to have tetA and 22.22% with tetB. The presence of tetracycline in collected feed samples was also analysed quantitatively by Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Here, three out of five feed samples were found to be positive for tetracycline. The study showed a direct correlation between the antibiotic supplemented feed and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance among the intestinal microflora. The results of the study indicate the need for strict control over antibiotic use in animal feed to limit the rapid evolution and spread of antimicrobial resistance.

Genome sequencing and annotation of multi-virulent Aeromonas veronii XhG1.2 isolated from diseased Xiphophorus hellerii

The present study was intended to elucidate the genomic basis of antibiotic resistance and hyper-virulence of the fish pathogen Aeromonas veronii XhG1.2 characterized in our previous work. The identity of XhG1.2 was confirmed through 16S rDNA sequence analysis and whole genome sequence analysis. The top-hit species distribution analysis of XhG1.2 sequence data revealed major hits against the Aeromonas veronii. The identification of virulence genes using the VFDB showed the genome of XhG1.2 to have the genes coding for the virulence factors viz. aerolysin, RtxA, T2SS, T3SS and T6SS. The presence of antibiotic resistance predicted through the CARD database analysis showed it to have the CephA3, OXA-12, adeF and pulvomycin resistance genes. By the phylogenetic and comparative genomic analysis, A. veronii species were found to have genes for toxin production. This also confirmed the pathogenicity and drug resistance of A. veronii XhG1.2 and also its potential to cause disease in diverse ornamental fishes.

Modulation of agriculturally useful rhamnolipid profile of Pseudomonas sp. K6 due to the supplementation with chitosan and gold nanoparticles

As rhizobacteria have extensively been studied for the production of compounds with biocontrol properties, methods to enhance its production are very important. In this study, nanotechnological method to modulate the rhamnolipid production by Pseudomonas sp. K6 has been demonstrated. For this, Pseudomonas sp. K6 was cultured with different concentrations of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The rhamnolipid production was further analyzed by CTAB- methylene blue agar assay and also by LC-MS/MS analysis. From the LC-MS/MS result, induction of dirhamnolipid production in K6 could be confirmed when cultured with CNPs (1, 5 and 10 mg/mL) and AuNPs (10, 25, 50 and 100 µg/mL). The monorhamnolipid production by K6 was observed to get enhanced when the K6 culture was supplemented with 2.5 mg/mL CNPs and 10 µg/mL AuNPs. Also, in planta study confirmed the biocontrol ability of rhamnolipid as it suppressed the Sclerotium rolfsii infection in Vigna unguiculata plants. As the rhamnolipids have versatile applications in the agricultural field, the nano-based approach to enhance its production from the biocontrol organism is significant.

Plant Growth Enhancement, Disease Resistance, and Elemental Modulatory Effects of Plant Probiotic Endophytic Bacillus sp. Fcl1

Endophytic bacteria have already been studied for their beneficial support to plants to manage both biotic and abiotic stress through an array of well-established mechanisms. They have either direct or indirect impact on mobilizing diverse nutrients and elements from soil to plants. However, detailed insight into the fine-tuning of plant elemental composition by associated microorganism is very limited. In this study, endophytic Bacillus Fcl1 characterized from the rhizome of Curcuma longa was found to have broad range of plant growth-promoting and biocontrol mechanisms. The organism was found to have indole acetic acid and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase production properties along with nitrogen fixation. The Bacillus Fcl1 could also inhibit diverse phytopathogens as confirmed by dual culture and well diffusion. By LC-MS/MS analysis, chemical basis of its antifungal activity has been proved to be due to the production of iturin A and a blend of surfactin compounds. Moreover, the organism was found to induce both plant growth and disease resistance in vivo in model plant system. Because of these experimentally demonstrated multiple plant probiotic features, Bacillus Fcl1 was selected as a candidate organism to study its role in modulation of plant elemental composition. ICP-MS analysis of Bacillus Fcl1-treated plants provided insight into relation of bacterial interaction with elemental composition of plants.

Surface functionalization of central venous catheter with mycofabricated silver nanoparticles and its antibiofilm activity on multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii

The mycofabrication of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) through green chemistry protocol is an advanced methodological progress in medical nanotechnology. Mycofabricated AgNPs are less toxic due to an aura of biomolecules around the nanoparticles. Hence the mycofabricated AgNPs can be used for clinical applications. The present study explores the antibiofilm activity of mycogenerated AgNPs, which were synthesized by the enzymatic reduction of silver nitrate using the marine algicolous endophytic fungus Penicillium polonicum ARA10. The mycogenerated AgNPs showed very specific and potent bactericidal activity against Acinetobacter baumannii. Anti-A.baumannii activities of mycogenerated AgNPs on planktonic as well as biofilm embedded cells were explored. The physical impact of synthesized AgNPs on A.baumannii was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy. A bionanocomposite coating for the central venous catheter (CVC) was formulated using the mycogenerated AgNPs and polydopamine. The bionanocomposite surface was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, water contact angle measurement, and Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that the mycogenerated AgNPs have potent antibiofilm activity on biofilms of A.baumannii. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence microscopy images showed noticeable aberrations on the ultrastructure of A.baumannii. The SEM and FE-SEM images of biofilms on the surface of CVC samples proved that the AgNPs at minimum bactericidal concentration could destroy the structure of biofilms and lyses the bacterial cell. Thus, the present study establishes a new way to the development of 'antibacterial surfaces' based on mycogenerated AgNPs.

Differential modulation of phytoelemental composition by selected Pseudomonas spp

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are bioresources with potential application in ecofriendly agricultural practices. The beneficial effects of PGPR have been attributed to their ability to produce phytohormone, organic acid, siderophore, and also due to nitrogen fixation among others. In the present study, previously isolated plant growth promoting rhizospheric Pseudomonas spp.  were evaluated for growth enhancement effect in Vigna unguiculata seedlings. Elemental profiling of treated plant was further carried out by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy. Results of the study showed significant increase in growth parameters such as shoot length, root length and root numbers for treated plants when compared to control. Most of the macro and micro elements were also found to get modulated by interaction with applied Pseudomonas spp. However, a differential modulation was observed for plants when treated with each of the Pseudomonas spp., which could be due to their variable interaction with the selected plant. The results of the study indicate the role of each of the associated microbial partner to specifically influence the plant nutrient mobilization along the soil plant axis. The cumulative effect of the plant microbiome hence may decide the global nutritional status of plants as per the available environmental conditions.

Immunomodulatory activities of Acacia catechu, a traditional thirst quencher of South India

BACKGROUND

Acacia catechu has been widely used in Ayurveda for treating many diseases. Its heartwood extract is used in asthma, cough, bronchitis, colic, diarrhea, dysentery, boils, skin afflictions, sores and for stomatitis. The decoction of heartwood is used for drinking purpose in southern part of India especially in Kerala.

OBJECTIVE

The current study was carried out to evaluate immunomodulatory effects of heartwood extracts of A. catechu in Swiss albino mice.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In vivo immunomodulatory activity was analyzed by hemagglutinating antibody (HA) titer, plaque forming cell assay and delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH). In vitro immunomodulatory potential of the extracts was studied using peritoneal macrophages and splenocytes from mice. Effect of extracts on phagocytic activity of macrophages was analyzed by nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction assay and cellular lysosomal enzyme assay. Anti-inflammatory activity was studied by nitric oxide (NO) assay and production of TNF-α and IL-10.

RESULTS

A dose dependent increase in antibody titer was observed with extracts treatment. Treatment with extracts produced an enhancement in the number of antibody producing cells in the spleen. DTH reaction was significantly decreased with extracts treatment. An increased phagocytic response was shown by peritoneal macrophages on treatment with the extracts as evidenced by its effect on NBT reduction and cellular lysosomal enzyme activity. The extracts inhibited the release of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and the production of NO. IL-10 production was significantly increased after extract treatment.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study indicate the immunomodulatory effects of A. catechu extracts on humoral, cell mediated and non-specific immune functions.

Differential Modulation of Endophytic Microbiome of Ginger in the Presence of Beneficial Organisms, Pathogens and Both as Identified by DGGE Analysis

Endophytic microorganisms play a significant role in plants response to beneficial organisms and pathogens. In the current study, endophytic microorganisms from Zingiber officinale were screened for in vitro inhibition against Pythium myriotylum. From this, Burkholderia vietnamiensis ZoB74 was selected as an organism with remarkable antifungal effect. Further, the study focussed on analysis of in vivo changes in endophytic bacterial community of Z. officinale in presence of selected organisms and the pathogen P. myriotylum by PCR-DGGE. 16S rDNA sequencing of bacterial community after DGGE has resulted in the identification of a group of uncultured bacteria as the predominant microbial community of rhizome under various conditions of treatment. High frequency dominance of these endophytic bacteria suggests their role in disease resistance to soft rot in ginger. This also revealed the variation of endophytic microbiome of Z. officinale under biotic stress. Hence the study provides molecular insight into uncultured microbiome and its stress-inducible variation in ginger rhizome.

Catechin rich butanol fraction extracted from Acacia catechu L. (a thirst quencher) exhibits immunostimulatory potential

Acacia catechu L., (Fabaceae) named as “catechu” is a plant, the decoction of heartwood of which is daily consumed as thirst quencher by a good percentage of the population in South India. The plant is mainly distributed in India and other Asian countries. It has been used in Indian traditional medicine for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, colic, diarrhea, boils, skin afflictions, sores and stomatitis. The present investigation was aimed to study the immunomodulatory effects of different fractions of ethanol extract of A. catechu heartwood and HPLC analysis of the active fraction. Three fractions namely, butanol, chloroform and ethyl acetate were prepared from ethanol extract of A. catechu heartwood. Each of these fractions was assessed for its immunomodulatory activity. In vivo immunomodulatory activity was analyzed by sheep red blood cells (SRBC) specific hemagglutinating antibody titer, plaque-forming cell assay and delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction in Swiss albino mice. In vitro immunomodulating potential of the fractions was studied using murine peritoneal macrophages and splenocytes. Non-specific immune functions such as phagocytosis (nitroblue tetrazolium reduction assay and cellular lysosomal enzyme assay), nitric oxide (NO) production and cytokine release (TNF-α and IL-10) were studied in macrophages. In addition, splenocyte proliferation was also studied. In the in vivo experiments, butanol and chloroform fractions showed an increase in antibody titer dose-dependently. At higher dose (400 mg/kg b. w.) treatment the butanol fraction produced an enhancement in the number of plaque-forming cells (antibody producing cells) in the spleen. SRBC induced DTH reaction was significantly increased with butanol fraction in a dose-dependent manner. Peritoneal macrophages showed an increased phagocytic response on treatment with butanol fraction (100 μg/mL) as evidenced by its effect on nitroblue tetrazolium reduction and cellular lysosomal enzyme activity. All three fractions inhibited the production of NO and the release of TNF-α. Interleukin-10 production was significantly increased after treatment with butanol fraction. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of the butanol fraction showed the presence of high concentration of catechin. The results suggested that butanol fraction of ethanol extract of A. catechu heartwood had immunomodulatory effects on non-specific, humoral, and cell-mediated immune functions. This study may be useful in validating the rationality of daily consumption of decoction of A. catechu and also its use in traditional medicine system. The study also suggests the possible use of A. catechu in the immunostimulatory herbal preparations.

Culturable Endophytic Bacteria of Ginger Rhizome and their Remarkable Multi-trait Plant Growth-Promoting Features

Functional contribution of endophytic bacteria towards plant growth is highly impressive due to their species diversity and array of probiotic mechanisms. In the study, 96 endophytic bacteria isolated from rhizome of ginger (Zingiber officinale) were screened for phosphate solubilisation, 1-amino cyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity, nitrogen fixation, ammonia and IAA production. Among these, sixteen endophytes with multiple plant growth-promoting activities were identified by 16S rDNA sequencing and all of them showed growth enhancement in Vigna unguiculata var Lola which make the study remarkably significant. The result was a clear indication of consistent, reliable and broad spectrum plant probiotic features of all the selected isolates. However, strain-specific effects on soil parameters represent the unique and distinguishable role of each of the selected isolates in the chemobiology of ginger rhizome. The study provided deeper insight into microbiomics of ginger rhizome with its agricultural promises.

Endophytic Paraconiothyrium sp. from Zingiber officinale Rosc. Displays Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity by Production of Danthron

The bioactivity spectrum of fungal endophytes isolated from Zingiber officinale was analyzed against clinical pathogens and against the phytopathogen Pythium myriotylum, which causes Pythium rot in ginger. One of the isolates GFM13 showed broad bioactivity against various pathogens tested including P. myriotylum. The spore suspension as well as the culture filtrate of the endophytic fungal isolate was found to effectively protect ginger rhizomes from Pythium rot. By molecular identification, the fungal endophyte was identified as Paraconiothyrium sp. The bioactive compound produced by the isolate was separated by bioactivity-guided fractionation and was identified by GC-MS as danthron, an anthraquinone derivative. PCR amplification showed the presence of non-reducing polyketide synthase gene (NR-PKS) in the endophyte GFM13, which is reported to be responsible for the synthesis of anthraquinones in fungi. This is the first report of danthron being produced as the biologically active component of Paraconiothyrium sp. Danthron is reported to have wide pharmaceutical and agronomic applications which include its use as a fungicide in agriculture. The broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of danthron and the endophytic origin of Paraconiothyrium sp. offer immense applications of the study.

Efficient visible light induced synthesis of silver nanoparticles by Penicillium polonicum ARA 10 isolated from Chetomorpha antennina and its antibacterial efficacy against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium

The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using biological systems such as fungi has evolved to become an important area of nanobiotechnology. Herein, we report for the first time the light-induced extracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticles using algicolous endophytic fungus Penicillium polonicum ARA 10, isolated from the marine green alga Chetomorpha antennina. Parametric optimization, including the concentration of AgNO₃, fungal biomass, ratio of cell filtrate and AgNO₃, pH, reaction time and presence of light, was done for rapid AgNPs production. The obtained silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and Transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM-EDAX). The AgNPs showed a characteristic UV-visible peak at 430 nm with an average size of 10-15 nm. The NH stretches in FTIR indicate the presence of protein molecules. The Raman vibrational bands suggest that the molecules responsible for the reduction and stability of AgNPs were extracellular proteins produced by P.polonicum. Antibacterial evaluation of AgNPs against the major foodborne bacterial pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium MTCC 1251, was assessed by well diffusion, Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assay. Killing kinetic studies revealed complete killing of the bacterial cells within 4 h and the bactericidal nature of synthesized nanoparticles was confirmed by fluorescent microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, the bactericidal studies with Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) at different time intervals explored the presence of AgNPs in the cell wall of S.Typhimurium at about 30 min and the complete bacterial lysis was found at 24 h. The current research opens an insight into the green synthesis of AgNPs and the mechanism of bacterial lysis by direct damage to the cell wall.

Antibacterial activity of autochthonous bacteria isolated from Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1792) and it's in vitro probiotic characterization

Antimicrobial potentials of bacteria isolated from Anabas testudineus have been evaluated through in vitro antagonistic activity against potent fish pathogens. The cellular components and filtered culture medium were effective against six fish pathogens. Altogether 110 strains were isolated from the fish gut, out of which 10 strains were selected through well diffusion method. From them, a strain HGA8B having cumulative maximum score was selected as candidate probiotic. The whole-cell product, heat-killed whole-cell product, Ethyl acetate extract, and the filtered broth were exhibited bactericidal activity against the tested pathogens. In addition, the isolated bacterium was capable of producing extracellular enzymes important for the digestion of food materials and was capable of growth in fish mucus from Oreochromis niloticus. The strain tolerated bile juice secreted by the host and effectively produced biofilm. Analysis of 16S rDNA sequence revealed that isolated strain HGA8B was Bacillus sp. (MF351637). Furthermore, intraperitoneal injection of the bacterium did not induce any pathological signs, symptoms or mortalities in Oreochromis niloticus and revealed the safety of this bacterium as a candidate probiotic in aquaculture.

Endophytic Phomopsis sp. colonization in Oryza sativa was found to result in plant growth promotion and piperine production

Endophytic fungi have been reported to have the acquired ability to synthesize host plant specific medicinal natural products. Many fungi with such properties have been characterized and optimized for the conditions which favor maximal production of desired products. However, the inherent plant colonization property of promising endophytic fungi is least studied. Exploiting the transgenome functioning of these fungi have immense applications to add beneficial features to nonhost plants. In the present study, the endophytic fungus Phomopsis sp. isolated from Piper nigrum was confirmed for piperine production by HPLC and LCMS/MS. Further, the fungal isolate was studied for its colonization ability in Oryza sativa. Interestingly, the fungi treated plants were found to have significant plant growth enhancement when compared to the control. Further screening of extract from treated plants by HPLC and LCMS/MS resulted in the confirmation of presence of piperine. The observed result is extremely significant as it opens up novel applications of endophytic fungal colonization in taxonomically diverse plants.

Bioengineering of Dioscorea nipponica with rhizospheric Proteus spp. for enhanced tuber size and diosgenin content

Rhizobacterial production of plant hormones, ACC deaminase, fixation of nitrogen, solubilization of phosphate and antimicrobial metabolites play very important role in the health and growth of plants. Hence exploration of plant probiotic prospectives of promising rhizobacterial isolates from biodiversity rich areas can have enormous applications to engineer both the biomass and active ingredients of plants. In the present study, rhizospheric Proteus spp. R6 and R60 isolated from Pseudarthria viscida and Glycosmis arborea were analyzed for tuber and diosgenin enhancement effects in Dioscorea nipponica under field conditions for 1 year. Among the two Proteus spp. selected, both were positive for ACC deaminase, siderophore, nitrogen fixation, IAA and ammonia production. However, the isolate R6 was found to have additional phosphate solubilizing activity. Quantitative analysis of IAA by HPTLC showed its maximum production by Proteus sp. R60 (714.47 ± 8.7 µg/mL) followed by Proteus sp. R6 (588.06 ± 7.0 µg/mL). The tubers formed from the Proteus sp. R6 treated samples were identified to have significant enhancement in size, root number and diosgenin content when compared to control. Interestingly, HPLC analysis has confirmed twofold higher diosgenin content in Proteus sp. R6 treated samples than control during 1 year period of its field growth. The obtained results are of great importance as it involved the utilization of rhizospheric bacteria to improve tuber size which suggests its potential use in developing cost-effective, eco-friendly and multifunctional biofertilizer.

Strain-specific variation in plant growth promoting volatile organic compounds production by five different Pseudomonas spp. as confirmed by response of Vigna radiata seedlings

AIM

Analysis of a blend of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by Pseudomonas spp. with growth-promoting effect in Vigna radiata seedlings.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Plant growth-promoting activity of VOCs produced by five different Pseudomonas spp. was investigated by I-plate technique. VOCs produced by different organisms were extracted by various solvents (methanol, ethyl acetate, hexane and butanol) and were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis. The major VOCs identified were undecane, nonadecane, hexacosane, tetradecane, heptacosane, pentadecane, dodecane and tetratetracontane. The cultural conditions for the production of VOCs with plant growth enhancement effect were optimized and further confirmed using pure pentadecane as a candidate VOC.

CONCLUSIONS

The study provides insight into plant beneficial effect of VOCs produced by Pseudomonas spp. Remarkable modulation in the production of VOCs with plant growth-promoting effect by rhizobacteria was found to be dependent on the bacterial strain and its concentration.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The study describes the requirement to consider bacterial VOC production also for preparing plant probiotic formulations. As VOCs are least considered for preparation of commercial plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial strain formulation, the results of the study is highly significant.

A "mix-and-use" approach for formulation of human clinical doses of 177 Lu-DOTMP at hospital radiopharmacy for management of pain arising from skeletal metastases

Use of bone-seeking radiopharmaceuticals is an established modality in the palliative care of pain due to skeletal metastases. ¹⁷⁷ Lu-DOTMP is a promising radiopharmaceutical for this application owing to the ideally suited decay properties of ¹⁷⁷ Lu and excellent thermodynamic stability and kinetic rigidity of the macrocyclic complex. The aim of the present study is to develop a robust and easily adaptable protocol for formulation of clinical doses of ¹⁷⁷ Lu-DOTMP at hospital radiopharmacy. After extensive radiochemical studies, an optimized strategy for formulation of clinical doses of ¹⁷⁷ Lu-DOTMP was developed, which involves simple mixing of approximately 3.7 GBq of ¹⁷⁷ Lu activity as ¹⁷⁷ LuCl₃ solution to an aqueous solution containing 5 mg of DOTMP and 8 mg of NaHCO₃ . The proposed protocol yielded ¹⁷⁷ Lu-DOTMP with >98% radiochemical purity, and the resultant formulation showed excellent in vitro stability and desired pharmacokinetic properties in animal model. Preliminary clinical investigations in 5 patients showed specific skeletal accumulation with preferential localization in the osteoblastic lesion sites and almost no uptake in soft tissue or any other major nontarget organ. The developed "mix-and-use" strategy would be useful for large number of nuclear medicine centers having access to ¹⁷⁷ Lu activity and would thereby accelerate the clinical translation of ¹⁷⁷ Lu-DOTMP.

Microbially and phytofabricated AgNPs with different mode of bactericidal action were identified to have comparable potential for surface fabrication of central venous catheters to combat Staphylococcus aureus biofilm

In spite of newer innovations and process improvements, catheter related infections still pose serious threat to hospitalized patients. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are well demonstrated to have antibacterial properties and also have been implemented for surface fabrication of many indwelling medical devices. So, herein we sought to compare the performance of AgNPs generated through biogenic routes using bacteria and plant extract for their antibacterial and antibiofilm potential against biofilm forming Staphylococcus aureus. The biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV- Visible spectroscopy, HR-TEM and EDS analysis. The antibacterial efficiency of the nanoparticles was detected by Disc diffusion assay, MIC and MBC analysis. The antibiofilm properties of the nanoparticles were also investigated. The antibacterial mode of interaction of both nanoparticles on the bacterium was analyzed by HR-TEM. Insight into mode of interaction and mechanism of antibacterial activity of both AgNPs showed them to have promises for surface fabrication of central venous catheters. No study has been conducted so far to compare the efficiency of two different biogenic AgNPs and this highlights the novelty of the current work. Though both AgNPs were observed to exhibit comparable activity in terms of bactericidal and antibiofilm, the mode of bacterial interaction and degree of damage caused was entirely different.

Identification of endophytic Bacillus mojavensis with highly specialized broad spectrum antibacterial activity

Biosynthetic adaptation of endophytic bacteria to chemically support host plant is very remarkable. Hence these organisms from medicinal plants are considered as highly valuable sources for natural products with diverse bioactivity. Their metabolite diversity and biosynthetic versatility have been increasingly explored for drug discovery. In this study, an endophytic Bacillus mojavensis with broad spectrum antibacterial properties has been analyzed for the chemical basis of its activity. By LC-MS/MS the organism was identified to have the biosynthetic ability to produce lipopeptides surfactin and fengycin. The impressive antibacterial activity of B. mojavensis as reported in the study indicates its broad antimicrobial applications.

Studies on coexistence of mec gene, IS256 and novel sasX gene among human clinical coagulase-negative staphylococci

Methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCoNS) are major nosocomial pathogens which cause device-related infections. Presence of various virulence factors along with methicillin resistance favor improved CoNS pathogenicity and their dissemination among population. In the present study, mec gene prevalence was analyzed along with SCC mec diversity among 55 human clinical CoNS isolates. PCR screening of insertion sequence (IS256) was also conducted to elucidate their association with methicillin resistance among selected CoNS species. In addition to this, PCR screening and sequence analysis of novel colonization-associated gene sasX was also carried out. High incidences of mec gene, IS256 and their association have been noted among all of the CoNS species tested. Interestingly, eight CoNS isolates were found to harbor sasX gene including S. epidermidis, S. hemolyticus and S. saprophtyicus species. Remarkably they were also found to have the coexistence of mec gene and IS256 in their genome. Increased SCC mec diversity with non-typeable elements was also observed among CoNS isolates. Presence of sasX gene in CoNS with mec gene and insertion sequence 256 and also the identification of non-typeable SCC mec element make the study novel and interesting.

Plant growth and diosgenin enhancement effect of silver nanoparticles in Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)

Various methods have been used to enhance production of chemically diverse phytochemicals especially medicinal natural products. With the advancement in nanotechnology, nanoparticles have been reported to have varying impact in plant growth and inducibility of phytochemical composition. Major objective of the study was to study the secondary metabolite modulatory effect of silver nanoparticles. In the current study, treatment of fenugreek seedlings with biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) was found to have significant impact on its growth parameters such as leaf number, root length, shoot length and wet weight. On HPLC based analysis, Ag-NPs treated seedlings showed an enhancement in the production of major phytochemical diosgenin to a level of 214.06 ± 17.07 μg/mL. An untreated control gave an yield of only 164.44 ± 7.67 μg/mL of diosgenin, and the observed phytochemical enhancement effect induced by Ag-NP was very significant. Most remarkably, the Ag-NP used in the study was found to play dual role of enhancement of both plant growth and diosgenin synthesis. Hence the study is of immense application as it opens up development of new methods based on nanoelicitors to enhance the biosynthesis of medicinal natural products in plants.

Surfactin, Iturin, and Fengycin Biosynthesis by Endophytic Bacillus sp. from Bacopa monnieri

Endophytic microorganisms which are ubiquitously present in plants may colonize intracellularly or intercellularly without causing any diseases. By living within the unique chemical environment of a host plant, they produce a vast array of compounds with a wide range of biological activities. Because of this, natural products of endophytic origin have been exploited for antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. Also, they can be considered to function as an efficient microbial barrier to protect plants from various pathogens. In the present study, endophytic bacterium BmB 9 with antifungal and antibacterial activity isolated from the stem tissue of Bacopa monnieri was studied for the molecular and chemical basis of its activity. PCR-based genome mining for various biosynthetic gene clusters proved the presence of surfactin, iturin, and type I polyketide synthase (PKS) genes in the isolate. The LC-MS/MS based analysis of the extract further confirmed the production of surfactin derivatives (M + H(+)-1008.6602, 1022.6755), iturin (M + H(+)-1043.5697), and fengycin (M + H(+)-1491.8195, 1477.8055) by the selected bacterial isolate. The 16S rDNA sequence similarity based analysis identified the isolate BmB 9 as Bacillus sp. with 100 % identity to Bacillus sp. LCF1 (KP257289).

Exploration of photocatalytic properties of microbially designed silver nanoparticles on Victoria blue B

Victoria blue B (VBB) belongs to triphenylmethane group of dyes, which is widely used in textile industries. Hence development of novel treatment methods are of considerable applications in its removal. In the current study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) formed by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens was investigated for the degradation of VBB. Interestingly, the UV-Vis spectroscopy analysis of VBB-AgNPs treated samples showed a decrease in absorption at 615 nm, which is characteristic of pure VBB. This time-dependent degradation process was further investigated by changing the initial dye concentration, AgNPs concentration and pH. Approximately 78 % of reduction was observed within 8 h of the study and hence the result of the study is with promising applications for the development of novel dye degradation technologies. Phytotoxicity analysis of degradation product using Vigna unguiculata revealed the non-toxic effect of degradation product when compared to VBB and this confirms the promising potential and applications of the study.

Electrospun Polycaprolactone Membrane Incorporated with Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles as Effective Wound Dressing Material

Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) incorporated polycaprolactone (PCL) nanomembrane was prepared by electrospinning as a cost-effective nanocomposite for application as an antimicrobial agent against wound infection. The nanocomposite membrane was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM). The hydrophilicity analysis of electrospun membranes as evaluated by water contact angle measurement showed the change of hydrophobicity of PCL to hydrophilic upon incorporation of silver nanoparticles. Better mechanical properties were also observed for PCL membrane due to the incorporation of silver nanoparticles and are highly supportive to explore its biomedical applications. Further antibacterial analysis of silver nanoparticle-incorporated PCL membrane against common wound pathogens coagulase-negative Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus haemolyticus showed remarkable activity. As biosynthesized AgNPs are least explored for clinical applications, the current study is a promising cost-effective method to explore the development of silver nanoparticle-based electrospun nanocomposite to resist wound-associated infection.

Inhibitory effect of silver nanoparticle fabricated urinary catheter on colonization efficiency of Coagulase Negative Staphylococci

Multiple antibiotic resistance and diverse mechanisms for biofilm formation make Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CoNS) to cause infections associated with insertion of medical devices. As the infectious life style of CoNS pose difficult to treat conditions, materials with multitargeted antimicrobial effect can offer promising ways to modify the surface of devices to limit microbial growth. The broad spectrum of antimicrobial properties shown by silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) make it as an excellent candidate to act on device surface as persistent antimicrobial structures. In the current study, AgNPs assembled by soil bacteria under visible light at room temperature were analysed for its physical properties by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM, HR-TEM and EDS and they also showed significant antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties against selected members of CoNS like Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus haemolyticus. Very interestingly, further analysis on antibacterial mechanism of AgNPs showed their remarkable ability to cause disorganization of bacterial cell membrane. Further, surface engineering application of AgNPs on urinary catheter showed its excellent potential to prevent the attachment and colonization of CoNS which make result of study with significantly novel medical applications.

Gliotoxin-producing endophytic Acremonium sp. from Zingiber officinale found antagonistic to soft rot pathogen Pythium myriotylum

Soft rot caused by Pythium sp. is a major cause of economic loss in ginger cultivation. Endophytic fungi isolated from Zingiber officinale were screened for its activity against the soft rot pathogen Pythium myriotylum. Among the isolates screened, an endophytic fungus which was identified as Acremonium sp. showed promising activity against the phytopathogen in dual culture. The selected fungus was cultured in large scale on solid rice media and was extracted with ethyl acetate. The crude extract was subjected to column chromatography and preparative HPLC to obtain the fraction with the antifungal activity. LC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis of this fraction done using water-acetonitrile gradient identified a mass of m/z 327 (M + H) corresponding to gliotoxin with specific fragments m/z 263, 245, 227, and 111. The result was reconfirmed in negative mode ionization. Gliotoxin is the major antagonistic peptide produced by the commercially used biocontrol agent, Trichoderma sp., which shows high antagonism against Pythium sp. The gliotoxin production by the isolated endophytic Acremonium sp. of Z. officinale shows the possible natural biocontrol potential of this endophytic fungus.

Antibacterial properties of silver nanoparticles synthesized by marine Ochrobactrum sp

Metal nanoparticle synthesis is an interesting area in nanotechnology due to their remarkable optical, magnetic, electrical, catalytic and biomedical properties, but there needs to develop clean, non-toxic and environmental friendly methods for the synthesis and assembly of nanoparticles. Biological agents in the form of microbes have emerged up as efficient candidates for nanoparticle synthesis due to their extreme versatility to synthesize diverse nanoparticles with varying size and shape. In the present study, an eco favorable method for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using marine bacterial isolate has been attempted. Very interestingly, molecular identification proved it as a strain of Ochrobactrum anhtropi. In addition, the isolate was found to have the potential to form silver nanoparticles intracellularly at room temperature within 24 h. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The UV-visible spectrum of the aqueous medium containing silver nanoparticles showed a peak at 450 nm corresponding to the plasmon absorbance of silver nanoparticles. The SEM and TEM micrographs revealed that the synthesized silver nanoparticles were spherical in shape with a size range from 38 nm – 85 nm. The silver nanoparticles synthesized by the isolate were also used to explore its antibacterial potential against pathogens like Salmonella Typhi, Salmonella Paratyphi, Vibrio cholerae and Staphylococcus aureus.

[6]-Gingerol induces caspase-dependent apoptosis and prevents PMA-induced proliferation in colon cancer cells by inhibiting MAPK/AP-1 signaling

We report mechanism-based evidence for the anticancer and chemopreventive efficacy of [6]-gingerol, the major active principle of the medicinal plant, Ginger (Zingiber officinale), in colon cancer cells. The compound was evaluated in two human colon cancer cell lines for its cytotoxic effect and the most sensitive cell line, SW-480, was selected for the mechanistic evaluation of its anticancer and chemopreventive efficacy. The non-toxic nature of [6]-gingerol was confirmed by viability assays on rapidly dividing normal mouse colon cells. [6]-gingerol inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis as evidenced by externalization of phosphatidyl serine in SW-480, while the normal colon cells were unaffected. Sensitivity to [6]-gingerol in SW-480 cells was associated with activation of caspases 8, 9, 3 &7 and cleavage of PARP, which attests induction of apoptotic cell death. Mechanistically, [6]-gingerol down-regulated Phorbol Myristate Acetate (PMA) induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK MAP kinases and activation of AP-1 transcription factor, but had only little effects on phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase and activation of NF-kappa B. Additionally, it complemented the inhibitors of either ERK1/2 or JNK MAP kinase in bringing down the PMA-induced cell proliferation in SW-480 cells. We report the inhibition of ERK1/2/JNK/AP-1 pathway as a possible mechanism behind the anticancer as well as chemopreventive efficacy of [6]-gingerol against colon cancer.

Phenazine carboxylic acid production and rhizome protective effect of endophytic Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from Zingiber officinale

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is cultivated commercially in most parts of the world especially in India for its culinary and medicinal applications. One of the major challenges that limit the yield of ginger is rhizome rot disease caused by organisms including Pythium myriotylum. A feasible ecofriendly method is yet to be devised to prevent the plant from this threatening disease. Recent studies on plant microbiome show the possibility of having endophytic organisms with plant protective characteristics associated with the plants. Because of the uniquely evolved underground nature of the ginger rhizome and its peculiar survival in soil for a long time, many interesting endophytic microbes with plant protective characters can be well expected from it. In the current study, previously isolated endophytic Pseudomonas aeruginosa from ginger was investigated in detail for its effect on Pythium myriotylum. The rhizome protective effect of the organism was also studied by co-inoculation studies, which confirmed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa has very potent inhibitory effect on Pythium myriotylum. On further studies, the active antifungal compound was identified as phenazine 1-carboxylic acid.

Extracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticles by the Bacillus strain CS 11 isolated from industrialized area

Biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles using microorganisms has received profound interest because of their potential to synthesize nanoparticles of various size, shape and morphology. In the current study, synthesis of silver nanoparticles by a bacterial strain (CS 11) isolated from heavy metal contaminated soil is reported. Molecular identification of the isolate showed it as a strain of Bacillus sp. On treating the bacteria with 1 mM AgNO₃, it was found to have the ability to form silver nanoparticles extracellularly at room temperature within 24 h. This was confirmed by the visual observation and UV-Vis absorption at 450 nm. Further characterization of nanoparticles by transmission electron microscopy confirmed the size of silver nanoparticles in 42-92 nm range. Therefore, the current study is a demonstration of an efficient synthesis of stable silver nanoparticle by a Bacillus strain.

Isolation and characterization of plant growth promoting endophytic bacteria from the rhizome of Zingiber officinale

Endophytes, by residing within the specific chemical environment of host plants, form unique group of microorganisms. Microbially unexplored medicinal plants can have diverse and potential microbial association. The rhizome of ginger is very remarkable because of its metabolite richness, but the physiological processes in these tissues and the functional role of associated microorganisms remain totally unexplored. Through the current study, the presence of four different endophytic bacterial strains were identified from ginger rhizome. Among the various isolates, ZoB2 which is identified as Pseudomonas sp. was found to have the ability to produce IAA, ACC deaminase and siderophore. By considering these plant growth promoting properties, ZoB5 can expect to have considerable effect on the growth of ginger.

Piperine production by endophytic fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides isolated from Piper nigrum

Many endophytic fungi have been reported with the biosynthetic potential to produce same or similar metabolites present in host plants. The adaptations that might have acquired by these fungi as a result of the long-term association with their host plants can be the possible basis of their biosynthetic potential. The bioactive compounds originated from endophytes are currently explored for their potential applications in pharmaceutical, agriculture and food industries. Piper nigrum, a plant of the Piperaceae is very remarkable because of the presence of the alkaloid piperine. Piperine has been reported to have broad bioactive properties ranging from antimicrobial, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative to anticancer activities. Interestingly, piperine also plays a vital role in increasing the bioavailability of many drugs which again is a promising property. The current study was carried out to identify piperine producing endophytic fungus from Piper nigrum L. By screening various endophytic fungi, the isolate which was identified as member of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides was found to have the ability to form piperine and was confirmed by HPLC and LCMS. Considering the broad bioactive potential of piperine, the piperine producing fungi identified in the study can expect to have much industrial potential.

Antibacterial properties of silver nanoparticles synthesized by marine Ochrobactrum sp

Metal nanoparticle synthesis is an interesting area in nanotechnology due to their remarkable optical, magnetic, electrical, catalytic and biomedical properties, but there needs to develop clean, non-toxic and environmental friendly methods for the synthesis and assembly of nanoparticles. Biological agents in the form of microbes have emerged up as efficient candidates for nanoparticle synthesis due to their extreme versatility to synthesize diverse nanoparticles with varying size and shape. In the present study, an eco favorable method for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using marine bacterial isolate has been attempted. Very interestingly, molecular identification proved it as a strain of Ochrobactrum anhtropi. In addition, the isolate was found to have the potential to form silver nanoparticles intracellularly at room temperature within 24 h. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The UV-visible spectrum of the aqueous medium containing silver nanoparticles showed a peak at 450 nm corresponding to the plasmon absorbance of silver nanoparticles. The SEM and TEM micrographs revealed that the synthesized silver nanoparticles were spherical in shape with a size range from 38 nm - 85 nm. The silver nanoparticles synthesized by the isolate were also used to explore its antibacterial potential against pathogens like Salmonella Typhi, Salmonella Paratyphi, Vibrio cholerae and Staphylococcus aureus.

High prevalence of tobacco use, alcohol use and overweight in a rural population in Tamil Nadu, India

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death in India. There is high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in urban Tamil Nadu. There are limited data on the prevalence of behavioral risk factors and overweight in rural Tamil Nadu.

AIM

We estimated prevalence of behavioral risk factors, overweight and central obesity in a rural population in Tamil Nadu, India.

SETTING AND DESIGN

We conducted a cross-sectional survey in 11 villages in Kancheepuram/Thiruvallur districts, Tamil Nadu.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Study population included 10,500 subjects aged 25-64 years. We collected data on behavioral risk factors and anthropometric measurements. Body mass index (BMI) was categorized using the classification recommended for Asians. Central obesity was defined as waist circumference ≥90 cm for men and ≥80 cm for women. We computed proportions for all risk factors and used trend chi-square to examine trend.

RESULTS

Among the 10,500 subjects, 4927 (47%) were males. Among males, 1852 (37.6%) were current smokers and 3073 (62.4%) were current alcohol users. Among females, 840 (15.1%) were smokeless tobacco users. BMI was ≥23.0 kg/m 2 for 1618 (32.8%) males and 2126 (38.2%) females. 867 (17.6%) males and 1323 (23.7%) females were centrally obese. Most commonly used edible oil was palm oil followed by sunflower oil and groundnut oil.

CONCLUSION

We observed high prevalence of tobacco use, alcohol use and central obesity in the rural population in Tamil Nadu. There is need for health promotion programs to encourage adoption of healthy lifestyle and policy interventions to create enabling environment.