Articles

Presence of Salmonella enterica subsp. arizonae in bushmeat from the Mulundu department of the Ogooué–Lolo province, Gabon

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In Africa, most investigations on Salmonella spp. have focused on isolates from humans, poultry, and domestic animals, whereas studies on wild terrestrial mammals remain limited. Consequently, the occurrence of Salmonella spp., particularly Salmonella enterica subsp. arizonae, in African wildlife is underreported. In Gabon, there is little to no information on the presence of antimicrobial-resistant S. enterica subsp. arizonae in bushmeat. This study aimed to isolate and characterise antibiotic resistance in S. enterica subsp. arizonae recovered from wildlife in Mulundu department, Lastoursville, Gabon. A total of 147 bushmeat samples representing 20 animal species were collected. After bacterial culture and identification, 23 samples (15.65%) from eight species were positive for S. enterica subsp. arizonae. The distribution of isolates was as follows: Peters’ duiker (34.78%), blue duiker (26.09%), African wood owl (13.04%), moustached monkey (8.69%), pangolin (4.35%), genet (4.35%), crocodile (4.35%), and African brush-tailed porcupine (4.35%). Resistance profiles revealed the presence of multidrug-resistant strains. One isolate from a moustached monkey showed resistance to three antibiotic families, namely sulfonamides (sulfonamide), fluoroquinolones (ofloxacin), and β-lactams (cefoxitin, ampicillin). Another isolate from a Peters’ duiker exhibited resistance to six antibiotics: cefotaxime, cefepime, sulfonamide, ertapenem, cefoxitin, and ampicillin. Additionally, isolates from Peters’ duiker (n=3), blue duiker (n=2), wood owl (n=1), genet (n=1), and pangolin (n=1) were resistant to ertapenem, cefoxitin, and ampicillin. These findings demonstrate the circulation of S. enterica subsp. arizonae in wildlife consumed as bushmeat in Gabon. This represents a potential source of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens for human populations relying on game meat.

Biosurfactant-Mediated Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles from Medicinal Endophytic Bacteria: A Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Efficacy

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Biosurfactants, surface-active compounds made by bacteria, have drawn interest in the synthesis of nanoparticles. Using biosurfactants isolated from endophytic bacteria, nanoparticles made were looked for their antibacterial and antibiofilm abilities. UV-Vis spectrophotometry was used to confirm the synthesis and stability of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles showed inhibition that were similar to those of standard antibiotics when tested against bacterial strains of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, indicating it to be a potential antibacterial. Additionally, they were found to be successful in preventing preformed biofilms, which is important because biofilms are a contributing factor to antibiotic resistance and chronic infections and thus can be a suitable biomedical application. These results demonstrate the potential of nanoparticles produced from biosurfactants as an alternative to antibacterial drugs. They are suitable for biological applications because of their ability to inhibit bacterial and biofilm growth. More investigation needs to be carried out to evaluate their toxicity, stability, and biocompatibility. Testing on in vivo models and cell cultures is crucial to determine their efficacy and safety in medical applications. Biosurfactant-based nanoparticles may provide a new and environmentally friendly method of creating an antibiotic in light of the growing prevalence of antibiotic resistance. By understanding the need for more research into bio-based options for infection management, this work adds to the expanding area of nanotechnology.