Bioremediation of lead by lead-resistant microorganisms, isolated from industrial sample

Lead contamination in water is a widespread problem throughout the world and results from industrial use and processing of lead ore. Bio-availability of lead can be hazardous for children and causes mental retardation. The use of lead free petrol is one measure to check this pollution, but this heavy metal is also present in industrial effluents and need to be removed before these effluents are discharged to natural land or water and as well as to the environment. Using bioremediation, bacteria could render lead non-bioavailable would provide an alternative option for detoxifying this contaminant in the environment. The property of some species of bacteria and algae, to extract metals from their surroundings, has been utilized to purify industrial effluents. The first step in devising a bioremediation strategy is to identify candidate bacterial strains capable of modifying the contaminant. Biotechnological approaches are recommended for extraction of metal forms can be grown in ponds where effluents (rich in heavy metals) are discharged. The microbes will extract the heavy metals and sequester them inside their cell membranes. The goal of the present study was to examine the capacity of lead resistant bacteria and bioremediation of lead contaminated water.

Detection of 232bp Virulent Gene of Pathogenic <i>Aeromonas hydrophila</i>through PCR Based Technique: (<i>A Rapid Molecular Diagnostic Approach</i>)

The pathogenicity of aeromonads produces due to exotoxins such as cytolytic enterotoxin, hemolysin or aerolysin, lipases and proteases. Rapid detection of A. hydrophila cytolytic enterotoxin (AHCYTONE) gene and their characterization has proven importance so that proper and rapid preventive and control measures could be taken up to reduce mortality and loss in fish culture. The main objective of the present study is to genetic identification of AHCYTONE positive Aeromonas hydrophila. Strains were isolated from fishes from different fish market in West Bengal and water samples from different river and ponds. Initially strains were identified by their phenotypic and biochemical characterization. Due to contradiction of those results, molecular characterization was done by polymerase chain reaction, which is proved a suitable and rapid diagnostic tool for identification and characterization of A. hydrophila. We have also evaluated the potential risk to human health that this finding can represent by determining the presence of the cytolytic enterotoxin gene in such isolates.

Spread of human immunodeficiency virus 1 among men who have sex with men is emerging as a genuine social concern and affecting the general populace- case reports from Eastern India

Human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) infection among men who have sex with men(MSM) has increased to a drastic proportion throughout India in the last couple of years due to a lack of productive identification and management framework. In apprehension of social disgrace these men attempt to live a normal hetero conjugal life and, in the process, act as a bridge in spreading the virus to their women partners. In this case report we have highlighted two cases which clearly distinguished the adequacy of HIV treatment among MSM when they are diagnosed during early or late phases of infection. An intensive and ample counseling to comprehend the psychology and sexual behavior of these men was found to be critically important in both the cases. Our study, which is actually the first of its kind, recorded and documented evidence of HIV infected MSM from Eastern India and renders a ray of hope among this marginally isolated group to comprehend the challenges and health risks faced by the MSM population. It also provides a format for the medical practitioners here in managing and treating related cases.

Characterization of Aeromonas hydrophila through RAPD-PCR and SDS-PAGE Analysis

Aeromonas hydrophila isolated from fish (Labeo rohita), pond water, river water, raw meat of chicken and mutton and raw cow milk were characterized through Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis and Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS PAGE) of cellular proteins. RAPD-PCR amplification of bacterial DNA was done by using ten random primers (OPA-01 to 10) and found some distinct banding pattern on agarose gel. RAPD profile was studied with each isolate and absolute polymorphism indicating its application as an ideal tool for molecular characterization. Other methods like morphological, serological and biochemical characterization gives contradictory results and total cellular protein profiling does not show any significant polymorphism for identification and discrimination.