Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology

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A comparative analysis of expanded quantitative urine culture and standard urine culture methods in patients with urinary tract infections
(BRAC University, 2026-01) Srabony, Tajri Hasan; Kunder, Stella Bijoyee; Shafi, K M Abdullah Hel; Deen, Nadia Sultana
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common bacterial infections of humans. Accurate diagnosis of the cause of UTI is necessary for effective treatment. Even though clinically Standard Urine Culture (SUC) is common for detecting bacterial presence in urine samples, latest reports show that Expanded Quantitative Urine Culture (EQUC) provides better diagnostic sensitivity compared to SUC. To test this, SUC and EQUC methods were compared to analyse bacterial load and diversity using urine samples collected from 20 patients with UTI symptoms and 20 healthy controls in this study. Samples were diluted and inoculated on nutrient agar, HiChrome UTI agar, MacConkey agar and blood agar for SUC method, then incubated at 37°C for 24 hours under aerobic conditions. On the other hand, for EQUC, in addition to all the media, chocolate agar was used with different conditions like carbon-enriched, anaerobic environment with incubation at 37°C for 48 hours. Colony characteristics and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed for bacterial detection. Antibiotic susceptibility test was conducted by the Kirby-Baur method. On nutrient agar medium, EQUC yielded 5-fold higher bacteria than SUC and portrayed higher bacterial diversity. While several bacterial species for example, klebsiella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was detected by SUC and EQUC based on colony characteristics, EQUC exclusively detected the presence of Staphylococcus haemolyticus. Seventy-five percent of presumptive Klebsiella and 73.3% of presumptive E. coli were confirmed by PCR. AST was performed on E. coli and Klebsiella. Notably, bacteria grown via EQUC showed a diverse resistance pattern compared to SUC. Further molecular diagnoses will be performed to validate these findings.
A comparative proteomic study of salt tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana to identify strategies for improving salt tolerance in Solanum lycopersicum
(BRAC University, 2024-06) Ahmed, Inshera; Juspy, Jakia Tahsin; Quader, Sultan Shanneedh; Shishir, Tushar Ahmed; Islam, Aparna
Tomatoes are a significant crop globally, valued for their nutritional benefits and widely used in Bangladeshi households. However, soil salinity caused by heavy monsoons and tidal floods, leading to an excess of Na+ ions that negatively affect yield and cultivation space, often hinders tomato production. Certain Arabidopsis proteins have demonstrated the ability to enhance salt tolerance, both in Arabidopsis itself and in other organisms when transformed. This study seeks to identify similar salt-tolerant proteins in tomatoes and explore the potential for gene editing to enhance their salt tolerance. Five Arabidopsis proteins associated with salt tolerance were identified and compared to the tomato proteome to find matching proteins. While several tomato proteins and their isoforms showed significant similarities, they also displayed numerous mutations that altered their functional domains and motifs, as revealed by our analysis. These mutations were dispersed throughout the proteins, deeming the approach of gene editing unsuccessful.
A comparative study on the antimicrobial resistance pattern of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from hospital wastewater and its surrounding community
(BRAC University, 2023-08) Oyishi, Ferdous Mahmod; Islam, Anika
Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kpn) is a member of the Enterobacteriaceae which is a gram-negative, encapsulated, and non-motile bacterium. K. pneumoniae spreads a range of infections, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections and liver abscesses. K. pneumoniae is an important microorganism because it shows high resistance to carbapenems and beta- lactams. It can produce carbapenemase and extended spectrum beta-lactamase to resist this group of antibiotics. For that reason, is organism has a significant role in highly prevalent infections which are very difficult to treat. Our study was to collect samples from three different hospitals situated in Dhaka north city corporation. Samples were collected in two categories; one sample is collected from the hospital effluents and another sample was collected from the adjacent communities of that hospitals. Then, some isolates were collected from the hospital wastewater and some isolates were collected from the community water. Then, from those isolates, K. pneumoniae were confirmed through PCR. Then AST was done to observe the AMR pattern of the isolates. From 177 isolates, 119 isolates were confirmed as Klebsiella pneumoniae which is 67% of the total isolates. In March, highest number of isolates were detected which is 30.25% of the total confirmed isolates. From Dhaka Shishu Hospital, greatest number of isolates were obtained which is 42%. Antibiotic susceptibility test was done, and the result founded that the isolates showed highest sensitivity to gentamicin (90%) and highest resistance to erythromycin (98%). Both the isolates from hospital wastewater and community water showed resistance to multiple antibiotics. Tests for AMR-genes were run and BlaCTXM, BlaSHV, BlaTEM, BlaNDM gene were found. BlaCTXM was found in most of the isolates which is 40%. BlaSHV, BlaTEM, BlaNDM these three genes were found in almost equal amount which is 20% each.
A comparative study: screening of some Bangladeshi medicinal plants for antibacterial properties
(BRAC University, 2017-11) Noor, Afifa; Khan, Kashmery
Medicinal plants are the plentiful bioresource of drugs for traditional medicines, food supplements, modern medicines, pharmaceutical intermediates, and chemical entities for synthetic drugs (Ishtiaq et al., 2013). Nowadays, researchers are increasingly turning their attention in investigating herbal products due to the increased resistance of microorganisms against the currently used antibiotics and pharmaceutical companies are searching for alternatives for the high cost of manufacture of synthetic drugs. Medicinal plants can be one approach to alleviate this situation as most of them are safe with slight side effects, if any, are of low cost and affect a wide range of antibiotic resistant microorganisms (Zahra et al., 2011). In the present study, ethanol, methanol and aqueous extracts of Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Cinnamomum verum, Nigella sativa, Azadirachta indica and Mentha longifolia were subjected to microbial susceptibility assays using agar well diffusion method. The microorganisms employed were Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Shigella flexneri, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Proteus vulgaris and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The most susceptible microorganisms were Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus, while the least susceptible was Proteus vulgaris. Highest and remarkable antibacterial activity (zone of inhibition) was observed with methanolic extract of Black Cumin seeds against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus (52mm and 35mm respectively). No antimicrobial activity was observed with aqueous extracts of all the six medicinal plants against the ten selected bacteria. Surprisingly, all the ten selected bacteria were susceptible to the ethanolic and methanolic extracts of only Cinnamon whereas the other five medicinal plant extracts did not show consistent antimicrobial activity against all the ten selected bacteria. However, the six standard antibiotic used as a positive control against each of the ten selected bacteria respectively had shown antimicrobial activity except Clindamycin against Streptococcus pyogenes and Cefoxitin against Shigella flexneri. Although Streptococcus pyogenes and Shigella flexneri were antibiotic resistant, but they were remarkably susceptible to the ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Cinnamon. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the methanolic extract of Black Cumin seeds against Klebsiella pneumoniae was found 34 mg/ml (MIC) and 44mg/ml (MBC) respectively. Thus, the findings of this study may provide the possibility of developing antibacterial supplements from these medicinal plants.
A comprehensive in silico investigation into the pathogenic SNPs in RTEL1 gene and their biological consequences
(BRAC University, 2023-03) Tanshee, Rifah Rownak; Sayem, Mohammad
Regulator of Telomere Helicase 1 (RTEL1) is a protein-coding gene that encodes an essential DNA helicase which is thought to be involved in preserving the telomere and genetic stability. Germline mutations in the RTEL1 gene have been clinically associated with Hoyeraal-Hreidarsson syndrome (HH), a more severe version of Dyskeratosis Congenita (DC). Missense mutations are also reported in several other non-communicable diseases, namely high-grade glioma, astrocytomas, glioblastomas, myeloid neoplasms, breast and lung cancers. Despite the fact that various research has sought to link RTEL1 mutations to specific disorders, no thorough investigation on germline missense mutations has been performed yet. In this study, we attempted to investigate functionally and structurally deleterious nonsynonymous or missense SNPs of the RTEL1 gene using an in-silico approach. Initially, out of 1392 missense SNPs reported in the dbSNP database, 43 SNPs were filtered out through 10 bioinformatics-based web servers. With subsequent analysis using 9 in-silico tools, these 43 nsSNPs were further shortened to 13 most deleterious nsSNPs. Following analysis of mutated protein structures, secondary structure, evolutionary conservancy, conservation profile, surface accessibility, domain & cluster, PTM site, and interatomic interaction also revealed the detrimental effect of these 13nsSNPs on RTEL1 protein. In-depth investigation of these mutations through molecular docking demonstrated a striking change in the interaction pattern of DNA with F15L, M25V, Y228C, G706R, and R729C mutant proteins suggesting the more severe consequences of these mutations on protein structure and functionality. Thus, these insights will pave the way for extensive analysis of RTEL1 gene variants in the future along with the advancement of precision medicine and other treatment modalities.
A computational approach to design putative potential siRNAs for silencing the nucleoprotein and surface glycoprotein gene of MARV
(BRAC University, 2023-06) Suraiya, Tasnia Iffat; Sayem, Mohammad
Marburg virus (MARV), a member of the Filoviridae family, is the causal agent of a highly fatal hemorrhagic fever with mortality rates ranging from 23% to 90% in humans. This virus is endemic to central Africa and leads to sporadic outbreaks from time to time with a significant death toll. Despite the severity of the disease caused by filoviruses, no licensed vaccine or therapeutic is available. MARV contains a nonsegmented, negative-sense, single-stranded RNA genome composed of seven genes of which the surface glycoprotein mediates entry into host cells and the nucleoprotein is essential for genome replication. The indispensable roles of these genes in the viral life cycle make them suitable targets for designing therapeutics. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a promising option of antiviral therapy utilizing the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway by suppressing viral gene expression through hybridization and neutralization of complementary target mRNA. In this study, we aim to harness the power of RNA interference technology to develop siRNA molecules against specific target genes of MARV.
A generalized overview of antibiotic resistance on the context of South Asian countries
(BRAC University, 2022-07) Rahman, Ahsab; Rafey, Fatima Fidatur; Naser, Iftekhar Bin
Antibiotic resistance has become a global health concern, marking its prevalence in the South Asian countries as well due to a number of underlying factors. With its manifold effects in the public health sector, it’s high time that a sense of awareness and general knowledge created among the community to combat this phenomenon. This article aims to provide some comprehensive insights into the mechanism, management, and overall scenario of antibiotic resistance in the South Asian nations.
A knowledge-based perception analysis about Biotechnology among university students in Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 2023-10) Ali, Fariha Fatema; Islam, Aparna
Biotechnology is a rapidly evolving field of science. However, the success of this field depends on the acceptance of the research product by the user or consumers. This again depends on the perception of this technology. So, this research explored how tertiary-level students at various educational institutions view biotechnology. Its goal was to assess the perception of this rapidly developing sector. In this regard, the students’ perception of its uses in industry, healthcare, agriculture, and food needed to be addressed. For the study, both private and public universities were selected. With due permission and following the standard procedures, the survey was carried out face-to-face in the institutions through a pretested questionnaire. The study highlighted that the educational majors had a great influence on the participants while responding to the questions. The majority of the participants were familiar with the word biotechnology, and had familiarity with genetic engineering (GE)/ genetically modified organisms (GMOs). But almost an equal number of participants responded to the question of believing hybrid and GM crops with Yes, and No, while some of the participants were not sure. The study showed that a maximum of the participants had good familiarity and knowledge about the biotech products used in the health sectors, whereas a large proportion of the participants from non-biological subjects had either slight familiarity or no familiarity with biotech products of the agriculture and food industry. In cases of the applications of biotechnology in both healthcare, agriculture, and food sectors, they showed agreement, while a good number of participants were neutral about the statements. But when they were asked about the negative impacts of biotechnology on health and the environment, the majority of the respondents were in dilemma while many of them disagreed and few agreed. Overall, the responses were mostly affected by the sources of information related to biotechnology. Today’s students tend to use social media more which has become the major source for gathering information about biotechnology.
A narrative review of the risk factors, molecular alterations and epigenetic dysregulation in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
(BRAC University, 2024-05) Madubueze, Victor Ebube; Haque, Fahim Kabir Monjurul
Oral cancers, generally referred to as Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas (OSCC) or Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas (HNSCC), are a group of cancer that originates in the squamous cells in the mucosal surfaces of the head and neck. Although uncommon in developed countries, it is notoriously prevalent in developing and undeveloped countries, notably due to poor oral health. This disparity has contributed to the dearth of research in oral cancer, leading to poor diagnosis, prognosis, and mortality rates. Risk factors include tobacco, alcohol, and betel quid consumption. Bangladesh has the highest incidence and death rates, highlighting the poor state of oral cancer prevention and treatment, attributed to the cost of screening programs, limited localised research and literature, and prevalent of poor oral health. Dietary factors, infections, and genetic mutations also contribute to OSCC development. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, histone acetylation, chromatin remodelling, and non-coding RNAs also influence OSCC development. Understanding these factors is vital for improving OSCC prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies globally.
A review of isolation and characterization of heavy metal and antibiotic co-resistant bacteria from tannery effluent
(BRAC University, 2020-10) Sarker, Sujoy; Siddique, Romana
The use of heavy metals in the tannery industry for leather processing and discharge of untreated effluents from this industry in the environment is a leading challenge to solve. Hence, micro-organism has a great potential to grow in the presence of toxic substances and it is a novel, cost-effective and eco-friendly approach to remove these heavy metals (Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn) from these contaminated sites and safeguard our environment. Toxic substances are hard to degrade, and microbes develop detoxifying mechanisms to counteract these substances' toxic effects. This article reviews the isolation of the heavy metal resistant bacteria and their ability to co-resistant against the antibiotic. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus sp., Klebsiella sp., Pseudomonas sp. was identified to resist toxic substances to a minimum inhibitory concentration. In some cases, the same isolates showed co-resistance to multiple heavy metals. All the isolates were also resistant to several antibiotics. My study highlights the organisms' physiological color change in response to any stimuli like heavy metals as the media is incorporated with the heavy metals. Besides, interaction with different toxic compounds is still unclear if these patterns of color change are simply the consequences of heavy metals or any underlying factor or enzyme is responsible for the color transformation.
A review on the prevalence and Detection of Bacterial contamination in Common Food and Associated Health Risk
(BRAC University, 2021-10) Baidya, Sangita; Rahman, Tasmia; Ahmed, Akash
Foodborne diseases are becoming a serious public health problem throughout the world, with 48 million illnesses and 3,000 fatalities projected in the United States each year. Over 1.7 billion cases of diarrheal disease-related deaths in children are recorded worldwide each year, with the bulk of these cases attributed to polluted food and water. Food-borne infections cause more medical care and fatalities in children under the age of four than in any other age group. Foodborne illness is caused by two different factors: food intoxication and food infection. Foodborne illness agents are capable of not just decapitating large numbers of people, but also of causing severe mortality and disability. There is increasing evidence that persons from minority racial and ethnic groups are more likely to contract foodborne illnesses. The food and beverage industries constitute a key part of the economy in many countries. Every day, they serve millions of people with a wide range of ready-to-eat (RTE) meals and drinks sold and occasionally prepared in public spaces. Food sources as diverse as meat, fish, natural goods, vegetables, grains, and cereals based on ready-to-eat food variations, frozen produce, and refreshments are included in road-distributed food types. RTE foods are ones that have not been further treated before being ingested in a way that considerably lowers microbial load. According to the World Health Organization, contaminated foods are responsible for up to 70% of diarrheal infections, and food-borne illnesses are the leading cause of death, killing an estimated 2.1 million people globally, the majority of whom are children in developing countries. Clostridium botulinum, E. coli, Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Yersinia enterocolitica, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella spp., Bacillus cereus, and Campylobacter jejuni are the most prevalent foodborne pathogens in the bacterial domain. Escherichia coli, Shigella sp., Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus spp., Klebsiella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and other foodborne pathogens have all been documented. This review will highlight the Prevalence and
A review on the role of Epigenetics in Psychiatry: Etiology, contemporary medicine and future perspectives
(BRAC University, 2020-07) Oshin, Sadia Afrin; Naser, Iftekhar Bin
Psychiatric disorders are complex phenomena that have neurological, genetic and epigenetic bases. The epigenetic underpinnings of such disorders have been discovered and rediscovered in past research and provide a promising ground for drug development involving fewer side effects and faster recovery. This paper illustrates the epigenetics underlying the development of depression, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia. In addition, it elaborates on epigenetic pharmacotherapy, focusing on HDAC and DNMT inhibitory activities of contemporary medicine and prospective epigenetic drugs.
A review on the socio-demographic and cultural factors associated with the delayed diagnosis of cervical cancer and possible interventions in screening attitude: From South Asian perspective
(BRAC University, 2022-11) Tarannum, Nafisa; Binte Ismail Eva, Ismat Ara; Ahmed, Akash
Cervical cancer is the prominent reason of cancer related mortality in women in the South Asian countries. Unfortunately, due to low rate of cervical cancer screening (CCS) cervical cancer is still a significant public health problem in south Asian countries. Early diagnosis of cervical cancer can reduce the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer. There are lot of barriers that prevent women from up taking the CCS. But there are some facilitating factors of early diagnosis which if implemented increases the early diagnosis of cervical cancer. And here in this present review with the aim to facilitate the early diagnosis of cervical cancer we have discussed about the potential barriers to cervical cancer screening and possible interventions that targets delays and barriers to cervical cancer diagnosis.
A review paper on developing novel antiviral strategies against pathogenic RNA viruses
(BRAC University, 2021-02) Nawar, Numia; Naser, Iftekhar Bin
Human disease causing RNA viruses are a major concern for people worldwide as many of the diseases caused by pathogenic RNA viruses pose great threat to health and exhibit significant mortality. Some of the dangerous RNA viruses that infect human include Orthomyxoviruses, polio virus, HIV, HCV, Ebola virus and coronavirus. Many of the diseases caused by these viruses can be treated by means of vaccination or antiviral drugs. However, the need for annual booster doses for vaccines as well as side effects and limitations of the approved antivirals necessitate the development of more effective strategies. In addition to the aforementioned limitations, the emergence of drug resistance has accelerated the urgent need for novel antiviral strategies. This review gives a brief outline of the possible strategies that may be implemented in order to develop novel antivirals.
A review paper on nanotheranostic insight into combatting impediments of the COVID-19 pandemic
(BRAC University, 2020-02) Jamal, Tabassum Binte; Haque, Fahim Kabir Monjurul; Naser, Iftekhar Bin
The COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Since its emersion in Wuhan,China in 2019, the virus has affected every corner of the world except Antarctica.The world has witnessed a tragic milestone of more than three million deaths and every family out there is going through an intolerable burden of loss of their loved ones.SARS-CoV-2 possess an egregious ability to escape anti-viral measures that imposes a massive threat to global health as well as socioeconomic state of the world.Such circumstances demand for a therapeutic accomplishment that acts multifunctionally and holds target specificity and lower toxic properties.This review represents a panoply of solutions in nanotheranostic point of view. Nanotheranostics is deemed a potential approach for annihilating different viral infections. Besides nanotechnology has much to offer in the field of developing nanomaterials like sanitizers,lab cots,diagnostic tools,nanocarriers as therapeutics and nano-vaccines.Finally some comments have been made on the inconvenience and drawbacks that require addressing.
A short review and a preliminary regeneration study of a commercially important Bangladeshi potato variety: Diamant
(BRAC University, 2018-07) Afroz, Samia; Islam, Dr. Aparna
Potato is one of the most important solanaceous tuber crops occupying the fourth position worldwide among all the food crops. Despite not being native to our country, potato production is growing in last few decades. Potato is important to tackle nutritional security as it is a very good source of many essential vitamins, minerals and also, carbohydrate. But with the climate change, salt water intrusion to inland soil and loss of cultivable land, development of high yielding variety of potato with salt tolerance is imperative. Moreover, pathogen infestation is also a problem in production. For this reason, it is essential to increase cultivation and yield of potato in Bangladesh. Plant biotechnology is a good option for improvement. But before proceeding to that, an efficient and reliable protocol for in vitro regeneration is necessary. For this, an extensive study of the existing in vitro protocols was performed here. In light of that, later, nodal explants from a high yielding farmer popular variety, Diamant, was evaluated for regeneration capacity. In terms of shooting response (92.08%), highest shoot length (11.38cm), highest rooting response (98.02%), maximum root length (15.68cm) and survivability percentage after acclimatization in nature (96%), hormone free MS media gave the best response. With increase in concentrations of cytokinins, early shoot initiation occurred but shoots became stunted. However, low concentration of Kn was seen to be favourable in terms of multiple shooting. After acclimatization in nature, highest (96%) percentage of plantlets survived that were cultured in hormone free MS media.
A Short Review and preliminary study on peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) tissue culture
(BRAC University, 2018-12) Nahreen, Ashfia; Islam, Aparna
Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) belongs to the family leguminosae and is one of the most important oil seed crops in the world. Peanut seeds contain high seed oil, proteins, amino acids and vitamin E. However, this crop faces several yield constraints like biotic and abiotic stresses. With the climate change, salt water intrusion to inland soil and loss of cultivable land makes it critical to develop a high yielding variety of peanut with salt tolerance. This can be achieved by utilizing biotechnology processes. A prerequisite for the establishment of a genetic transformation protocol is an efficient and reproducible protocol for the in vitro regeneration of peanut. For this, an extensive study of the existing in vitro regeneration protocols was performed. In light of these studies, the role and interaction of decapitated embryo explants in different combinations and concentrations of growth hormones of two farmer popular varieties was investigated. Among the various tested combinations of BAP and Kn in MS medium, the best combination was 3 mg/l BAP and 1 mg/l Kn for BINA Chinabadam 2 and 3 mg/l BAP and 0.5 mg/l Kn for BINA Chinabadam 4. Decapitated whole embryo proved to be a better explant than decapitated half embryo for both varieties. The highest percentage of shoot regenerating explants was seen in two days old decapitated whole embryo (90%) of BINA Chinabadam 2 and the highest average number of shoots was seen in two days old decapitated whole embryo of BINA Chinabadam 4 (5.10). Two days old explants also responded better in culture medium than old day old explants.
A short review and preliminary study on peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) tissue culture
(BRAC University, 2018-12) Nahreen, Ashfia; Islam, Aparna
Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) belongs to the family leguminosae and is one of the most important oil seed crops in the world. Peanut seeds contain high seed oil, proteins, amino acids and vitamin E. However, this crop faces several yield constraints like biotic and abiotic stresses. With the climate change, salt water intrusion to inland soil and loss of cultivable land makes it critical to develop a high yielding variety of peanut with salt tolerance. This can be achieved by utilizing biotechnology processes. A prerequisite for the establishment of a genetic transformation protocol is an efficient and reproducible protocol for the in vitro regeneration of peanut. For this, an extensive study of the existing in vitro regeneration protocols was performed. In light of these studies, the role and interaction of decapitated embryo explants in different combinations and concentrations of growth hormones of two farmer popular varieties was investigated. Among the various tested combinations of BAP and Kn in MS medium, the best combination was 3 mg/l BAP and 1 mg/l Kn for BINA Chinabadam 2 and 3 mg/l BAP and 0.5 mg/l Kn for BINA Chinabadam 4. Decapitated whole embryo proved to be a better explant than decapitated half embryo for both varieties. The highest percentage of shoot regenerating explants was seen in two days old decapitated whole embryo (90%) of BINA Chinabadam 2 and the highest average number of shoots was seen in two days old decapitated whole embryo of BINA Chinabadam 4 (5.10). Two days old explants also responded better in culture medium than old day old explants.
A study of microbial water quality check and isolation of Helicobacter Pylori from water samples taken from Dhaka city
(BRAC University, 2020-08) Rafique, Afra Anika; Sumaiya, Jannatul; Monjurul Haque, Dr. Fahim Kabir
Water is indispensable for human survival. According to the World Health Organization, around two billion people in the world drink fecal contaminated water. This means there can be higher chances for the presence of the Helicobacter pylori in drinking water. H. pylori infection is the most common cause for gastric ulcer. In this study, water samples were collected in sterile autoclaved bottles from different areas of Dhaka City. Different media were used to detect fecal coliform, total coliform and differentiated colonies of H. pylori. The identification of H. pylori was carried out by biochemical tests, and PCR followed by gel electrophoresis. A 520 base pair of H. pylori DNA was found in the result of gel electrophoresis. From the result of this study, it is found that the presence of fecal and total coliform is at an alarming rate in the underprivileged areas (Korail slum and Bossila slum) than privileged areas. H. pylori has also been successfully isolated from the water samples taken from Korail slum.
A study of prevalence and antimicrobial resistance and pathogenic activity of bacteria in the air of Dhaka city
(BRAC University, 2019-12) Nawar, Shaeri; Rashid, Maliha Tabassum; Hossain, M. Mahboob; Ahmed, Akash
Air pollution in Dhaka city is a burning question now. A new study suggests that Bangladesh composes the most polluted air with Dhaka securing the second position in terms of pollution (daily star). According to air visual 2018 reports, Dhaka city is ranked number 17th amongst the world’s most polluted cities. The purpose of this study is the enumeration of the prevalence of different types of microbes existing in the air of Dhaka city. This identification was done through biochemical tests and their antibiotic resistance pattern was also analyzed. The organisms were then screened for pathogenicity by blood agar hemolysis and DNase test. After the detection of some potential pathogens, in order to make the biochemical identification more rigid, 16srRNA sequencing of the organisms was done to conclusively identify the pathogenic species in air. Thirteen potential pathogens were detected among which two organisms, namely, Shigella dysenteriae, Staphylococcus spp. were also found to be multidrug-resistant by performing disc diffusion test against most commonly used antibiotics. Alongside, a comparison of total CFU count with the temperature and humidity record respectively at the time of sample collection was done. This helped to build a comparative study of the effect of important factors like temperature and humidity on the growth of air microbes.