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Abstract The increase in multi drug resistance (MDR) amongst food-borne pathogens such as Escherichia coli O157:H7, coupled with the upsurge of food-borne infections caused by these pathogens is a major public health concern. Lytic phages have been employed as an alternative to antibiotics for use against food-borne pathogens. However, for effective application, phages should be selectively toxic. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterise lytic E. coli O157:H7 phages isolated from wastewater as possible biocontrol agents and access their genomes for the absence of genes that denotes virulence, resistance, toxins, and lysogeny using whole genome sequencing. E. coli O157:H7 bacteriophages showed clear plaques ranging in size from 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm. Spot test and Efficiency of plating (EOP) analysis demonstrated that isolated phages could infect various environmental E. coli strains. Four phages; vB_EcoM_EP32a, vB_EcoP_EP32b, vB_EcoM_EP57, and vB_EcoM_EP69 demonstrated broad lytic spectra against E. coli O157:H7 strains. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) showed that all phages have tails and were classified as Caudoviricetes. Growth parameters showed an average latent period of 15 ± 3.8 min, with a maximum burst size of 392 PFU/cell. The phages were stable at three distinct temperatures (4 °C, 28 °C, and 37 °C) and at pH values of 3.5, 5.0, 7.0, 9.0, and 11.0. Based on their morphological distinctiveness, three phages were included in the Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analysis. WGS results revealed that E. coli O157:H7 phages (vB_EcoM_EP32a, vB_EcoP_EP32b, and vB_EcoM_EP57) were composed of linear double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) with genome sizes 163,906, 156,698, and 130,723 bp and GC contents of 37.61, 37, and 39% respectively. Phages vB_EcoM_EP32a and vB_EcoP_EP32b genomes were classified under the class Caudoviricetes, Straboviridae family, and the new genus “Phapecoctavirus”, while vB_EcoM_EP57 was classified under the class Caudoviricetes, Autographiviridae family. Genome analysis revealed no lysogenic (integrase), virulence, or antimicrobial resistance sequences in all three Escherichia phage genomes. The overall results provided evidence that lytic E. coli O157:H7 bacteriophages in this study, are relatively stable, can infect diverse E. coli strains, and does not contain genes responsible for virulence, resistance, toxins, and lysogeny. Thus, they can be considered as biocontrol candidates against MDR pathogenic E. coli O157:H7 strains in the food industry.

Abstract One of the most significant medical advancements of the 20th century was the discovery of antibiotics, which continue to play a vital tool in the treatment and prevention of diseases in humans and animals. However, the imprudent use of antibiotics in all fields of One-Health and concerns about antibiotic resistance among bacterial pathogens have raised interest in antibiotic use restrictions on a global scale. Despite the failure of conventional antimicrobial agents, only about 15 new antibiotics have been introduced clinically since year 2000 to date. Moreover, there has been reports of resistance to some of these new antibiotics. This has necessitated a need to search for alternative strategies to combat antimicrobial resistant pathogens. Thus, this review compiles and evaluates the approaches—natural compounds, phage treatment, and nanomaterials—that are being used and/or suggested as the potential substitutes for conventional antibiotics.

Abstract Background Milk is an excellent growth medium for microorganisms due to its nutritive composition. Microorganisms have been implicated in bovine mastitis (BM) in dairy cows as well as causing infections in animals and humans. Despite extensive endeavours to manage BM, this condition continues to persist as the most prevalent and economically burdensome problem affecting dairy cattle on a global scale. Non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) species such as Staphylococcus haemolyticus, S. epidermidis, and S. xylosus are currently the predominant microbiological agents identified as the main cause of subclinical udder infections and are also considered opportunistic pathogens in cases of clinical mastitis in dairy cows. Therefore, it is crucial to elucidate the genetic profile of these species. The primary objective of this study was to characterise three phenotypically determined multidrug-resistant NAS environmental strains (NWU MKU1, NWU MKU2, and NWU MKS3) obtained from dairy cows milk via whole-genome sequencing. Results The results confirmed that the three isolates were S. haemolyticus with genome sizes of 2.44, 2.56, and 2.56 Mb and a G + C content of 32.8%. The genomes contained an array of antibiotic resistance genes that may potentially confer resistance to a range of antibiotic classes, such as macrolides, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, tetracyclines, peptides, and phenicol. Furthermore, all the genomes carried virulence genes, which are responsible for several functions, such as adhesion, enzyme and toxin production. The genomes of these organisms contained signatures encoding mobile genetic elements such as prophages and insertion sequences. Conclusion These findings indicate there is a need for diligent monitoring with improved management practices and quality control strategies on farms to safeguard milk production systems and human health.

Antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli, especially those belonging to the serotype O157, are increasingly linked to foodborne diseases with significant fatality rates worldwide. The food and medical industries have focused on E. coli O157:H7 due to its ability to produce toxins coupled with its low infectious dose. The aim of this study was to assess the virulome, resistome, and pathogenicity of E. coli O157:H7 using whole genome sequencing. Three previously isolated E. coli O157:H7 strains from cattle feces were subjected to whole genome sequencing. The genome sizes of all three E. coli O157:H7 strains were 5,117,276 bp, 5,039,443 bp, and 5,034,351 bp. The C + G contents were 50.22%, 50.53%, and 50.54%, while the number of contigs was 110, 43, and 42, respectively, for E. coli O157:H7 strains J32, J57, and J69. Several virulence determinants (hemorrhagic E. coli pilus (HCP), eaeA, hemolysin, etc.) were found in the genomes of these isolates. In addition, antibiotic resistance genes conferring resistance to aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, penams, carbapenems, cephalosporins, cephamycin, rifamycin, phenicols, monobactams, and nitroimidazole were found in the genomes. Interestingly, the genomes of these isolates also harbored determinants encoding resistance to disinfectants and antiseptics, indicating their concern in the food production and medical sectors. This highlights the public health concerns of these isolates, indicating the need for constant surveillance.

The higher education landscape in South Africa is characterised by alarming levels of student attrition and the prolongation of academic programmes. The lack of proficient academic writing skills hinders their achievement and impacts their success rates. This study examined the transformative effects of postgraduate writing camps on students’ academic writing skills and self-efficacy. This article drew its data from the larger project, ‘Postgraduate Research Support for Enhanced Throughput’, conducted by the Centre for Teaching and Learning at the North-West University (NWU), South Africa. Based on Halpern’s four-part model of critical thinking, the research investigated the acquisition of skills, development of disposition, transfer of skills, and metacognitive processes in a sample of 50 postgraduate students. The findings revealed that writing camps effectively enhance language skills, encourage individual voices in academic discourse, and improve professional competence. A well-structured writing environment and effective feedback mechanisms play a crucial role in increasing productivity and satisfaction. Additionally, the study highlighted the acquisition of functional and self-management skills, including effective time management and collaborative interaction. The recommendation to target newly admitted postgraduate students emphasised the potential to address writing difficulties from the outset. The implications for supervisors and institutions include utilising the insights for mentoring practices, investing in conducive and structured settings, and integrating effective feedback mechanisms.

In contemporary times, the sustained aspiration of bioengineering and biomedical applications is the progressive advancement of materials characterized by biocompatibility and biodegradability. The investigation of the potential applications of polymers as natural and non-hazardous materials has placed significant emphasis on their physicochemical properties. Thus, this study was designed to investigate the potential of gelatin–chitosan–moringa leaf extract (G–CH–M) as a novel biomaterial for biomedical applications. The wound-dressing G–CH–M biopolymer was synthesized and characterized. The blood haemolysis, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities of the biopolymer were investigated against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacterial isolates. Our results showed that S. aureus swarming motility was drastically affected. However, the biopolymer had no significant effect on the swarming motility of E. coli. In addition, the biopolymer showed high antibacterial capacities, especially against S. aureus. Plasmid DNA was observed to be effectively protected from oxidative stresses by the biopolymer. Furthermore, the biopolymer exhibited greatly suppressed haemolysis (lower than 2%), notwithstanding the elevated concentration of 50 mg/mL. These results indicated that this novel biopolymer formulation could be further developed for wound care and contamination prevention.

Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is typically detected on food products mainly due to cross-contamination with faecal matter. The serotype O157:H7 has been of major public health concern due to the severity of illness caused, prevalence, and management. In the food chain, the main methods of controlling contamination by foodborne pathogens often involve the application of antimicrobial agents, which are now becoming less efficient. There is a growing need for the development of new approaches to combat these pathogens, especially those that harbour antimicrobial resistant and virulent determinants. Strategies to also limit their presence on food contact surfaces and food matrices are needed to prevent their transmission. Recent studies have revealed that bacteriophages are useful non-antibiotic options for biocontrol of E. coli O157:H7 in both animals and humans. Phage biocontrol can significantly reduce E. coli O157:H7, thereby improving food safety. However, before being certified as potential biocontrol agents, the safety of the phage candidates must be resolved to satisfy regulatory standards, particularly regarding phage resistance, antigenic properties, and toxigenic properties. In this review, we provide a general description of the main virulence elements of E. coli O157:H7 and present detailed reports that support the proposals that phages infecting E. coli O157:H7 are potential biocontrol agents. This paper also outlines the mechanism of E. coli O157:H7 resistance to phages and the safety concerns associated with the use of phages as a biocontrol.

Diarrhea is a condition in which feces is discharged from the bowels frequently and in a liquid form. It is one of the frequent causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. The impact of Diarrhea is worsened by the increasing incidence of antimicrobial resistance among the causative agents, and this is now categorized as a global healthcare challenge. Antimicrobial resistance among Diarrheal pathogens also contributes to extended infection durations, and huge economic loss even in countries with advanced public health policies. The ever-increasing incidence of antimicrobial resistance including the contraindications arising from the administration of antibiotics in some Diarrheal cases highlights a crucial need for the development of novel non-antibiotic alternative agents for therapeutic and biocontrol applications. One such intervention includes the application of plant-derived nanoparticles (PDNPs) with novel antimicrobial properties. Given their small size and large surface area to volume ratio, PDNPs can attack target bacterial cell walls to generate reactive oxygen species that may simultaneously disrupt bacteria cell components such as DNA and proteins leading to cell damage or death. This potential can make it very difficult for pathogenic organisms to develop resistance against these antibacterial agents. In this review, we provide a critical overview on the antimicrobial resistance crisis among Diarrheagenic bacteria. We also discuss the evidence from the existing literature to support the potential associated with the use of PDNPs as alternative therapeutic agents for multidrug resistant and antibiotics administer contraindicated bacteria that are associated with Diarrhea.

Bovine mastitis (BM) is the traditional infectious condition in reared cattle which may result in serious repercussions ranging from animal welfare to economic issues. Owing to the high costs associated with preventative practices and therapeutic measures, lower milk output, and early culling, bovine mastitis is accountable for most of the financial losses suffered in cattle farming. Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus dysgalactiae and coliform bacteria are the predominant pathogens for bovine mastitis. In addition, the occurrence of BM has been linked to lactation stage and poor management, in the latter case, the poor stabling conditions around udder hygiene. BM occurs throughout the world, with varying rates of Streptococcus agalactiae infection in different regions. Despite the modern techniques, such as the appropriate milking practices that are applied, lower levels of pathogen vulnerability may help to prevent the development of the disease, BM treatment is primarily reliant on antibiotics for both prophylactic and therapeutic purposes. Nevertheless, as a result of the proliferation of bacterial agents to withstand the antibiotic effects, these therapies have frequently proven ineffectual, resulting in persistent BM. Consequently, alternative medicines for the management of udder inflammation have been researched, notably natural compounds derived from plants. This review focuses on BM in terms of its risk factors, pathogenesis, management, the molecular identification of causative agents, as well as the application of ethno-veterinary medicine as an alternative therapy.

Antibiotics are regularly used in animal husbandry to treat diseases. This practice is beneficial to animals’ health and helps ensure food security. However, the misuse of antibiotics, especially in food-producing animals, has resulted in the advent of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and its dissemination among foodborne pathogens. The occurrence of AMR in bacteria pathogens that cause infections in animals and those associated with food spoilage is now considered a global health concern affecting humans, animals and the environment. The search for alternative antimicrobial agents has kindled the interest of many researchers. Among the alternatives, using plant-derived nanoparticles (PDNPs) for treating microbial dysfunctions in food-producing animals has gained significant attention. In traditional medicine, plant extracts are considered as safe, efficient and natural antibacterial agents for various animal diseases. Given the complexity of the AMR and concerns about issues at the interface of human health, animal health and the environment, it is important to emphasize the role of a One Health approach in addressing this problem. This review examines the potential of PDNPs as bio-control agents in food-producing animals, intending to provide consumers with microbiologically safe food while ensuring food safety and security, better health for animals and humans and a safe environment.