The Environmental Health Implications of Cow Dung Bacteria and Fungi Isolated from Domesticated Cows Allowed for Open Grazing in the Community
Goodluck Silas *
Medical Laboratory Science, Madonna University, Nigeria, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Nwakulite Arvin
Medical Laboratory Science, Madonna University, Nigeria, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Nwachukwu Divine-Favour Chizaram
Medical Laboratory Science, Madonna University, Nigeria, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Cow dung is the waste product of cattle. It contains undigested herbivorous material, which is processed in the cow's gut by symbiotic bacteria residing in the rumen. It is a rich organic material that harbours diverse microbial communities, including both beneficial and pathogenic organisms. Cow dung can be found in different areas of Elele at different times, as a result of the periodic open grazing practised there.
Aim and Objectives: This study was conducted to isolate and identify bacteria and fungi present in cow dung collected from domesticated cattle at Elele community. This research is paramount for assessing microbial diversity and identifying potential pathogens that pose a risk to public health.
Materials and Methods: Standard culture-based microbiological techniques were used to isolate microorganisms. Inoculation was carried out under aseptic conditions using Salmonella-Shigella agar, blood agar, Sabouraud dextrose agar, and MacConkey agar for bacterial and fungal growth. Isolated organisms were identified based on their cultural characteristics, Gram-staining reactions, and bacterial biochemical tests, as well as morphological features and microscopic examination for fungi.
Results and Discussion: A total of 112 dung samples were collected and cultured. Of the 112 cow dung samples collected from various locations and cultured, 50(44.6%) bacterial isolates were identified, while 40(35.7%) fungal isolates were also identified. The various prevalence of bacteria isolates was Escherichia coli 20(17.9％), Lactobacillus species 13 (11.6％), Pseudomonas 7(6.3％) and Salmonella 10(8.9％). while fungi isolates were Fusarium 31(27.7％), and Rhizopus 9(8.0％). Statistically, the prevalence of bacterial isolates was not significant at a P=0.1579 (0.05 significance level). The prevalence of fungal isolates is also not statistically significant, P=0.317. Therefore, the total prevalence of bacterial and fungal isolates was not significant. Among bacterial and fungal isolates, the most prevalent were Escherichia coli and Rhizopus spp. respectively. The presence of these organisms indicates that cow dung serves as a reservoir for both beneficial and potentially harmful microorganisms. These findings underscore the need for proper handling and treatment of cow dung, especially in agricultural and domestic applications, to minimise the risk of transmission of zoonotic infections. In Nigeria, open grazing has been identified as a cultural practice. There must be modalities in place to prevent the spread of pathogenic organisms that could be transmitted from cow dung. There could also be parasitic agents in cow dung, but this study focuses on bacterial and fungal isolates.
Conclusion: Improved personal hygiene in areas were cows are domesticated would also reduce risk of infection, proper sanitation (periodic removal of dungs, disinfection of contaminated areas, health checks to screen for infections), periodic studies on the cow dung to add to existing knowledge using non-culture based methods such as metagenomics, molecular diagnosis to identify different strains associated with the isolated pathogens, proper healthcare & regulation for cows to minimize the spread of zoonotic infections.
Keywords: Bacteria, Caw, fungi, dungs