S. M. Lutful Kabir

Zoonotic tuberculosis (zTB), caused by animal-adapted members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), is classically attributed to M. bovis but is increasingly linked to M. orygis across South Asia. Species-level MTBC identification is rarely performed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), leaving the zTB burden poorly defined. Bangladesh has endemic bovine tuberculosis, a growing dairy sector, unpasteurised-milk consumption, and expanding captive wildlife collections, yet the evidence has not been synthesised by diagnostic reliability. This systematic evidence map aimed to collate the evidence on zTB in Bangladesh and to review the diagnostic methods used to identify animal-adapted MTBC species, particularly M. bovis and M. orygis , in livestock, wildlife, and humans. Following PRISMA 2020, we searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and BanglaJOL from the 1970s to June 2026; CAB Abstracts, Scopus, and Web of Science were not accessible. Two reviewers independently screened and appraised studies using the JBI checklist, assigning each to a five-level diagnostic evidence hierarchy (Level 1: WGS, phylogeny, RD typing, spoligotyping, or MLVA; Level 5: tuberculin skin test or serology only). These non-comparable tests precluded meta-analysis; therefore, findings are presented as an evidence map. Thirty-five studies met the inclusion criteria: 24 on prevalence in cattle/buffaloes, 10 on molecular diagnosis and characterisation in cattle, captive wildlife, and humans, and 1 specifically on molecular diagnosis and characterisation in humans. Most livestock studies used non-discriminatory tests (tuberculin skin tests, ELISA, or untyped PCR) and reported non-comparable reactor proportions of 1.2% to 33.7%. The few studies using species-level methods (Levels 1–2) confirmed M. orygis in cattle and in at least seven captive wildlife species, including monkeys, using marker-based molecular assays. Several historical reports of M. bovis were based on non-discriminatory PCR or serology, which cannot reliably distinguish among MTBC members. Human evidence was limited to three studies, including one WGS-confirmed M. orygis case identified through tuberculosis surveillance. In published reports from Bangladesh, M. orygis is the only animal-adapted MTBC member molecularly confirmed at the cattle–wildlife–human interface; existing M. bovis claims lack discriminatory support and require cautious reinterpretation. zTB surveillance should therefore move beyond an M. bovis -only framework and integrate species-level MTBC identification into a staged, resource-appropriate One Health strategy across animal, wildlife, and human health.

The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), growing concerns regarding antimicrobial residues, and restrictions on the use of antibiotic growth promoters have intensified the search for safe and sustainable alternatives in animal production. Among the diverse probiotic microorganisms investigated for this purpose, Bacillus species have attracted particular attention because of their endospore-forming capacity, resistance to processing and gastrointestinal stresses, and broad range of functional activities. This review summarizes recent trends in the application of Bacillus-based probiotics across animal production systems, with emphasis on their mechanisms of action, functional benefits, technological advances, challenges, and future prospects. Species including Bacillus subtilis, B. licheniformis, B. amyloliquefaciens, B. coagulans, and B. clausii have been investigated in poultry, swine, ruminants, aquaculture, insects, and companion animals, with reported effects on intestinal microbial homeostasis, nutrient digestion and utilization, immune modulation, pathogen suppression, intestinal barrier integrity, and production performance. Recent advances in genomics, metagenomics, microbiome research, synbiotic formulations, encapsulation technologies, and precision livestock farming are expanding opportunities for strain-specific selection and targeted probiotic application. Evidence from experimental and production studies indicates that appropriately selected Bacillus strains can improve growth performance, feed efficiency, nutrient utilization, disease resistance, and selected environmental outcomes while potentially reducing dependence on conventional antimicrobial interventions. Nevertheless, substantial challenges remain, particularly regarding strain-specific efficacy, safety and genomic characterization, consistency under commercial conditions, formulation, dose optimization, and regulatory harmonization. Overall, Bacillus-based probiotics represent a promising multifunctional approach for supporting animal health and productivity and contributing to more sustainable and antimicrobial-responsible animal production systems. Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2026, 11(3), 65-82

Not available Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2026, 11(3), 59-64

Not available Asian Australas. J. Food Saf. Secur. 2026, 10(2), 51-55

Background and Aim: Food safety in traditional poultry markets remains a major public health concern in low- and middle-income countries, where inadequate hygiene, poor regulatory oversight, and limited vendor training contribute to the transmission of foodborne pathogens and zoonotic diseases. Poultry vendors represent a critical control point in the farm-to-plate continuum, and their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) directly influence the safety of poultry products. In Bangladesh, traditional wet markets supply the majority of poultry meat, yet information on vendor-level food safety behavior, particularly from a One Health perspective, remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the KAP of poultry vendors regarding food safety in traditional markets of Mymensingh district, Bangladesh, and to identify sociodemographic factors associated with inadequate food safety compliance. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey using questionnaires was carried out with 410 poultry vendors from five upazilas in Mymensingh district between July 2020 and June 2021. Vendors were chosen through stratified random sampling to represent various market types and vendor sizes. A structured, validated questionnaire evaluated sociodemographic data and KAP related to food hygiene, zoonotic disease transmission, antimicrobial resistance, personal protective measures, and waste management. The instrument's reliability and validity were confirmed through expert review, Cronbach’s alpha, and test–retest analysis. Data analysis was conducted using R software, employing descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression to explore links between vendor traits and KAP outcomes. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. Results: Only 40.73% of vendors demonstrated adequate knowledge of food safety, while 42.68% showed a favorable attitude, and only 28.78% reported proper hygienic practices. None of the vendors had received formal training related to food safety or zoonoses. Although most vendors were aware of general hygiene measures, such as cleaning equipment and maintaining shop sanitation, significant gaps were observed in knowledge of antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic disease transmission, and cross-contamination risks. Use of personal protective equipment was very low, and many markets lacked proper drainage and waste disposal systems. Education level was strongly linked to knowledge and practice scores (p < 0.05), while age and work experience were mainly associated with practices. Vendors selling multiple poultry types and those working in poorly regulated markets had higher odds of poor hygiene practices. Conclusion: The study found significant gaps in food safety knowledge and hygiene practices among poultry vendors in traditional Bangladeshi markets, creating serious risks to human, animal, and environmental health. Improving food safety requires mandatory vendor training, regular inspections, better market infrastructure, and integration of One Health–based policies involving veterinary, public health, and environmental authorities. Focused educational initiatives and stricter regulations are crucial to boost vendor compliance, reduce foodborne illnesses, and promote safer poultry production and marketing systems in Bangladesh. Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, Bangladesh, food safety, knowledge-attitude-practice, One Health, poultry vendors, traditional markets, zoonotic diseases.

Not available Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2026, 12(1), 1-4

The present study examined the virulence factors, phylogroups, antimicrobial profiles, and ESBL‐associated genes in Escherichia coli isolated from frequently touched surfaces (FTS) in Mymensingh Sadar, Bangladesh. A total of 105 swab samples from seven categories of publicly shared common touch surfaces were collected to assess microbial load, with E. coli identified through molecular assay. The isolates were screened for major diarrheagenic virulence genes and underwent phylogenetic grouping, followed by disk diffusion and double disk synergy tests to evaluate their antimicrobial resistance and ESBL potential. Microbial loads on these surfaces ranged from 6.4 to 8.56 Log ₁₀ CFU/cm ² , with E. coli detected in 12 samples (11.43%). Among these, only two isolates carried diarrheagenic virulence factors ( ipaH and daaD ), classifying them as enteroinvasive and diffusely adherent E. coli , respectively. The isolates were distributed across all four phylogenetic groups, predominantly group A ( n = 5; 41.7%). Notably, 10 out of 12 isolates (83.3%) were multidrug‐resistant, exhibiting complete resistance to ampicillin, followed by cefotaxime and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Additionally, the double disk synergy test confirmed four isolates (33.3%) as ESBL producers. This study highlights the potential risk of human infection with diarrheagenic E. coli from FTS, which may lead to serious illness and limit treatment options.

Antimicrobial residues in food products of animal origin represent a significant public health concern that requires careful consideration due to their harmful effects on consumer health. The presence of antibiotic residues in animal-derived food poses challenges for international trade involving animals and their products. Public health issues related to antibiotic residues in food include the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), allergic reactions, cancer risks, genetic mutations, birth defects, bone marrow damage, and disruption of normal gut microbiota. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics in livestock can lead to residue levels that exceed permissible limits, resulting in adverse health effects for humans. Limiting antibiotic use is crucial for the safety of animal products. This review examines the administration of antibiotics to food animals, the presence of antibiotic residues in animal-origin foods, and the various factors that influence these residue levels in animal-derived food products in developing countries. It underscores the urgent need for improved regulatory control and surveillance of antibiotic use in food-producing animals to ensure public health safety. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening residue monitoring systems, enforcing withdrawal periods, and promoting responsible antibiotic stewardship to reduce contamination in animal-derived foods. Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2025, 10(3), 64-76

Demand for quick meals, such as ready-to-cook (RTC) foods, has been rising among modern consumers due to changing lifestyles worldwide, including in Bangladesh. However, these foods have been linked to several foodborne diseases, posing a significant threat to public health. As a result, assessing the microbial quality of RTC food products has become essential. This study aimed to evaluate the microbial quality of commonly available chicken-based RTC frozen foods in the markets of Mymensingh city. A total of 50 samples from five distinct types, collected from various retail points, were analyzed for total counts of aerobic bacteria, Staphylococcus spp., and Enterococcus spp., to determine how these loads compare against established safety standards. Correlations between different microbial loads were also examined. Generally, high levels of contamination were observed in almost all samples, except for low enterococcus counts in spring rolls. The mean counts of aerobic plate count (APC), total staphylococci count (TSC), and total enterococci count (TEC) across different food types ranged from 4.56 to 7.14 log CFU/g, 1.30 to 6.14 log CFU/g, and 1.24 to 3.56 log CFU/g, respectively. Two items, samosa and sausage, were identified as the most unsatisfactory in terms of microbial quality. Food manufacturers and regulatory authorities should focus on reducing contamination risks and regularly monitoring the food production chain. Consumers should also carefully follow cooking instructions and, if possible, avoid high-risk products. These findings underscore the need for strengthened hygiene practices, stricter regulatory monitoring, and improved quality control measures to ensure safer production and distribution of RTC chicken products in Bangladesh. Asian Australas. J. Food Saf. Secur. 2025, 9(2), 47-56