Microbial Bioactives
MicroBio Pharmaceuticals and Pharmacology | Online ISSN 2209-2161
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RESEARCH ARTICLE   (Open Access)
Contents Vol 7 (1)

Isolation and Identification of Pathogenic Fungi from Street Foods in Dhaka City: Antifungal Sensitivity Patterns and Effects of Star Anise Extract

Farzana Akter Mony1*, Md Moshiur Rahman2, Md. Abdur Rahman3, Dr. Nusrat Kabir4, Birupaksha Biswas5, Md Anwarul Islam6, Moushumi Afroza Mou7, Debashis Chandra Das8

+ Author Affiliations

Microbial Bioactives 7 (1) 1-10 https://doi.org/10.25163/microbbioacts.7110014

Submitted: 12 May 2024 Revised: 10 July 2024  Published: 12 July 2024 

Abstract

Background: Street foods in South Asian countries, particularly Bangladesh, are popular yet pose significant food safety risks due to microbial contamination. These risks stem from unhygienic handling practices, inadequate storage conditions, and the use of harmful additives, leading to a high incidence of foodborne illnesses. This study investigates the microbial contamination of street foods in Dhaka and evaluates the efficacy of star anise (Illicium verum) as a natural antifungal agent. Methods: Fifteen street food samples were collected across Dhaka and analyzed for fungal contaminants. Star anise was extracted using methanol, and antifungal sensitivity tests were conducted using standard disk diffusion techniques against isolated fungi, including Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Candida spp. Results: Antifungal testing revealed that synthetic agents such as Amphotericin B and Ketoconazole effectively inhibited Aspergillus species. Star anise extracts demonstrated issues associated with street foods in Bangladesh and underscore the potential of star anise as a natural preservative. This research advocates for improved food safety practices and regulatory measures to mitigate health risks in street food consumption, contributing to moderate to high antifungal activity, particularly against Aspergillus niger, indicating its potential as a natural alternative to synthetic antifungal agents. Conclusion: The findings highlight critical food safety public health improvements in similar contexts.

Keywords: Street Food, Microbial Contamination, Star Anise, Antifungal Activity, Food Safety

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